LA. Direct Magazine
Written By Maya Dawn Henderson Photography By Taku Yamamoto
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I RECENTLY CHECKED OUT LA LOGGIA’S LATEST EXTENSION, THE TAPAS BAR, “NEXT DOOR.” A DINING CRAZE ACROSS THE US BEGINNING A FEW YEARS AGO, "TAPAS" ARE LITTLE DISHES OF SPAIN SERVED BEFORE LUNCH AND DINNER IN BARSAND TAVERNS. THERE ARE AS MANY VARIATIONS OF
TAPAS AS THERE ARE COOKS IN SPAIN. SMALL PORTIONS OF FOOD SERVED AS PART OF THE SOCIAL SCENE, SPANIARDS TRADITIONALLY EAT TAPAS TO KEEP THEM GOING AND VISIT THE BARS TO CONVERSE, JOIN FRIENDS, ARGUE, JOKE AND FLIRT. NEXT DOOR IS TRULY A CULTURAL
EXPERIENCE WITHIN STUDIO CITY.
La Loggia and Next Door share the same unassuming outside entrance where the evening smells of night blooming jasmines. Upon entering, Frank Leon, owner of both La Loggia and Next Door, escorted us in. As we elbowed our way in we were immediately seduced by the aromas of garlic,
olive oil, shellfish, ham, cheese and saffron coming from a spread of hand made pottery bowls brimming with tapas.
Next Door’s tasteful modern décor, also designed by Frank, and the wide array of engaging, homey Spanish appetizers and wines successfully capture the true authentic feel. An almost Moroccan atmosphere with Brazilian-sounding
music thumping in the background, the low-set comfy couches and intimate corners surround the room’s focal point – a tall, candlelit fireplace. Our gorgeous green-eyed bartender, Jose, was perfectly chatty and graciously let us taste test many of the house favorites.
We opted for some Casa Castillo as well as the super popular El Chapperel. Both were great recommendations. The stylish hostess also filled me in on some of the local celebs already patronizing Next Door. We sat at the leather-covered bar and started on our tapas tour. Every preparation was an affirmation of the kitchen's creative vein. Using flavors from the Mediterranean, Asia and the Middle East, all the chef’s creations were delightful. The White Grapes in Goat Cheese rolled in crumbled pistachios paired amazingly with the wines. The Potatas Bravas (bold potatoes), the Baked Muldon French
Scallops served over Ceviche and the Hearty Lamb Stew on Couscous were outstanding. All dishes are displayed in the restaurant’s trendy, visual theme of circles and squares. This is a great place for friends, couples, power meetings and get-togethers. The upstairs loft is perfect for special occasions and small parties. I definitely want to do my next birthday party here. Prices are reasonable. An average dish is around $5 and a complete meal runs about $40 per couple. My dining partner collectively noted how we also “eat with our eyes.” At Next Door the visual aspect is apparent. Good looking food, presentation and atmosphere make it easy to understand the growing popularity of the new tapas bar experience at Next Door. 11814VENTURA BOULEVARD
LA. Direct Magazine
Written By Maya Dawn Henderson
WRITTEN BY MAYA DAWN HENDERSON WELCOME TO LEAF CUISINE, THE VALLEY’S FRESHEST APPROACH TO WELLNESS AND DINING. THE FOOD — ALL RAW, CERTIFIED ORGANIC, VEGAN AND CERTIFIED KOSHER — USES NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS WHATSOEVER. MORE A WAY OF LIFE THAN YOUR TYPICAL DINING EXPERIENCE, THE YEAR-OLD SHERMAN OAKS EATERY COMPLETELY EMBODIES THE RAW FOOD PHILOSOPHY. ORYOUCAN COME JUST ‘CAUSE IT’S GOOD AND FAST.
The signature Leaf Wraps are literally that, large green leaves (collard greens) generously stuffed with incredibly tasty delectables. And the Salads are delicious and huge! The Guacamole with crispy Flax Seed Crackers is an appetizer of epic proportions. The Hummus is full of fabulous flavors and the Mock Salmon Nori Rolls are tastier than many real sushi salmon rolls I’ve had. Plus the organic juices, smoothies, desserts and daily specials are amazing and lovingly prepared to order.
While amongst the loyal crowd of neighborhood herbivores noshing on wildly popular wraps and fresh lemonade, Leaf Cuisine proprietor, Rod Rotondi, chatted about his restaurant and clientele. “It makes sense,” explained Rotondi, “most Americans understand that eating more fresh fruits and veggies is going to work for them. After all, every other animal on this planet eats their food raw.”
Thirty percent of Leaf Cuisine’s patrons are everyday customers – a testament to what Rotondi set out to
accomplish. “My goal is simply to create truly healthful, tasty, affordable food in its natural state.” The atmosphere at Leaf is as crispy-fresh as the food. The chic café displays splashy retro walls in tangerine and chartreuse, with Philippe Starck-like
furniture. The design plays a perfect complement to the blueberry smoothies and coconut husked drinks coming out of the kitchen. The youthful, hemp-clad wait staff is very knowledgeable about the menu and encourages customers to try new dishes. I’m not a vegan. I’m not even a vegetarian. However, I found plenty of delectable, filling food here. I would encourage even the most carnivorous to give Leaf a try. Surprisingly enough, there aren’t many completely organic eateries around Los
Angeles. Leaf, whichhas another location in Culver City and is poised to open their third location in West Hollywood shortly, is dedicated to the natural high and health their food nets. The reality of raw food is you get the freshest, tastiest ingredients prepared unlike any cooked dish. Leaf Cuisine boasts a “Certified Organic” status as well as being KCS certified by Rabbi Frankel. 14318 VENTURA BLVD, SHERMAN OAKS 818.907.8779 . WWW.LEAFCUISINE.COM OPEN 8 AMTO 9 PM