Hotcakes Bakes
Los Angeles, CA

---

The expression flying like hotcakes is literal at Hotcakes Bakes. This West LA bakery has quickly become one of the rising stars in a battle of the bakeries. Owner Elfie Weiss came to Los ...(Read More)

Bread Bar 8718 West 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 (310)205-0124 www.breadbar.net

You might not expect a place like Bread Bar to survive in carb-conscious LA, but just one taste of golden west curcuma-hazelnut bread, and you’ll be hooked. And even if you’re going light, Bread Bar has plenty of inventive salads that’ll hit the spot. You can sit at patio tables under umbrellas right on 3rd Street, or at bar-height, thick wooden tables in the air-conditioned interior by the tempting pastry and bread displays. The décor is sparse, with large windows taking up most of the wall space, but you’ll hardly notice your surroundings once you get your first plate. Start with a bread basket for two—which is more than enough for four—with either pesto or sun dried tomato spread to get a sampling of fresh artisanal breads like Tour de France alpine bread and rustic millstone bread. Then dive into a colorful salad. I like the grilled farmer’s vegetable salad, which has bright red, juicy roasted beets, baby carrots, marinated bell peppers, marinated ripe and sweet cherry tomatoes, zucchini and artichoke hearts. Bread Bar also has more traditional salads as well as sandwiches on their signature breads. And if you like something tart, try their homemade lemonade. It’s cloudy, pulpy and smacking of fresh-squeezed goodness. And though you’ll be stuffed after a big salad and fresh-baked bread, you’ll want to save room for dessert. Try the warm, gooey, flourless chocolate tart or go a little lighter with the tangy rhubarb tart. If you’re really too full, though, they’ll let you take it to go. by Francine Kizner 8/25/2007