Los Angeles Love
What food trends in the city of Angels might be headed to a high street near you? Plus a recipe for blistered sugar-snap peas, black quinoa and sesame date butter.
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Palm trees teetering in cobalt skies. Constipated freeways. Farmers markets brimming with sun-smooched produce. The cult of the body beautiful (face gyms anyone?). Kale salads and glorious fried chicken sandwiches. Overpriced smoothies. Exceptional baked goods. The best tacos outside of Mexico, cooked kerbside. Los Angeles: there’s so much to love.
My brother lives in this crazy behemoth of a city and I just spent a week there looking after his kids, enjoying LA life. I adore the place: the low-rise metropolis sprawling between mountains and the Pacific; the sunshine, noise and grit; mad traffic and crazy people; sensational fresh produce and incredible restaurants.
The problem is, the US is expensive, LA exceptionally so (especially armed with British Rubles), and the best places to eat are spread across this vast city. That means the only things separating me from frequent and brilliant dining out is a second mortgage and several hours each day sweating in traffic. But needless to say I did my best.
Here’s a food snapshot - by no means representative of the city’s infinitely vast food offering - of my time there. Plus, a delicious, vibrant and unusual recipe based on a dish served at one of the city’s most admired restaurants.