Stevie Jewel

Best Spots in LA

Atmosphere is so much a part of what makes a space in LA, and I have two favorite lunch spots from this trip that I have to share.  One has been a long time favorite of mine, and the other is brand new to me, but has risen right to the top of my LA must do list for whenever I”m in town. Two of my favorites are:

The Alcove

As soon as we walked up, I already loved this place.  It had shading provided by umbrellas, trees, and greenery.  The setting was intimate but casual, and the food and drinks are delectable.  I’ll definitely be making this place a staple on my visits to LA, it was a tranquil space great for chatting with friends in the California sunshine.

Portos

This is my place when I go to LA.  I fell in love with it years ago, before I ever lived in Los Angeles and it’s the kind of goodness I dream about from Nashville.  The cuisine is cuban inspired and the delights from the bakery are the perfect blend of airy croissant and delicious filling.

LA’s Best Bakeries

I lived in LA a few years ago and so I am familiar with LA, but there were still so many places I wanted to see while I was there!  I am a huge sweets person, and while I don’t discriminate I really love bakeries!  Even though I lived in LA there were some bakeries I hadn’t tried, and I was really looking forward to spending some time with my best friend and trying the best bakeries!  Here are a couple bakeries I loved:

Joan’s on Third

I went here per Cupcakes and Cashmere’s cookie recommendation.  While I found the cookie delicious it was really the environment of the bakery that I loved!

Bo Nuage

Stumbled upon this gem while strolling down Melrose.  Most of the treats a gluten free and low in calories because it’s a combination of fruit purees and meringue!

Best Desserts of Nashville

I love dessert! Truly I do, if it’s sweet and decadent I’m probably going to love it.  I decided to take it upon myself to find the best desserts in Nashville.  I’ve had desserts in almost every city I’ve visited because I almost can’t say no, especially if I know I may not visit the city again soon!  Nashville has a great dessert selection, in fact it’s really a city for foodies. When I’m not on the road, in a cowrite, rehearsing, or performing, I try and take full advantage of all the cuisine variety.  I’ll probably do a favorites restaurant post at some point, but for now here are my favorite desserts in Nashville!

Bricktops - This was so good and so decadent! The cookie was hot, but the frigid ice cream balanced  every bite! I was even able to take it home and savor it.   Bricktops – This was so good and so decadent! The cookie was hot, but the frigid ice cream balanced  every bite! I was even able to take it home and savor it. Germantown Cafe - I love these beignets! In fact they spoiled me when it came to trying Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, the famous beignet just wasn't as dreamy as these! They also aren't on the menu! They are served as Germantown Cafe – I love these beignets! In fact they spoiled me when it came to trying Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, the famous beignet just wasn’t as dreamy as these! They also aren’t on the menu! They are served as “bread” for the table on Sunday brunch, so make sure to get there early! Goozys - The great intimate setting of this place is only surpassed by the excellence of their desserts. This molten cake and ice cream combo was so decadent and if it hadn't been perfectly portioned could have been too much, but it was JUST the right amount!  Not to mention the adorable presentation in the mini mason jar.  Goozys – The great intimate setting of this place is only surpassed by the excellence of their desserts. This molten cake and ice cream combo was so decadent and if it hadn’t been perfectly portioned could have been too much, but it was JUST the right amount!  Not to mention the adorable presentation in the mini mason jar. Acme - This is more than just a restaurant, this is a four story bar, restaurant, and venue on Broadway in downtown Nashville! The venue was amazing, but so was the peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.  It was a classic southern dessert, and one that shouldn't be messed with.  Acme delivered the classic and it was just as delicious as you could hope a peach cobbler would be. Acme – This is more than just a restaurant, this is a four story bar, restaurant, and venue on Broadway in downtown Nashville! The venue was amazing, but so was the peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.  It was a classic southern dessert, and one that shouldn’t be messed with.  Acme delivered the classic and it was just as delicious as you could hope a peach cobbler would be.

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