In the design process, it is very common to over think and complicate things when attempting to achieve your objective. Most of the time the most innovative and creative solutions are ones that are simple and obvious. Labyrinth Design Studios’ design of the palette coaster acts as a great example of this method. When trying to design an innovative new take on the traditional coaster, why not adaptively re-use an object like the shipping palette that inherits the same characteristics as the coaster, and is used for the same functions just on a larger scale. [Werd]
While at my neighborhood greeting card shop, Pulp Cards on La Brea (rated one of the best in Los Angeles), I found this very cute greeting card by Fomato highlighting the many wonderful styles of ramen. And it is true, with the variety of ramen styles, 5 packs of ramen does equal a 5 course gourmet feast.
As the self proclaimed Earl of Sandwich, I am always on the search for the newest sandwich shops in Los Angeles. Just opened on 3rd Street, Simplethings Sandwich and Pie shop not only has a fantastic selection sandwiches ranging from creative to classic, but also gourmet pies baked daily. It may seems like an odd combo, but chef Carrie Cusack has a had passion for baking pies from a very young age, and brought these two worlds together in perfect harmony. With the gourmet cupcake trend nearly reaching its peak, it seems as if the next hip thing in the culinary world is gourmet pies. Check the MENU for their daily pie offerings.
On a recent trip to San Diego, I ventured into the Gaslamp District Downtown to have some craft beers at a highly recommended gastro pub called the Neighborhood. When I mentioned this to my friend who lives down there, she told me about a speakeasy they have hidden behind a false wall of old kegs in the back of the bar. I came to discover this place is called the Noble Experiment. Decorated in early 1900′s garb and famous for making some of the best prohibition era cocktails in the city, this speakeasy is only available to those that text the the number above to make a reservation.
 Available at the MoMA store, these coasters take on a whole new profile as pieces of toast. From designer Patricia Naves, the Toaster Coasters are an embodiment of a food that is so common in our lives with the clever touch of being packaged as a loaf of bread. [CoolHunting]
The folks over at the Great Taco Hunt have compiled their list of the best Los Angeles tacos of 2010. A mix of both traditional and gourmet tacos, these trucks symbolize the diversity and delicious simple cuisine that our fine city has to offer. If you need a recommendation of what taco’s to get when venturing out to some of these trucks, just take a look at the two battling it out for first place, Pastor is king. I’ve already come to terms with the fact that I will not able to move to any big city outside of California because their tacos are far inferior to those we have become accustomed to eating in Los Angeles.
Whether it’s the beginning of a new trend like the boom of trendy cupcake shops or not, it’s definitely a tasty idea, and it’s happening right here in Los Angeles. I Heart Pies is the culinary brainchild of two local pastry chefs looking to give their contemporary take on the world of pies. The most enticing to me is the chocolate bourbon pie. [LAist]
A traditional looking New York tavern with a Michelin star? That’s what you get at the Breslin, a bar restaurant connected to the Ace Hotel New York in the Flat Iron district. The classic decor and local beers on tap lend itself to be any other New York tavern, but the fine cuisine coming out of the kitchen has been heralded enough to warrant a star from the well respected Michelin Guide.
Nestled on a small street corner in Greenwich Village New York since 1937, Minetta Tavern boasts the quality of a Parisien steakhouse with the traditional flavor of a classic New York tavern. I had the privilege of finding this place while wandering through the Village on a recent trip to New York and had no idea the level of history and local lore I had stumbled on to. Frequented once by Earnest Hemmingway, E. E. Cummings and other legendary writers, the menu boasts a famous hamburger, exotic bloody marys, cask ales and other finely mixed cocktails.
The world of typefaces meets the world of cuisine in the Burgervetica poster over at Society 6. By using Helvetica, the order and color of the words allows one to see them as individual pieces forming together to make the standard depiction of a hamburger, rather than just some food items listed on a poster.
One of the most alluring and fascinating aspects of Los Angeles’ cultural transformation is the shift of focus back to downtown and the original neighborhoods of our historic city. In particular, the Art’s District east of Downtown, has transformed from a downtrodden industrial area and to a vibrant center of arts, food and nightlife. Following in the footsteps of pioneers such as Tony’s, Wurstkuche, Church and State, Royal Claytons and countless art galleries, Toddy G’s has opened up right next to Tony’s serving their authentic New York style pizzas. To an outsider, it would seem like an obscure area to open a cool new pizza place, but to us Angelenos it’s another reason why we love the diverse and unique culture our city has to offer.
It is being reported that the Downtown Los Angeles sausage kitchen Wurstkuche has secured a new location in Venice at the Air Conditioned Supper Club. Quickly becoming an LA institution, this spot should do very well with the Westsiders who are scared of venturing East for some stellar eats. [CarolineOnCrack]
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