I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely love eating kale salad, drinking pressed juice, and matcha tea. My friends seem to think this has become something of an obsession and never fail to shout or comment the word "BASIC" on anything I do or post on social media.
Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being basic–no one can stop you from doing what you love. So naturally, my winter break in LA was determined by a long list of things that I wanted to do while in the land of basic-ness. *Shoutout to my friends for being such pals and for supporting my basic ways.* Here's a list on how to embrace the basic food scene of LA.
1. Urth Caffe
In typical LA fashion, Urth is a trendy cafe serving light, healthy meals and desserts. You'll be spoilt for choice just by looking at their extensive menu and rows of beautiful desserts. Be prepared to wait. Luckily, the line moves quickly.
Recommendations: Caravan kale salad, matcha green tea blended with boba, wild mushroom pizza, cheesecake & pies
2. Magnolia Bakery
beckysnyder on Flickr
Yes, there's a Magnolia Bakery in LA too. Opening its first bakery in 1996 in New York's West Village, Magnolia Bakery has since expanded its locations around the world, from Seoul to Abu Dhabi. If you're looking for classic American baked goods, that the women of Sex and the City love, this is the place to visit.
Recommendations: Magnolia Bakery's Famous Banana Pudding
3. Lemonade
This place screams basic. With a veggie-centric menu, Lemonade serves healthy, flavourful dishes in a cafeteria setting for those who are on-the-go. It's the ultimate embodiment of Californian culture so if you're looking to eat a basic meal, this is definitely the place to try.
Recommendations: Lemonade (duh!), kale & red pear salad, red quinoa & fuji apple quinoa salad, poached salmon fillet
4. Acai Bowls
Ben Tavener on Flickr
While in LA, it is a must to eat an açaí bowl. Here's where you can find the best açaí bowls in LA. These beautiful bowls of goodness are the perfect Instagram.
5. Pressed Juicery
igorothighlander on Flickr
If you're late to the pressed juice scene, it's time to shamelessly jump on the bandwagon. The best part about drinking pressed juice? The different colored juices are perfect for your overall aesthetic.
Recommendations: Greens 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Roots 3, Citrus 1, 2, 3, matcha & hemp, light vanilla almond,
6. Sprinkles Cupcakes
Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar on Flickr
Thus is a cupcake ATM–need I say more? The best part about the cupcake vending machine is that it dispenses freshly baked cupcakes and cookies 24/7, so if you're looking for a late night sugary snack, this might just be up your alley. If you're vegan, have a gluten allergy, or want a sugar-free option, Sprinkles has alternatives that taste just as good. It's all-inclusive.
Recommendations: Red velvet, chai latte, carrot
7. Blue Star Donuts
John Pastor on Flickr
If you love donuts, this is probably heaven for you. Blue Star puts a spin on the traditional donut, offering some strangely satisfying flavors (maple bacon? yum). One bite into these handcrafted donuts is sure to put a smile on your face.
Recommendations: Apple Cider Fritter, Green Tea Donut, the OG
8. Anaheim Packing District
Mike Saechang on Flickr
Recommendations: Crepes, sushi, mini monster boba
So there you have it. Go and live the basic life you've always dreamed of, and be sure to post lots of pictures on Instagram. For more inspiration, be sure to check out 9 Foods That Are So LA It Hurts.