Let me start by saying I really dislike cupcakes. Hate is a mighty big word, and I care not to waste so much of my life hating cupcakes, so I will say the entire exercise of eating designer cupcakes, starting with my very first Magnolia’s back in ’00, simply pisses me off. It’s akin to paying $10 for soondobu.

Recently, I ate a red velvet cupcake (with cream cheese frosting) and I didn’t automatically want to slash my wrist. That is, this baked thing was really good, and not as expensive as Babycakes.

The next morning, I ate FdL’s squared mixed nut bar, which was chewy, a bit carameled, and packed full of pecans, walnuts, etc. The piece of pure delight was, dollar for dollar, the best dessert to go into my mouth so far this year. This is coming from a guy who forced a dozen people to simlultaenously enjoy Providence’s Dessert Tasting Menu.

“Owner-developer-baker Lysa Grigorian” also bakes a killer chocolate croissant that plays second fiddle only to Europane’s pastry. And then there’s the uber cute room straight out of WeHo wedding boutique.

Pure love.

Fleur de Lys
440 South Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 282-4040

Xocolatl Cacao opened late ’09, and is now the only honest-to-goodness coffee house in this underdeveloped part of Los Angeles proper.

The cafecito espresso, pulled from single source Antigua beans (roasted locally) and flavored with aguamiel (agave nectar), packed a wallop, a decent crema, and was not too bitter, not acidic. The cafe de olla, made with cloves, offered a pungent alternative to a typical Third Wave brew. The spicy hot chocolate (xocolatl) smelled, well, spicy, and was instantly deemd a must-try on the next visit.

While Cycleway a few miles away may be a more comfortable place to hang out, Xokolatl benefits a local charter school, opens directly into a credit union (wtf..) and bumps underground hip hop. Couple with free wifi, local art, a great mission statement and reasonable prices, this is instantly a fave hang out.

Also!, brunch is now being served every Sunday!

Xokolatl Café is now serving brunch every Sunday from 10am – 2pmFrom 10am – 2pm using seasonally available fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats that fit any budget. Our menu includes Chinanmpa (Turkey) Eggs Benedict With Squaw Bread, Chichiatl (blue maize) Pancakes, Chicken Pozole with Blue Maize, and delicious sides like roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, granola & yogurt, and sautéed spinach. Come enjoy a healthy and affordable Brunch with your favorite Xokolatl drink!

Xokolatl
4987 Huntington Drive North
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 441-8400.

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