New Coffee Shop and Cafés Break Into Culinary Scene

Photo: Black Book Magazine

It’s Friday, which means that the weekend’s just around the corner. Time to start making plans on what to do. Here are some new culinary hot spots that have recently opened or will be opening in the next week that you can check out.

RockPaper Coffee

Founded by entrepreneur Michael Quinones, RockPaper Coffee is a new coffee shop located on Sunset that features all the amenities of the digital age with a community vibe. The store features coffee from local farms and independent businesses. To place an order, you can simply log onto Twitter and tweet @RPCoffee get your caffeine fix; check out is even easier, complete with an easy access iPad and curbside service.

Besides beverage options such as organic coffee and protein shakes, RockPaper Coffee acts as a hub for artists of all types. The café plans to host music shows, stand-up comedy performances, and monthly live model life drawing classes. For those not artistically inclined, the store has an outdoor patio for working and studying.

The grand opening of RockPaper Coffee is set for Friday, February 10, and Saturday, February 11. Customers who attend the opening will receive complimentary coffee beverages all day and part of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity. RockPaper Coffee is located 7509 Sunset Blvd in Hollywood.

Urban Masala

A take on the “fast casual concept,” Urban Masala features delicious Indian cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant is located near the Hollywood Walk of Fame and features communal seating, so you can enjoy dining with friends and family. The authentic design of Urbana Masala is reflected in the food, which includes traditional dishes with fresh ingredients.

Apart from the friendly environment, the menu features a world of flavors. There are a variety of wraps, bowls, and plates to choose from. A few favorites include Chicken Tikka Masala, marinated baked chicken served with a tomato based sauce, and Aaloo Gobhi, a mix of potatoes, cauliflower, and Indian spices. These entrees are paired with delectable sides, such as garlic naan and flaky samosas. End the meal with a Gulab Jamun, otherwise known as an Indian donut with a sweet syrup sauce.

To get a taste of India, visit Urban Masala at 6554 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Papilles

French dining is at the heart of new restaurant Papilles. Papilles is the brainchild of entrepreneur Santos Uy, who has opened other restaurants in Los Angeles such as Bacaro LA and Mignon. With his new endeavor, Uy aims to bring the bistronomique movement, quality cuisine in a casual environment, to Angelenos

Led by Chef Tim Carey, Papilles offers a prix fixe three course dinners each night with two options for each course. The menu changes weekly, depending on produce finds from local farmers markets. Some of the highlights from this week’s menu include a turnip veloute with pickled black radish and nettle coulis as a starter and a banana pot de crème for dessert.

A warning to vegetarians: there is an array of vegetables that the chef can prepare but, as the menu changes on a weekly basis, there’s no guarantee that a particular week will have options for vegetarians. If you find yourself in this dilemma, it’s best to check the menu online before heading out to Papilles. Papilles is located at 6221 Franklin Avenue in Los Angeles.

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