Haute 5 Comfort Foods in LA: Slip Into Something A Little More…

Sometimes sushi just doesn’t cut it. In the same way, vegan food doesn’t always suffice. At the end of a long day, are you really fantasizing about tucking into a steaming bowl of tempeh on brown rice? We didn’t think so. It takes a class of red wine (a heavy pour, please), some macaroni and cheese, maybe some red meat, or if you’ve got a sweet tooth – a cupcake or two.

Ford’s Filling Station

Okay. Let’s start with the flatbreads – that is, after you’ve ordered a martini with three olives. How does the Chanterelle Mushrooms with Fontina Cheese, Caramelized Onions, and Cavalo Nero sound? Like the worst part of the day is over. If it’s going to take a little more than that, their piece de resistance is a toss up: Pub Burger (an obvious choice) or the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Order the French fries. Culver City hasn’t seemed so homey in ages.

Ford’s Filling Station is located at 9531 Culver Blvd. in Culver City. (310) 202-1470

Luna Park

When mood lighting, a cozy dining scene, and some macaroni and cheese are all that’s on your mind, Luna Park is your destination.  So long as you’re not lactose intolerant, start with the Warm Goat Cheese Fondue and follow it up with their Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese (yes please on the ham). And if you are, their Cioppino (basically an Italian version of Bouillabaisse) isn’t a bad choice.  We’re feeling better already, aren’t you?

Luna Park is located at 672 S. La Brea Blvd. in Los Angeles. (323) 934-2110

Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen

It’s the middle of your day. You’re debating between a conference call and a hot pastrami sandwich – the sandwich wins. Obviously. Nate ‘n Al’s will never have a long enough line to keep you from that dream. A deli through and through, Nate ‘n Als has been serving patrons in Beverly Hills since 1945.  Their Reuben, Tuna Melt, and Barbecue Brisket Sandwiches are all certified to sustain you through whatever battles you’re to wage later at work… Maybe take one to go just in case, too.

Nate ‘n Als is located at 414 N. Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. (310) 274-0101

Sweet Lady Jane

They say that a rose by any other name is still as sweet. Yeah, yeah – is that true about a Mocha Praline Cake? What about a Seven Layer Mocha? Red Velvet, anyone? Sweet Lady Jane knows all about satisfying even the most complex and stubborn sweet tooth.  Their Triple Berry Shortcake has all but stopped traffic and wars have been fought over their German Chocolate Cake.  The best bit is you can slide into their intimate little café on Melrose Ave. inconspicuously and order a few slices of each – say you’re taste testing.

Sweet Lady Jane is located at 8360 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood. (323) 653-7145

Gjelina

Westsiders already know about the hidden pleasures of Gjelina. Among their most comforting small plates are the Warm Spanish Mackerel, Ricotta Gnocchi, and their Crispy Niman Ranch Pork Belly. If you’re looking for a dish that means business, you may want to think about the Pasta Rags with Spicy Lamb Sausage Ragout, Braised Lamb Shank, or their Crispy Duck Leg Confit. To finish you off, there’s this dessert they call Butterscotch Pot de Crème with Salted Caramel and Crème Fraiche. We call it heaven.

Gjelina is located at 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice.  (310) 450-1429