Jaipur: This is the second time we've had food from Jaipur, but this time we were at the restaurant for their Saturday champagne buffet. The lentil dumpling in yogurt sauce was extremely good...complex flavors and heat covered in minty coolness. The chicken (masala and tandoori) were very flavorful, not fake-pink colored, and probably the second-best I've ever had (the best being Tamarind Bay in Boston). The chai was ok though a bit bland. One of the three desserts was yummy, sweet, carroty mash/shred. The other two were unfortunately not so flavorful...the previous, catered, experience had wonderful dough balls in rosewater primarily due to the cardamoms bobbing alongside and it was disappointing not to revisit the experience. I might go back. It was an ok buffet experience, but I wouldn't take my friends.
Zen Bakery: Just down the road from Jaipur was this little bakery. The name was intriguing but when we got inside the only thing on the menu was muffins. The sign said some were from a Trader Joe's mix. Not auspicious, but I picked up an apple bran muffin. Almost no flavor (apple or otherwise) and a relatively heavy/leaden texture.
Le Pain du Jour: I've known about this bakery/patisserie for months; it's mostly well liked on Yelp. Unfortunately it's in a poor location and there are only a few nearby parking spots. Today I finally broke down and now I wish I'd been going for the past 6 months. It's a small shop with a view straight back into part of the kitchen. The butter croissant is amazing with wonderful crisp exterior, intense butter flavor, a slightly toothy interior, and and overall memory of croissants in Europe. The raisin "roll" was very crisp with a sweet, almost caramelized outermost layer and good raisin flavor. The almond croissant had wonderful almond smell/taste, though it was relatively dense and therefore not as "must-eat-more". I also picked up a loaf of 7-grain that is fine, though without the nuttiness I was hoping for. Unfortunately cash only...not necessarily a big deal, but I rather dislike having my pastry cravings limited by cash on hand. They also had various desserts, custards, and little brightly colored cookies. But I'm not sure there's room in my stomach for anything except those croissants...hm, maybe after I buy them out of croissants that's what will be left for other shoppers? I've heard that they have sold out early in the morning on many occasions.
Funnel Mill: Another Yelp find. This is the best coffee/tea experience I've ever had. There's metered parking, free wi-fi (see below), comfy chairs, a quiet crowd, and the absolute best coffee I've ever tasted (the tea was pretty good too). I had the Java Estate and it was mild but not tasteless, just the tiniest hint of sweetness without that cloying oil sensation, very hot but not scalding, and beautiful in the large mug/tumbler. Does this have something to do with the syphones (their spelling)? I also had a flower tea that was super flavorful and just overall pleasant. The coffee came with a little snack dish of trail mix. I don't think I can resist going back. I kind of wish I was there right now. The only downsides are 1) paying the meter, and 2) the wifi in the comfy overstuffed leather couch was only at 50% meaning it took multiple tries for anything to go through...though now I'm beginning to think that's my laptop's fault and not their fault. Well...and each drink is at least $4.50 and some are over $6. I have to mention the poo coffee beans (Kopi Luwak) here so I can mention the poster on the wall. Also, it's just a block from Bay Cities, though it was closed today (Monday).
Bread and Porridge: After two absolutely amazing experiences in one morning I decided to go for the hat trick and tried this place that I've been wanting to try since we moved to Santa Monica...just based on the name and appearance. Skip it...the menu was boring and my brisket sandwich was fine but forgettable. The meat may have been cooked a long time but if it doesn't have a smoke ring it's not barbecue to me. And barbecue sauce is supposed to have more flavor. The coleslaw had too much mayo, though I did like the sharp pepper flavor. The baked beans were weird...a bit too liquidy and again low on flavor...baked beans are supposed to be more brown sugary whereas these tasted more like beans.
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