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Morning rituals vary for us all. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere like LA , where almost every morning is greeted with blue skies and sunshine, its hard not to treat everyday like a Sunday. Here are some of my favorite morning /afternoon spots.
THE HOOD: Studio City / Sherman Oaks
Aroma Cafe
4360 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City
91604
818-508-6505
Ambiance: Garden decor with a touch of old library.
An obvious favorite and not exactly a secret anymore. The line out the door may deter you, but it usually moves pretty fast. Weekday mornings are always better. Great atmosphere to read and write or chat with a friend. Delicious coffee ( white chocolate mocha is heaven) and unbelievable sweets. The food is pretty good, but a bit over priced for my budget. I recommend splitting the salads and sandos . Great people watching. Also a very special gift/bookstore inside. Fantastic for hard to buy ,last minute gifts. Don't forget to check out the art in the hallway to the bathroom. With monthly art changes , I have seen some really great photography and art in the past.
Pane Dolce
13608 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks CA
91423
818 783-1384
Ambiance: Classic clean coffee shop. Indoor and outdoor seating.
My neighborhood coffee shop. I am always greeted with a smile, and before I can order they start my double soy cappuccino. They have great drip coffee. Strong but not bitter. Try to make it before 12 for the delicious scones, croissants and bagels. The early morning crowd is full of neighborhood regulars and if your lucky , you may meet "Farfil" the dog who is a staple on the front steps. Another plus is the music choice.Never to loud and always interesting. Sometimes tantric Indian or classic Brazilian. really good breakfast, especially the potatoes. And fabulous Paninnis. A small town coffee shop feel pegs this place as my favorite start to my day.
It also happens to be on a block of Ventura that has all individually owned businesses ranging from a superb indie music store( yes they still exsist) FREAK BEAT RECORDS, to a great little clothing store called RONI B. BOTIQUE.. If you are feeling extra fancy stop in for a face changing facial by Lena at LENAS SKIN PLACE.
CRAVE CAFE
14504 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks 91403
818-990-7888
Ambiance: Bistro counter service with an industrial feel. Indoor and Outdoor seating
A relatively new addition to the area, and a much needed one. At the intersection of Ventura/Van Nuys the only coffee was at the usual chains. This breath of fresh air goes above and beyond what was lacking. The large menu is displayed on a chalk board above the open kitchen. A glass counter will tempt you with everything from homemade quiche to red velvet cookies. Breakfast is simple and yummy.They also have a variety of frozen yogurt complete with fresh fruit toppings. I reccomend the tuna salad( one order is MORE than enough for two) for lunch,its a healthy and fresh take on a classic, with no mayo. Not great for quiet reading spot. As the music is pretty loud and they have multiple TV's.But a fun breakfast spot, and an even better lunch or coffee date spot. A favorite shopping stop is 1/2 block down, HANDMADE, where you can find a little bit of everything.
