Huckleberry Cafe - Santa Monica's Best

Late one weekday night, sometime in June of 2012 I was watching the food network, half awake, and obviously half asleep. When suddenly something made me sit up on the couch and pay more attention to the tv screen; it was a reportage on this place. I immediately typed "huckleberry" on my iPhone and made a mental note to visit.

So if you find your self near Santa Monica, CA I strongly suggest that you give Huckleberry on 1014 Wilshire Blvd a go. Don't let the long line at their weekend brunch fool you. The line moves relatively fast and it is oh so worth the wait! For there, at the end of yonder que, lies the most delicious salted caramel bar that I've ever had (and failed to re-create.) The generous layer of smooth buttery caramel is intensified with the use of real vanilla beans; and it all sits comfortably on a bed of crumbly, buttery (yes, buttery again) shortbread, that willingly plays second fiddle to the star above. God I wish I could have another bite of it again! 

Brunch at Huckleberry is fantastic. But what they started doing lately is Thursday night family dinners! I've been following their Instagram account for months now and every week they tempt me with their offerings. Keeping with their farmer fresh ethos, the menu for these dinners changes weekly. They update their website so you know what you're in for. I love stuff like this. 

Yeah I know this is a Huckleberry post but I also have to recommend the iced green tea from Panera Bread just down the road. We called this drink, "The Magical Elixir of Life." Needless to say, you have to try it! Then head on down to Arizona Avenue for the farmer's market. (The best day is Wednesday, but they're there on the weekends too.) Then on to some 'light' shopping on Third Street Promenade. This is my ideal Saturday morning routine in Santa Monica. Well I can't call it a routine since I don't live there. Maybe one day...

1014 Wilshire Blvd

Santa Monica, CA 90401

T: 310.451.2311

Insta: Huckcafe

                                      

Al Riwaq Cafe - Contemporary & Cool

Ok so let me tell you: Every time I visit the Al Riwaq gallery & cafe in Adliya, I feel super cultured and chic. Arguably one of the coolest interiors of any cafe on the island, Al Riwaq is one awesome place to just chill. Serving up some killer cakes and scrumptious sandwiches this place is doing every thing right. There's even a little store selling some kitsch handmade jewelry, notebooks and knick knacks from local and international artists.

This time I had the Turkey & Brie sandwich. And oh my glob it tasted SO good! Yummy layers of smoked turkey, creamy brie cheese, green apples, lettuce, and cranberry mayo are neatly assembled on fresh panini bread. That cranberry mayo sauce should be jarred and sold! I'm just sayin'. The flavor combo is a winner. Sweet, smokey, sour, salty, it doesn't get any more dynamic than that! And to top it all off, a delicious blueberry cheesecake and a cup of warm black coffee. This is my idea of an evening well fed spent.

Note: The Red Velvet cake here is TDF! Too bad they didn't have some when I visited.

3 Osama bin Zaid Ave.
Normal Hours: 10am to 10pm
Ramadan Hours: 7pm to 1pm
Tel:1771441
IG: Alriwaqcafe

 

Naseef Cafe - For A New Generation

    The revival of Naseef Cafe is nothing short of a delicious gift to the people of Bahrain. Originally opened in the 1920s, Naseef has been serving delicious artisan ice cream to a very happy and satisfied fanbase. Our very own Berthillon if you will. Actually ours is older. Vintage-r... 

Naseef Cafe is found in the new air-conditioned and modernized section of Bab al Bahrain, the gateway to the bustling souq of our capital city, Manama. During the Bab Market days in Ramadan, I had the good fortune of having suhoor at Naseef while a traditional band played some awesome live music. The vibe that night was magical. Dinner and a show? In Bahrain? That was actually good? Was a real treat! If you go within the next fortnight, you may be able to replicate my experience. 

The food was...omg, SO good! We went downtown on their shakshooka! And their balaleet...I'm surprised to say was really really good. And if you remember, I don't like balaleet. One order of suhoor is enough for 3 people! So heads up!

Now for the ice cream! The Mango was everything I had hoped it would be! Really worth the visit! But if you're lucky enough to find the Mastic flavor or the Rahash flavor then go for it! Don't think twice. The Mango will always be there. But I'm sure it tastes better in season. 

This won't be my last visit. I can guarantee that!

PS. They may open a branch at Seef Mall in the foreseeable future! Yes!!

Naseef Cafe

Bab al Bahrain

Manama

IG: naseefcafe

T: 17208888

Ramadan Hours: 7pm-2am

                                     

Circle Cafe - At last in AD!

 I feel inspired to write an ode to Circle...

I've searched for you

High and low

Longing for your sweet sweet pudding of Oreo

that I had enjoyed many eons ago.

Lo! Behind the gardens of Al Raha

I've found you; my oasis of joy

of solitude and good food.

I take my seat in your sun lit retreat

My mood is light, not dreary

and now I am excited to eat

and I'm oh so very cheery.

I choose the Elderflower drink

A most splendid choice, I should think

It arrives in a glass filled with mint and lime and ice

*slurp* MMmmm

It is indeed very nice.

Next I had a most wonderful sandwich

Of gherkins, roast beef, and horseradish.

The bagel proved to be a delight

I enjoyed this dish until the very last bite.

And now

My true purpose is revealed

The Oreo Mousse is the true hero here!

For it is the vanquisher of bad moods and sulkiness.

The purveyor of my happiness

May it forever bring joy to those seeking it!

We've come full circle

We can start at the beginning

I can't wait to return

and leave again grinning.

Circle Cafe

Al Raha Gardens Plaza

Khalifa City "A"

Abu Dhabi

T: 02 5561550