Grand Central Market revisited

I'm due for a final dash around Grand Central Market before packing up and heading east later this month. The Market is going through a major transformation (like me!), and the vendors are not as familiar as they were on earlier visits. My last documented visit is three years ago (click here for that Roast To Go post), and things are definitely changing. I met a friend to catch up while exploring the new food options.

Eggslut is one of the newbies, and they are creating quite a buzz with their cheeky name and bold foods. This is the Gaucho sandwich, with tri-tip steak, over-easy egg, chimichurri, red onions, and arugula on a brioche bun. YUM!! It's a can't-put-it-down sandwich, both because it is a bit messy and super delicious!

For dessert, we lapped around a few stalls, and I spotted this strawberry-rhubarb pie from Valerie. I scored on the corner slice! I almost got another to take home; it was that good. Her chocolates are supposed to be quite famous, but I'll have to imagine that flavor.

It was great fun catching up with a good friend and with what's happening at the Market. Take a stroll yourself to see what all is going on there.

Click here for Grand Central Market's website.

Click here for Eggslut's website.

Click her for Valerie's website.

The Bel-Air

My Farewell Food Tour is well under way! I've been really enjoying all the comfort foods as I'm revisiting my favorites, but it was super refreshing to actually have a salad today at a new place.

This is Susan's Favorite from The Bel-Air on Sepulveda.  It is kale, romaine, red quinoa, avocado, and radishes tossed with citrus vinaigrette, with the side of grilled salmon. Wow, such a wonderful melange of flavors! Too bad I didn't discover this place earlier, since the burger and fried green tomato caprese appetizer both sound quite amazing.

Here's to new experiences, both near and far!

Click here for The Bel-Air's website.

Johnnie's Pastrami

I've been to Johnnie's Pastrami a gazillion times, but I've never posted on it. Better late than never, as they say! I went with a friend for a last hoorah lunch as one of my last suppers in Los Angeles.

You have to tip your hat to Johnnie's. They offer a half sandwich option, which gives you an excuse to share the basket of onion rings! Woohoo! And, of course, it was a delicious meal as always. Their pickles are worth a spot at any table at any time.

Johnnie's is a classic, dating back to 1952. Out on the patio, we heard conversations about multi-generational meals that continue to this day. Families were posing by the colorful wall logo for photos to capture the fun. What a treat to be a part of that history!

Click here for Johnnie's website.