Despite having been displaced by the Palisades Fire, I have gotten the chance to explore another area of Los Angeles: Downtown LA. One well-known spot that has been fun to go to is Grand Central Market, located at 317 S Broadway, across from the Angels Flight Railway. When you walk into this food market it is gloriously overwhelming, containing an astounding variety of cuisines. Grand Central is a celebration of the diversity and art of food in our beautiful city. It is a food love letter to Los Angeles. It’s the perfect place to go with friends. There is also plenty of seating and fun photo booths. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite food stalls there.
Good morning:
The Donut Man: I shared a red velvet and chocolate donut with my friend and they were delish. They are known for their strawberry donut, which is out of this world.
Go Get Em Tiger: Marlborough coffee lovers are familiar with this chain, as it has a store on Larchmont. It has quality in-season coffees sourced from global single-origin roasters. They have a new espresso called Lil’ Sweetie which is vanilla flavored. Their almond macadamia nut latte and dark chocolate mocha are the best.
Eggslut: Eggs galore! Egg sandwiches are a staple item on the menu. Whether it’s a breakfast sandwich, a cheeseburger or an egg salad sandwich, I would definitely try it if I were you.
The Juice: They have a wide variety of fresh raw cold-pressed organic juices. I enjoyed the strawberry apple coconut juice when I went.
For savory lovers:
Lucky Bird: Chicken and waffles at its core, but what I love most is their chicken sammie, made with freerange organic fried chicken, butter lettuce, pickles, aioli and a milk bun.
Sarita’s Pupuseria: I love pupusas. From El Salvador, they’re sort of like arepas, but they’re thicker, made of corn flour and filled with beans, cheese or pork. Sarita’s makes creative pupusas too, so you can also fill them with chicken, potato, sausage, shrimp, mushroom, broccoli, spinach, cactus, squash, basil, jalapeños, steak and more. Fun fact: Sarita’s is featured in the film “La La Land” (Mia and Sebastian had a date there on the blue stools in a montage scene).
Sticky Rice: This is the perfect place for super cozy, homey Thai food. Everyone that I’ve talked to – friends, cousins, teachers – about Grand Central recommend Sticky Rice.
For people with a sweet tooth
Fat + Flour: Come here for pies and cookies (and coffee). I strongly recommend the key lime pie, the chocolate chess pie and the chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
La Huerta Candy: They stock a colorful assortment of candy, nuts and dried fruits. Included in their wide variety are some nostalgic and international special candies. My favorite are the gummies covered in chili and lime.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams: If you are craving fresh, artisan ice creams, this is the place to go. We had one in the Palisades too. I especially love their sweet cream caramel brownie and their chocolate covered strawberries ice cream. They serve ice cream sandwiches called “sammies” made with delicious home-baked cookies.
Come with an appetite and an epicurious attitude and you literally can’t go wrong at Grand Central Market. It’s no wonder it used to be called the “Wonder Market.”
