I use a simple technique that works like a charm for me year after year in following through with my New Year’s Resolutions: Plan small. That’s right - small.
Not grandiose, far-reaching, near impossible feats, but itty bitty steps. You’d be amazed at how proud you become of yourself when you achieve the most miniscule goals and aspirations, and maintain them over time.
It’s all relative.
An overweight person who manages to abstain from white flour, sugar, and other troublesome carbs during breakfast FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR tends to feel the same elation that a “skinny mini” feels by faithfully working out at the gym every day on schedule. The simple mission: commitment to A goal. The result: developed confidence.
Even before reading books such as, “Look In, Look Up, Look Out!: Be the Person You Were Meant to Be,” by Joyce L. Vedral, and “One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way” by Robert Maurer, I was already pretty much of the mentality that I’d rather get a handle on my clutter - you know, MASTER something - than bust my hide at an extremely challenging goal like bidding farewell to frosted cupcakes forever and subsequently feeling like a squit (yes, I said “squit,” and even said it in a run-on sentence, so na!) when I yield to their enticement.
I finally had to get real with myself and say, who am I kidding to think I’ll never again revel in the saccharine-bloated ecstasy that only a peppermint-frosted vanilla cupcake from Sprinkles can give? Ain’t gonna happen.
So why not just admit it, set better goals, and have my cake, too?I wish you tons of luck in 2007 and beyond. See you then!
If you like (or live!) to shop, and desire rare merchandise that few have their mitts on, look no further.
I’m leaving no stone unturned, and I am keeping this guide updated as I learn about interesting shops that sell uncommon goods.
Many of the merchants on this list are of African/Caribbean descent and sell trinkets and such that have exotic appeal, which is my preference and passion.
Enjoy!
***SHOPPING***
Eileen’s Boutique (Shoes, Bags & Accessories) www.eileensboutique.com
Eileen’s Boutique is owned by Aisha Reid, from Antigua island in the Caribbean.
3314 Motor Ave. (Cross Street is National)
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-842-9030
Nobody Jones Boutique www.nobodyjones.com
26-year-old Odessa Bowden is the sole proprietor of these shops.
4703 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
323-291-7177
Other Nobody Jones Shop Locations:
(The Merchants Mart)
2411 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310- 450-1816
Nobody Jones Pico
5522 Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
P323-934-5123
Pinky Rose Boutique www.pinkyroseboutique.com
A nice clothing and apparel boutique owned and operated by a Trinidadian.
5571 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323-936-9213
Sage Jewelry www.sagejewelry.com
Sage Boutique
7377 1/2 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 877-698-SAGE or 877-698-7243 or 323-931-0595
Email: [email protected]
Sage Jewelry is owned and operated by Sage Machado. If you have a thing for designs with foreign flair, Sage has what you need.
Here is a fantastic list of enticing Afro-Caribbean restaurants and food markets in and around Los Angeles!
Whether you have a taste for Ethiopian, West African, Moroccan, Soul Food, Cajun/Creole, Brazilian, Cuban, or Jamaican/Trini food, I’ve got you covered.
Note: The list of food markets follows the restaurant guide.
By no means is this list meant to serve as a definitive guide, as I have NOT yet sampled or reviewed every one of these dining establishments. But I have eaten at many of them, and so far, it’s been two thumbs up!
So if you’re ready for a satisfying change of pace from the usual sushi, salads, and pasta (and who isnt?!), then read on.
***AFRICAN RESTAURANTS (North/South/East/West Africa)
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant www.marrakeshrestaurant.com
- 13003 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (818) 788-6354
Tagine Moroccan Restaurant - 132 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills
(310) 360-7535
Ngoma Restaurant (All of Africa is featured at Ngoma) www.ngomarestaurant.com - 5358 Wilshire Blvd. in Mid-Wilshire (323) 934-1595.
Ngoma serves wonderful seasoned greens, and I love their African stews! The owner is a nice lady. She puts her heart into her cooking. Homestyle African cuisine at its finest!
Awash Restaurant 5990 1/2 W Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 (323) 939-3233. This is my favorite Ethiopian restaurant in L.A. See my review here.
Fassica Ethiopian Restaurant www.fassicarestaurant.com - 10401 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 815-8463
Meals by Genet Ethiopian Restaurant www.mealsbygenet.com 1076 Fairfax Ave. (323) 938-9304
Messob Ethiopian Restaurant www.messob.com 1041 Fairfax Ave.
(323) 938-8827
Nyala Ethiopian Restaurant www.nyala-la.com - 1076 South Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 936-5918
Rahel Ethiopian Vegetarian Cafe www.rahelveggiecuisine.com - 1047 South Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 937-8401
Rosalind’s Ethiopian Restaurant - 1044 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 936-2486
Lagos Cafe - 14044 Crenshaw Blvd. Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 768-3972. Lagos serves primarily Nigerian food.
***JAMAICAN/CARIBBEAN RESTAURANTS***
Cha Cha Chicken www.chachachicken.com 1906 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 581-1684
Coley’s Restaurant (Jamaican) www.coleyscuisine.com - 10842 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 761-4944
Derrick’s Jamaican Restaurant www.derricksjamaican.com 6806 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (310) 641-7572
Havana on Sunset 5825 West Sunset Blvd. #105, Hollywood, CA 90028 310-566-7342. Authentic Cuban food!
Jamaican Cafe 424 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA (310) 587-2626
La Bodeguita de Pico www.labodeguitadepico.com 5047 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles 323-937-2822
Madre’s Restaurant www.madresrestaurante.com Yes, this is owned by JLo, Jennifer Lopez. 897 Granite Drive Pasadena, CA 91101, (626) 744-0900
“Naturali Art” Market & Jamaican Restaurant - 3426 West Washington Blvd. (323) 737-9277
Pelican Belizean - 4254 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA (323) 232-5487
Porto’s Bakery & Delicatessan www.portosbakery.com
In Glendale: 315 North Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 (818) 956-5996.
In Burbank: 3614 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 846-9100.
~Porto’s features to-die-for desserts, and those scrumptiously authentic Cuban sandwiches. I highly recommend their bread pudding, as well as their Cuban cake!
Port Royal Cafe 1412 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA (310) 458-4147
Posh on Pico is located, well um, not on Pico for now, as they are moving to a new location: www.poshonpico.com My friend swears by their Latina Burger and the agua frescas. Posh has great side items and drinks: plantain chips, caramelized plantains, rice and beans, mango salad, and ginger lemonade.
Wi Jammin’ Caribbean Restaurant - 5103 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 965-9809
***SOUL FOOD RESTAURANTS***
Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch - 4325 Glencoe Ave. Marina del Rey, CA
(310) 578-1005
House of Blues www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/sunsetstrip - 8430 Sunset Blvd. (323) 848-5100. HOB’s Sunday Gospel Brunch is highly popular featuring a hearty menu.
JR’s BBQ www.jrs-bbq.com 3055 S. La Cienega Culver City, CA
(310) 837-6838. Owned and operated by mother and son Jeanie Jackson and Bobby Johnson. Friendly atmosphere! This Memphis-style BBQ establishment is a Los Angeles fixture. Everything is fresh, and so GOOD!
Les Sisters Southern Kitchen
2181 Devonshire, Chatsworth, CA (818) 998-0755
Miss Peaches - 5643 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA (818) 760-4924
Mom’s Barbecue House - 14062 Vanowen, Van Nuys, CA (818) 786-1373
Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com - SEVERAL LOCATIONS: 5006 W. Pico Blvd. 323-934-4405 & 1514 N. Gower St. Hollywood, CA (213) 466-7453.
What A TREAT this place is every now and then. Everything is fresh! Their waffles are laced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Their candied yams are perfectly sweet.
I have yet to have a bad experience at Roscoe’s. Not health food, but exceptionally good!
***BRAZILIAN RESTAURANTS***
Bossa Nova 212 S. Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 550-7900.
Crowded place, but decent enough food. Go on off-peak times.
Fogo de Chao www.fogodechao.com 133 N. La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA (310) 289-7755. This upscale establishment gets consistent “five star” reviews. One of the nicer Brazilian restaurants, so dress accordingly.
Pampas Grill www.pampas-grill.com - at The Farmer’s Market @ The Grove on 3rd & Fairfax. What a succulent Brazilian buffet! Great grilled meats, salad bar, black bean stew (Feijoada), rice, fried plantains, etc.
Party Brazil www.partybrazil.com (818) 468-6474 - Party Brazil caters amazing Brazilian fare.
Ummba Grill www.ummbagrill.com
Westfield Century City Mall, next to the food court upstairs
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., # 200A Century City, CA 90067
(310) 552-2014
***CAJUN & CREOLE RESTAURANTS***
La Belle Creole www.labellecreole.org (Haitian, American, Creole Food & Catering) - 1271 S. La Brea Ave. LA 90019 (323) 965-7700
Stevie’s Creole Cafe - 16911 Ventura Blvd., Encino (818) 528-3500
The Gumbo Pot www.thegumbopotla.com - at The Farmer’s Market in
The Grove at 3rd & Fairfax. I love their jalapeno corn muffins!
Uncle Darrow’s www.uncledarrows.com 2560 South Lincoln Blvd. (North/East corner of Washington & Lincoln Blvd.) Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 306-4862
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FOOD MARKETS
African Produce Central Market - 4564 W. Washington Blvd. (323) 932-1722
Cost Plus World Market www.worldmarket.com - (323) 935-5530 at The Grove @ 3rd & Fairfax carries an enormous selection of imported foods and products. It’s a fusion of Pier 1 and Trader Joe’s. This was one of the only places where I could find Walkerswood Jerk Marinade.
Kitanda Brazilian Market www.kitandabrazil.com - On Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. They even carry Brazilian beauty products - yeah!
Light My Fire - (323) 930-2484 in The Farmer’s Market @ The Grove carries nothing but spices, hot sauces, and bbq sauces.
Merkato Ethiopian Market www.ethiopianmerkato.com - 1036 1/2 Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles, California 90019 (323) 935-1775 or (323) 935-1796
Sinclair Trading, Inc. www.sinclairtrading.com - 864 Produce Court, Los Angeles 213-627-6063. Now this joint right here is the spot! They carry a huge selection of Caribbean spices and products.
For the writers who are participating in this delightful monthly gathering here in L.A., we will do our best to provide lower-fat versions of these dishes!
LE MENU
January - “The Non-Agin’ Cajun”
Red beans and rice
Corn muffins
Coleslaw
Peach cobbler
February - “Rasta, no Pasta!”
Curry chicken
Jamaican rice and peas
Green salad with chutney
Butter Pecan Rum Cake
March - “Soul Fiesta”
Rum BBQ chicken
BBQ Country ribs
Savory fresh greens
Potato salad
Sweet potato biscuits
Baked macaroni and cheese
Sweet potato pie
April - “More-Rocco”
Moroccan potato and turkey casserole
Roasted veggies (fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs)
Pineapple upside-down cake
May - “Tropical Pre-Summer Kickoff”
Scallion beef skewers
Jerk chicken skewers
Caribbean green salad
Roasted sweet potato rounds with black bean cream
Tropical fruit platter and Poundcake
June - “Southern Brunch”
Pecan and Sweet potato waffles
Home fries
Egg and sausage casserole
Cinnamon rolls
Country bacon
Turkey sausage
Mimosas
July - “Gumbo Yes-Yes”
Gumbo
Corn muffins
Herbed Potato salad
Praline cheesecake
August - “What a Jerk!”
Jerk chicken
Jamaican rice and peas
Fried plantains
Caribbean tossed salad
Key lime pie
September - “Motherland Meal”
West African Stew with all the fixin’s
Fufu
Coconut ice cream sundae with macadamia nuts
October - “Fall Mardi Gras”
Cajun crab cakes
Jambalaya
Corn muffins
Green salad with candied pecans
Bread pudding with Bourbon sauce
November - “Breakfast Dinner”
Baked French toast
Potato Omelet
Turkey sausage
Virginia bacon
Cheese grits
Fried apples
Sparkling wine
December - “Early Christmas Dinner”
Honeybaked Ham
Cajun fried turkey
Potato cheese casserole
Greens
Sweet potato pudding
Spice sheet cake