The Choosy Foodie: Los Angeles - Issue #11
Gluten-free Pizza, Omakase Galore, Dairy-free Treats, & Pickle Cocktail Summer
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Hi all,
I thought I’d start us off by pointing out an Italian restaurant (with GF ops of course) that I’m familiar with - Made in Italy. They’re located on the outskirts of LA County in Westlake Village, and have been making headlines recently for their stellar homemade pasta and Neapolitan-style pizza. Here’s an image from their Instagram:
With recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, their food really impresses! I’ve been several times, and I can say with full confidence that the gluten-free pizza is amazing! Plus, I always have a fantastic experience dining in. The staff and overall vibe is electric.
Fun fact, in addition to regular catering options, they have a portable, wood-fired pizza oven for private parties or special events (I mean… 🤤🍕🍽️).
Okay enough pizza salivation.
Let’s get into it…
WHAT'S COOKING LOS ANGELES LAGUNA NIGUEL?!
1) Taikun - This well-regarded sushi omakase spot is located in New York, but currently running a luxurious pop-up in Orange County. Hosted at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, and featuring 16 intimate courses, your dinner will clock in at $195 per person. It opened this month and will be running through November 5th if you want to book it for a very, VERY special occasion. Online, the restaurant says it’s accommodating towards allergies (but I would triple check about the pop-up). Here’s an image from their Instagram that’s super simple, but somehow already has my mouth watering 🍣🤤:
What Else is Simmering…
(restaurant news & images)- Ubuntu, a new plant-based spot🌱🍽️featuring West African cuisines just opened up in the Fairfax area.
(restaurant news)- A pub in Ojai, ironically called “Ojai Pub” just reopened with vegan (& GF) options 🌭🍽️ (vegan hot dogs included).
(cooking news)- A new CA bill recently signed into law will loosen up restrictions on home cooks🏠🧑🍳who sell to the public.
(product)- Philadelphia debuted two new plant-based cream cheese flavors🌱🧀(V, DF, GF) including strawberry and chive & onion.
(product)- Cold Stone now has plant-based ice cream options 🌱🍨including its Silk Chocolate Almondmilk flavor.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
(article)- Pickle flavored canned cocktails🥒🍸😎are all the summer rage with brands like Grillo’s Pickles and Claussen entering the game (we’ll all just be fried pickles by the end of August in this heat…)
(video)- In heartwarming fashion, this TikTok-er cooks and tries recipes left by people on their gravestones🪦🍲(didn’t know this was a thing, but I love it!)
(article)- The Season 10 winner of Top Chef, Kristen Kish, will be replacing Padma Lakshmi👩🍳📺as a judge for the show’s 21st season (yes, you read that number right…)
(article)- FoodPrint put together this list of really great food waste ideas from social media 🥬🗑️ (I can relate to “Pesto Solves Everything”).
(article)- These edible, vegetable gardens are improving the well-being of veterans & first responders🥕🍅👨🌾.
(video)- If you haven’t seen the trailer already, Timothee Chalamet will be playing Willy Wonka🍫🏭in a new movie adaptation from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (I really liked creepy Wonka played by Johnny Depp… but maybe that’s just me?!)
Closing Thoughts…
As always, feel free to hit reply and shoot me an email or DM on Twitter X. I’d love to hear your feedback on how I can improve this newsletter to better suit our free-from community.
I’ll be in your inbox next month!
Hugs,
Noam
🙆🏻♀️ website: noamleead.carrd.co
📖 book editor: Happier Being by Dr. Tal Leead
🥗 referral link: click to sign up for Thrive Market (love this delivery service)
**If you’re reading this newsletter and haven’t subscribed yet, please do and support my work. It’s free! You’ll get future issues sent to your inbox once a month!**
The pizza and sushi look delicious!
I will definitely be trying the Made In Italy spot! And the sushi pop up sounds amazing 🤩 🍣