The Choosy Foodie: Los Angeles - Issue #16
Entirely gluten-free Japanese restaurant, new bagel spot in Beverly Hills, a quirky-creepy restaurant, boba, and pretzel bites!
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Hi all,
Happy New Year!
I don’t have anything to flag for you in this section, but sending good vibes your way as we start off 2024!
If you’re not into making a list of resolutions, check out
’s easy alternative to New Year’s resolutions (hint: pick a single theme for the year, mine last year was just one word: patience).With that, let’s get into it…
WHAT'S COOKING LOS ANGELES
1. New bagel shop in Beverly Hills has GF bagel options
Pop’s Bagels - This small, but growing chain opened up a new location in the glamorous Golden Triangle (just over a month ago). With a slick design and $3 gluten-free bagel options🥯, feel free to try it out. Their other locations are in Brentwood, Culver City, and Fairfax. Check out photos from Pop’s Bagels’ Instagram:
2. A new, quirky, LA Eater award winning restaurant has GF and V menu options
Poltergeist - This super creative spot featuring some hauntingly styled (yet delicious) food is located at the Button Mash arcade bar. It recently made the LA Eater Award Winner’s List for 2023, gaining the title of “Most Mind-Blowing Dining Experience”. Lucky for us they have several gluten-free and vegan menu 🐡🥗🍲 items to check out! Here are some photos from Poltergeist’s Instagram:
3. Entirely GF Japanese restaurant in Manhattan Beach
Rice - I recently heard about this entirely gluten-free🍚🍜 spot that serves up some incredible sushi and cooked Japanese dishes. Not only is Rice gluten-free, they’ve also got extensive vegan, organic, and brown rice options. It’s on my list of places to try - so far I’ve only heard great things! Here are some photos from Rice’s Instagram:
4. New celebrity boba shop opens in Silverlake
Jellyman - Donald Glover’s (aka Childish Gambino) new boba shop is getting some attention. Although not explicitly stated, often boba is gluten-free (made of tapioca). Jellyman also has alternative milk options🧋, as well as both traditional and interesting flavors to choose from (ie: Peanut Butter and Jelly, Man). Since their website is no help at all, check out LA Eater’s article on Jellyman (photos included). Here’s a photo from Jellyman’s Instagram as well:
5. Soft pretzel bites that are GF, plant-based, and top-8 allergen-free
Mybread Gluten Free Bakery - These super free-from pretzel bites🥨😋 by Mybread were recommended by GFF (Gluten Free Forever). Why not try them out with some of VegOut’s list of store-bought vegan dips (as a DF dip option). Here’s a photo from Mybread’s Instagram:
What Else is Simmering…
“Mondelez International Launches Certified Gluten-Free Golden Oreo Cookies”🍪(Celiac.com, article)
“Gluten Free Blueberry French Toast Casserole”🇫🇷🍞🥘 (Mi gluten-free gal, recipe)
“Get creative with these food preservation methods”🥫🧂🍬 (FoodPrint, guide)
Closing Thoughts…
As always, feel free to hit reply to this email. 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!**
Nice to see some GF Japanese cuisine!