L’épicerie Market

L’épicerie Market is located near the downtown area of Culver City and is a gem.  If you have any sort of European love or French culture appreciation, you will fall in love.  If you don’t have any attachment to European culture, you should still go for the fresh pressed, ‘pour over’ coffee.  If you don’t like coffee, go for the wine selection and quaint wine cave in the back.  And if you don’t like wine, go for the great happy hour deals.  If you don’t like happy hour (then you are crazy), but go for the awesome desserts.  If you don’t like dessert, then I know you need food to sustain, so go for the delicious, fresh, mouth-watering meals.

I first discovered this place thinking it was only a café.  The café is adorable and they have great coffee.  I don’t have an experienced coffee palate, but one of my friends does, and she can attest to it.  They have a great area for sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee.  I used to study for my CPA exams here all the time.  The quaint atmosphere, Christmas lights in the windows at night, and the great staff made studying so much more pleasant.

Brunch:  This meal is my usual stop here.  First, get a side of their baguettes (only $2-3).  I have tried baguettes many places since I left France in 2009, and these are the only ones that come remotely close.  They are so soft inside and perfectly crispy on the outside.  They make their own marmalade too!

Now, I’ve had a lot here, and I cannot emphasize how fresh everything is.  It is all good. But my favorite will have to be the L’épicerie Breakfast (eggs, smoked salmon on a baguette), the Eggs Florentine (basically eggs benedict but with sautéed spinach), or the Smoked Salmon Crepe.  Here is a compilation of various brunches…

Lunch:  I have gotten the make your own salad here a few times and I will say it again, fresh fresh fresh ingredients.  Never has disappointed me.

Macarons:  Just so we’re clear, these are ma-ka-ROHNS.  Not macaROONS, the really crunchy, hard to eat, weird coconut cookies.  These are the delightfully fluffy, light, mouth-watering French pastries that will change your life.  When I was in France, I ate so many (maybe too many, but is that possible?)  from La Duree, and the ones in the states, cannot compare.  However, these ones are phenomenal.  You can get 3 for $5 (a pretty good price, comparatively).  They are kept enclosed, keeping them at the perfect temperature and maintain the perfect texture.  Yum, yum, yum.

  Everything about this restaurant makes me happy.  The owner, Thierry, is from France and so friendly.  If you see him walking around, be sure to say hi.  He takes great care of his customers!  The atmosphere is soothing, the aroma is scrumptious and the company is friendly.  I always go with a European meal mentality: take your time, eat a long meal, and enjoy your company.  I hope you visit soon!