New Coffee Spot Alert: G&B Coffee DTLA

Yes, I'm addicted to coffee... get over it! For all my caffeine addicts, G&B is a definite must-try! Their coffee is distinctly sweet, and has no acidic/bitter taste that most coffee including Starbucks coffee has. I found out about G&B while roaming around the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles, and let me tell you, am I glad I did. As I looked around I saw everyone approaching what looked like a cocktail bar, and ordering like they were ordering at a bar or pub. The staff greets you with the biggest smiles, and gladly helps you choose the right drink. I love iced coffee, and have always believed in the fact that you can tell how good a coffee is by tasting it black with nothing in it. So as a brave soul, I ordered a iced coffee black, with no additives. My first sip and I was hooked! It was so delicately fragrant and had no acidic after taste which is something that most iced coffees have. I finished the drink within 10 mins and like usual managed to get a couple drops of it on my white tee. The customers around me were ordering almond and coconut cappuccinos which smelled delightful and is something I will have to try my next time there. If you're like me and you love black coffee when its done right, head on over to G&B and grab yourself a cup of joe!

Papillon International Bakery: Home of the original Nutella Ponchik

You had me at Nutella. Papillon International Bakery is located in North Hollywood where it serves up sugary goodness "fried dough" thats stuffed with a filing of your choice. It's an Armenian treat called the Ponchik. These Ponchiks are very similar to a treat many jewish kids enjoyed every Chanukah called the "Sufganiyah"or better known as the Jelly doughnut, which only goes to show how every culture and ethnicity has similar foods and desserts but with a variation of some sort. Let me tell you, this doughnut is wayyy better than any jelly doughnut you'll get on Chanukah because it's light and fluffy, and it's filled with Nutella (the g-d of all fillings) or the classic heavenly vanilla custard. If you are ever looking for an alternative to that weekly Krispy Kreme craving you have, I suggest giving the Papillon Bakery a try! They have three amazing locations, and truly fry with love! If you're not much of a sweets person, grab yourself a "Peroshki" which is basically a doughnut filled with savory goodness. I had the pleasure of trying the feta and mozzarella cheese one, and let me tell you...besides burning my mouth from the oozing cheese (I have no patience when it comes to fried goods) it was delicious!!! Whatever you do, be prepared to use your cheat meal on these treats oozing with yumminess! Enjoy! 

One Nutella and one Custard to go please!

Cheese Peroshki = YUMMMYY CHEESY GOODNESS 

Simple & Tasty: Balsamic Marinated Steak

Everyone loves a good steak, except for vegetarians of course! I am very picky when it comes to steak because I like my steak well-done, seasoned well, and of course not too dry. So what kind of steak suits a girl like me? I'm all about the thin-cut steaks like a skirt or hanger-steaks. Those types of cuts usually come pre packed and ready to go, but if not I'm sure your local butcher can provide you with whatever steak needs you might have. 

For this recipe, I wanted a sweet but savory marinade for my steak that would pair easily with whatever side dish I chose. Super simple recipe that uses pantry ingredients you probably already have!

Ingredients: (per serving)

• Skirt steak (0.5 lb)
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp Brown Sugar (dark or light)
• 1 grated garlic clove
•  a pinch of Chili Pepper Flakes (optional) 

Marinade the steak for about 1-2 hours and then let it rest for at least 30 minutes or until its room temperature. Best way to prepare the steak is on a grill, and if you don't have a grill I would suggest investing in one of those grill pans, they work wonderfully! Grill on each side for about 3-4 minutes to be well done (less time for a rarer steak). Make sure you let your steak rest for at least 3-4 minutes before slicing it against the grain. Spritz the pan with olive oil and My side dish for this particular meal was mashed red potatoes with olive oil and garlic salt and some yummy peas and carrots. This steak is very versatile in the way that you can basically pair this steak with just about any side dish. I hope this recipe convinces all my non-cooks out there that with just a couple simple ingredients and a dash of love, you can make an easy, tasty meal! 

-La Breeyoot!

(Hebrew for enjoy)

Watermelon: Not The Kind Beyoncé Likes

It's summer, and not only are my boobs sweating, but I'm always craving something to cool me down. Unlike you skinny bitches out there I can't always have Ice Cream to cool me down, so I turn to the next best thing: Watermelon. Sweet, Light, and oh so refreshing! My favorite way to enjoy watermelon is cubed with some feta cheese and a sprinkling of chopped mint leaves, or with lime juice and Tajín when I'm craving some spice. If you like your watermelon in juice form like Beyonce prefers hers ;) I recommend trying  Pressed Juicery's watermelon juice that's cold pressed, fresh, and crisp! 

If you're anything like me and have trouble figuring out if you're picking the right watermelon, my dad (the grocery king) taught me to smack the watermelon and pick the one that makes the sharpest sound. If that still doesn't make sense and you're confused, just ask the nearest worker at the grocery store. Trouble cutting the watermelon? Tired of the watermelon juice all over your face? Below is a video that will show you how to cut a watermelon in the easiest, and fastest way, mess free! 

I don't need anymore reasons to love watermelon, but for all my non-believers out there here's an article that's sure to persuade you: 17 Reasons To Love Watermelon . Get yourself some fresh, crisp watermelon, and enjoy #NationalWatermelonDay, I know I sure will! 

Top 5 Sandwiches In LA To Obsess Over

The perfect couple doesn't exist in the real world, but it sure as hell exists in food; it's called a Sandwich. Bread and some sort of filling in between, and you've got a marriage that can't be duplicated. The love I have for sandwiches comes from my middle eastern roots. You name it and we'll manage to put it in between bread. My typical Sunday brunch is a slice of Barbari bread, with some scrambled eggs, a slice of tomato, cucumber, and of course a thick slab of Feta cheese,  (Just thinking about it gets my mouth watering). My Jewish roots on the other hand, make me crave bagel and cream cheese, Shwarmas, and deli sandwiches all the time. Lets not forget about the most famous sandwich of all time: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, or in my case Peanut Butter, Banana, and Honey Sandwich (weird I know, but so good)! 

Think about it though: What's not to like? Bread (whatever kind you prefer), with some sort of filling in between (whether it be a protein or cheese); it's never disappointing. Unless you're on a diet, lord knows we all are, a sandwich is a perfect meal that will leave you full and ready to conquer the world. Some may say "Give a girl the right pair of heels, and she will conquer the world." I say "Give a girl a hearty sandwich and bes' believe she will conquer the world." 

There will be a day when my hubby will tell me to go into the kitchen and make him a sandwich, and I'll probably roll my eyes and hand him this list that he can order from. Who am I kidding I'll  probably make him the sandwich and then have him pick me up one of my favorite sandwiches that I have listed below.

Top 5 Life Changing Sandwiches:

1. il Trammezzino- Grilled Breast of Chicken: sun dried tomato, avocado, provolone cheese and basil garlic sauce
2. R+D Kitchen- Dings Crispy Chicken: baby swiss, sliced tomato, and vinaigrette slaw
3. Ta-eem Grill- Falafel in Pita: pick your own toppings and salads
4. Eggslut- Fairfax: soft scrambled eggs and chives, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and sriracha mayo in a warm brioche bun. 
5. The Carving Board- Spaghetti & Meatballwich: paghetti griddled together like a bun, house made meatballs in marinara sauce, thick slice of melted mozzarella 

Trust me when I say these pictures do not do the sandwiches justice, so make sure you get off your ass and drive to one of these spots for some finger-lickin-good wiches'. Bon Apétit , Beh Tahavon, and Nooshe Jaan. 

Coffee Makes the World Go Round'

Necessities in life: Shelter, Water, Food, and lets not forget Coffee. I don't know about you, but I can't function without coffee. I have been a Starbuck's Coffee connoseiur for a while now, but I could never drink it black. Everyone at Starbuck's knows me for my complicated orders which usually include: 3 pumps this, splash of half and half, and oh make sure theres room (Because I drive like a maniac and the coffee needs room to swoosh around without spilling while I drive). I have always preached Starbuck's coffee, because honestly I didn't know better, and I had one of those membership apps on my phone that made it that much more convenient for me. 

It was only till a week ago where I actually had the chance of tasting REAL coffee without adding anything to it. After attending the Nike Air Max Box in Arts District, Los Angeles I decided I needed coffee; after all walking around shoes and analyzing ever aspect of the exhibit made me tired, not to mention it was like 90 degrees. As Breea and I made our way to our car we stumbled upon an Organic Coffee shop called Groundwork Coffee, I personally had never been there before but apparently the company has been around for 25 years. The particular location we visited had just opened and it was the grand opening day! We walked in and were automatically greeted by the staff's warm smiles. I had a sip of some of the samples they had put out, and was floored by the fact the coffee had no milk/creamer, or sugar! I was in a state of Shock/Happiness. The first thing that came out of my mouth was "Where has this coffee been all my life?" The coffee I tasted was the "Bitches Brew" which fit perfectly with me don't ya think? It took me a minute to take in the fact that I was head over heels in love with BLACK COFFEE! Bye-Bye to those days where I needed creamer and sugar substitutes to help me get through my coffee.

The staff was overjoyed with the fact that I had expressed my love for their quality coffee so proudly. I walked out with an Iced Coffee with no sweetener and no creamer, oh and the employees loved me so much they threw in a Peanut Butter cookie. Let me tell you, this cookie was scrumptious! To test my theory, I went over to Starbuck's the next day and ordered a grande Iced Coffee Black to see if I could handle it. I couldn't. Needless to say, Groundwork Coffee will be seeing me more often. Who are we kidding, Im gonna head over there right now! Make sure you do the same!