We have been trying out some of the restaurants around Palo Alto and Menlo Park. So far, Flea Street Cafe left the biggest impression. Chef and owner Jesse Cool’s approach to ‘simply organic food’ results in pure, delicious dishes that don’t disappoint. I had a seasonal marinated baby beet salad, followed by cast iron roasted King Salmon – both absolutely great.
Marinated Baby Beet Salad – Source: Flea Street
I am a bit of a sparkling water aficionado, and the Seltzer Sisters water they offer at the restaurant is definitely worth a try – spring water in old-fashioned chiffon bottles adds to the natural charm of the meal. Don’t skip the cocktails either, they are absolutely worth exploring! I tried the Lavender Lemon Drop – different and amazing!
Flea Street Cafe
Alameda De Las Pulgas
Menlo Park, CA-94025 (650) 854-1226
Ever since moving to the US from Belgium, I have craved Belgian bread. Funny how you take things for granted all your life and only realize that they are special when you no longer have them. The Wonder bread invention skipped our tiny country, we just stuck with old fashioned bakeries where the baker slaves through the night to present us with our fresh loaf in the morning.
I have experimented with my own bread machine and I tried the ‘no knead bread‘ – yummy, but still not quite what I was looking for. I have saved a long list of bakeries on Favrit, my local bookmarking app, and I have quizzed fellow Belgians… I found some substitutes, but not the real thing. Until today!!!
Alexander’s Patisserie
I was walking in downtown Mountain View in search for a place to have coffee, when I came across Alexander’s Patisserie. The inviting white and airy design of the store/cafe compelled me inside. There, a world of fine patisserie, exquisite chocolates and macarons opened. There were several delicious croissants and danish to choose from to accompany my Intelligentsia coffee. But above all, there was that Belgian bread I had been looking for for years. I bought my whole grain loaf, sliced and wrapped in a paper bag (the only way to keep bread crusts crusty!). Yes, it is the real deal!
One of the many delicious treats – Alexander’s Patisserie
I plan many returns. I want to try more of the artful creations by Belgian Pastry Chef Dries Delanghe. And it is great place to quietly enjoy a coffee, read and write or to take some friends.
I am partial to coffee, not just because I like the jolt from the black gold. I love the atmosphere of coffee shops, the ruffling of the newspaper, the sound of steaming milk in the background, the people watching etc. The cardboard carry out does not quite do it for me, I like sitting down, holding porcelain and catching up on industry news before the day starts. Add to all that a really good french pastry, and my day is off to a great start.
I had mapped out all my bakeries in LA. I knew exactly which one to hit in every corner of the city. Now I need to find my new Favrits, and I am making good progress.
Voyageur du Temps – already a Favrit
After only two weeks, I am already a regular at ‘Voyageur du Temps‘ A great bakery/coffee shop concept, where you can see the bakers at work. A neat menu at the door tells you what you can expect to come out of the oven and at what time. French favorites like the almond croissants and the ‘pain au chocolat’ (my personal favorite) are great here. A breakfast baguette is served with the delicious pairing of homemade raspberry jam and candied orange. There is a great lunch menu that combines fresh ingredients with the baked goods. Ample space inside the bright airy old Los Altos train station and great outside seating is welcoming to any Voyageur!
First on my list of Favrit Bakeries in the Bay Area!
silicon and coffee 