I went home, checked on the internet and there was a blogpost from LA Weekly about the store opening in late May. When the next Saturday came i had to check it out. After a few phone calls to Ran Zimon the owner asking him about the direction to the store my two friends and i finally pulled into their parking lot and we walked in through the back door. The place didn't even have a store sign in the front if i could remember.
The inside was was simple with a big glass window looking into the work area with some people kneading/forming pastry dough. Facing that window was the counter with display area for the baguette and pastries, maned by two young and friendly staff members. Ran Zimon, from Israel, is passionate about his craft and this showed in the beautiful looking pastries. The croissants turned out to be as delicious as it looked. The outside was crusty
the inside was soft and flaky,
but still not to the same level with my favorite, made by Noubar Yessayan, from Maison Giraud which i still consider the best in town.
Maison Giraud Croissants
However, considering the distance from Orange County i am quite happy with the croissant from Bread Lounge :-)
I also got the ricota cheese with white chocolate creme patissiere and cranberry danish (didn't have a chance to taste it because it's was my mom's favorite), chocolate swirl which had thick and rich layer of chocolate paste (great with coffee), the huge nice tasting spinach feta pie which coud have been half the size and more filling
The mint lemonade had a nice green color, refreshing and not two sweet. It was a hot day so i was so into it that i forgot to take a picture :-)
Based on the selection and quality, this is probably the hottest bakery in town at the moment, imho.
Until next time.
Bread Lounge
700 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA
(213) 327-0782
Close Monday.
