Heading back to Rome tomorrow, my favorite foodie gifts of the season, and what I ate the last two weeks in LA.

Plus, a bit of This & That.

Dec 13, 2024

Mama Is Coming Home!

Tomorrow, I head back to Rome to a sick little Bruno (ugh, he has a bad case of bronchitis) and to all my beautiful boys (including you, Andre!), whom I've missed so much. Three weeks is a very long time away from family, and I'm so grateful to Andre for taking such good care of everyone so I could focus at work and be here doing something I love. I'm thankful to all the families in Rome who have wrapped their arms around our family and shown up to support us without even being asked. It's been such a beautiful reminder of the goodness and kindness in this world. And, I couldn’t be more excited to squeeze my babies when I get home. Get ready, boys...Mama is coming for you!

What I Ate My Last Two Weeks In LA

I know I mentioned it last week, but man, food and dining out in Los Angeles has gotten so expensive, even in just the last year since we've been away. This past week, I was very mindful of how I was spending money, as eating out daily really adds up. Instead, I opted for more affordable options, such as sushi to-go at Mitsuwa, tofu spring rolls from Whole Foods, and salads from Sweet Greens. But there were a few spots I did squeeze in over the last two weeks that definitely should be on your LA list next time you visit.

Fondry - every time I drove by this bakery and wanted to stop, the line was already down the entire parking lot, but luckily, my friend Shannon brought some pastries to the warehouse for all of us to eat! My favorite was the Almond Croissant.

Barra Santos - you probably know from my trip last December that I'm obsessed with this restaurant. I love it so much that I even recreated their endive salad to make it while I'm in Italy! Now, I will also try to recreate their charred cabbage with white beans, garlic butter, and Iberico ham. It's a perfect cozy winter dish.

Sonoratown - since it opened years ago in Downtown LA, Sonoratown has been one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. They make the most delicious, perfectly thin, yet chewy handmade tortillas.

Destroyer - I've been hearing about this Culver City spot for years, so I was excited to get a quick breakfast with my friend Kalyna on my last day in LA. They have the most incredible chewy corn cookie, the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The sweet potato waffle is also so satisfying, topped with tangy, braised kale and spicy pepper jam.

Kismet Rotisserie - The chefs behind Kismet nailed this concept. It's great for a group dinner when you want to avoid cooking but want something really tasty. The roast chicken, fluffy pita, creamy hummus, fennel tzatziki, tahini cabbage, schmaltzy potatoes, and pickled veggies are delish.

A Round Up Of Gifts for The Foodies

The holidays are fast approaching, so I compiled one final list of my favorite foodie gifts of the season. I know that any of these would bring a huge smile to my face and some of them already have!

andSons Chocolates - andSons is one of my favorite chocolate shops in Los Angeles. A family-owned company, they're known for their expertly crafted artisanal chocolates, where each bonbon is almost too beautiful to eat. With a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, their small-batch creations deliver big flavor and a true sense of craftsmanship. Whether it's their signature truffles or limited-edition bars, andSons consistently elevates the art of chocolate making. I love the recent chocolate box collaboration with the Huntington Library, featuring a selection of chocolates inspired by the museum's botanical gardens and art collections.

Baked by Sha Sha - After I had Bruno, Baked by Sha Sha's Lactation Cookies became something I couldn't live without while breastfeeding. I loved to keep batches of them in the freezer for easy snacking whenever I had a craving for a little something sweet. Made with the highest quality ingredients, these clean, cheat treats taste incredible and will keep you feeling great. This year's Holiday Cookie Box has various flavors, including Candy Cane S'mores, Santa's Milk & Cookies Latte, Gingerbread Molasses Crinkles, and Reindeer Chow. Cookie boxes are available for both local pick-up and shipping.

Rancho Gordo - I started using Rancho Gordo's beans years ago when I first started making big batches of pinto beans in my weekly meal prep. Their heirloom beans are the best I've ever tasted; they are sustainably grown and carefully harvested and full of flavor and unique texture. Their Fagioli Deluxe Gift is a delicious introduction box to the world and flavor of their heirloom beans, including Marcella, Royal Corona, Cranberry, and Black Garbanzo. Along with the assortment of beans, the box also includes a wonderful cookbook called Fagioli: The Bean Cuisine of Italy by Judith Barrett, published by Rancho Gordo Press.

Diaspora Co. - A spice company sourcing the finest single-origin spices from small, sustainable farms across India. Their commitment to ethical farming and paying farmers fair wages sets them apart as they bring vibrant, fresh, high-quality, aromatic spices into our kitchens. The Line Up Gift is bright and beautiful and an excellent set of their most popular spices, perfect for anyone who loves to cook.

Valleybrink Road - As a devoted foodie, I curate and sample all the artisan products we include in our gift boxes, ensuring that the items we carry are not only beautiful in packaging but also delicious in flavor. The Winter Wonderland Gift Box has been one of our best sellers this season and is filled with some of my favorite seasonal confections. From the decadent Extra Dark Hot Chocolate to the warming winter spice of the Ginger Bread chocolate bar, to the creamy Maple Caramels and the buttery Cacao Shortbread Cookies, it's the perfect gift to spread holiday cheer this season. And, now, through the end of the day tomorrow, 12/13/24, you can use code SHIPIT for free ground shipping on all Valleybrink Road Gifts.

New York Shuk - A company bringing the bold, aromatic flavors of the Middle East to kitchens around the world through their high-quality, small-batch spices and blends. I first fell in love with their Preserved Lemon Paste, which adds umami citrus flavor to anything you add it to, from salad dressings to marinades and rubs on chicken, fish, and beef. This holiday, they're offering a gift box of all their best-selling items, like their signature Harissa paste, preserved lemon paste, shawarma BBQ sauce, za'atar, sumac, and shawarma spice that would be a perfect addition to a cook's pantry.

Fly By Jing - I first started eating their Sichuan Chili Crisp on my fried eggs and crispy quinoa, and it quickly became one of my favorite condiments. The company, founded by Jing Gao, makes authentic, small-batch Chinese sauces and spices that are crafted to evoke the rich culinary traditions of the Sichuan region. The Sichuan Starter Gift Set includes all their signature flavors, including the Chili Crisp, Xtra Spicy Chili Crisp, Sweet & Spicy Zhong, and Chengdu Crunch.

Flamingo Estate - this California-based brand makes the most beautiful products, focusing on organic, sustainable ingredients often sourced from their own farm. Their elegant Chef's Kiss Box is a curated collection that includes signature products like their award-winning heritage extra virgin olive oil, California native wildflower honey, and their salsa macha chili crisp.

Share Barrett and The Boys

This & That

A cookbook is always a great gift. Here is a roundup of the 16 Best Cookbooks of 2024.
An interesting article by The Atlantic on how a federal policy in the 1980s created the modern food desert in America.