Lemonade (Abbot Kinney)

Lemonade is a gourmet cafeteria that’s popping up around LA’s (the yuppie area) recently. The Abbot Kinney location is my frequent lunch spot as it’s close to my work place. This place sounds great in concept already, but it’s the varieties and quality that’d

The moment you walk in, you’d be lining up along rows of colorful, overwhelming selections of salad and sides. 1st timer might get intimidated. What they didn’t specified on the chalk board is that you can split a 1 portion order into two halves (so you can try different flavors).

The order line goes in this order: Salad -> Sandwich -> Entree -> Soup + Bread -> Dessert -> Drinks. It’s a little odd that they put the soup toward the end, decision wise. Though it makes sense that people don’t have to carry their soup all the way down the order line.

Here’s a small sample of what Joan and I have ate:

The white pearly sides is the Israeli Couscous, Wild Mushrooms, Parmesan, Truffle Vinaigrette. After multiple visits, it has become my absolute must-get. Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic can taste very vinegar-y and strong. The entree is Lemongrass Chicken with Ginger and Orange, tasty though the chicken is cooked as tender as I like (plus I prefer dark meat).

Seared Ahi Tuna, Whole Citrus Ponzu with a half/half sides of Cauliflower, Golden Raisins, Almonds, Curry.  Braised Cabbage, Apple, Goat Cheese. This is around $10.

Beets, Pickled Red Onions, Hazelnut Vinaigrette. A very yummy Spaghetti Salad and quinoa of the day.

The couscous again, and the Quinoa, Cucumber, Radish, Ginger Orange Vinaigrette. Butternut Squash soup with a bread (toasted after you made the order).

Everything on their menu sounds interesting and taste different, you’d feel like a kid in a candy store. Other than their long menu items, there’re daily specials as well. They also have interesting drinks, such as the cooling cucumber mint lemonade.

Lemonade
1661 Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Los Angeles, CA 90291

Tags: Cafeteria, Deli, Salad