Los Angeles - November 16, 2009

To Market, to Market

The Mercantile Market and Cafe Opens

Susiekins,

Do Grandma a favor and pick up a few things at The Mercantile, nice Mr. George Abou-Daoud’s sweet new market/cafe/wine bar. You’ll recognize him from The Bowery, Delancey, or one of his places the kids go. (He designed them all, you know.)

1. Black winter truffle peelings. They’re below the house-made preserves, next to the fancy pickles, to the right of the oils and vinegars.

2. A hunk of Limburger or whatever they pull out of that looker of a cheese case.

3. A pound of pork belly from the butcher. Ask after the house’s sausage and terrines, too.

4. A bottle of St. Innocent or Lucien Crochet. I had half-glasses (or maybe carafes?) there once. Grab a Fentimans Shandy for yourself.

5. A butterscotch bar, a canelé, and a scoop of homemade ice cream — say, buttermilk.

If there’s trouble (or you can’t reach the yuzu) chef Kris Morningstar or his right hand, Kevin Napier, can help. We’ll try their comfort foodie lunch and dinner menu soon.

Now, Granny’s got a date with the ponies but will be home by supper.

So be a good girl and run along.

The Mercantile, 6600 West Sunset Boulevard, at Seward Avenue, Hollywood (323-962-8202 or themercantilela.com).