Summer Trippin': Where to go and what to do from coast to coast

November 14, 2008

Wood If You Could

The Wood Cafe Opens

Pluots. Peacharines. Broccoflowers. The farmers market has produced some funky combos.

But none so tasty as new brek and lunch spot The Wood, a partnership between Demetrios Mavromichalis (Venice Grind) and Laurent Triqueneaux (Cafe Laurent). The pair met at their neighborhood market and share an obsession with unpretentious, locally sourced food.

Go early morning for fair-trade lattes and whole-wheat croissants, linger over French-style French toast (made with brioche and soaked in butter overnight), or avoid the office entirely (there’s Wi-Fi) to eat salads and sammies under the Shepard Fairey pop art prints all day.

Everything from the bread (baked on the hour) to the free-range eggs (from the chef’s own chickens) is made with care, so it’s hard not to be charmed.

Unless, of course, you’re a freak of nature.

The Wood, 12000 West Washington Boulevard, at Inglewood Boulevard (310-915-9663 or thewoodcafe.com).