Forrest Gump was right when he said that life is like a box of chocolates- you sure never know what you’re going to get. One day you’re on top of the world, going places, cramming your schedule from dawn to dusk… next thing you know- BAM! You have a dislocated shoulder, some torn ligaments and you are immediately sentenced to weeks of nothingness. Well, it doesn’t have to be that dramatic, but regardless of the circumstances- physical or emotional- you could suddenly find yourself unable to go out and carry on with your normal lifestyle… drastic situations can affect us emotionally, that’s when chocolate and baked goodies come to place.
Home sweet home
Whether you’re recovering from a physical injury or a broken heart, nothing mends wounds better than a chocolate chip cookie- not Vicodin, not Xanax, but a cookie.
Sometimes Chips Ahoy are not enough, and most of those “mall cookies” are rather bland and mushy. So what to do when you’re craving some good home-made, scrumptious, high-quality cookies? Do-it-yourself is definitely out of the question since very few people nowadays are into baking, the next and probably best alternative is to give the folks at “Cookie Casa” a ring.
“Cookie Casa” specializes in baked goods, but as the name affirms, cookies are their main forte. Unlike other bakeries and cookie joints, “Cookie Casa” separates itself from the rest by being a delivery-only establishment.
“Mi cookie es su cookie”
While their motto is rather cheesy, their cookies are not. Everything is made from scratch and their not-so-secret cookie ingredient makes these cookies so tasty and memorable- and totally worth the price.
At $16 bucks per dozen, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. You can choose from the classic chocolate chip cookies, chocolate fudge cookies, chocolate peanut butter cookies, molasses ginger cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and rocky road cookies.
“Cookie Casa” also has other baked goodies like brownies, Spanish Roscos, and various bars; however, if you’re going to give “Cookie Casa” a try, go for the cookies. They’re out of this world- fresh, sweet enough, moist, and oh-so-yummy. Chocolate chip cookies a la puerta de tu casa… enough to brighten the day of the meanest grinch. To order call 310.922.6396 or visit www.cookiecasa.com
Joan’s On Third: House of cupcake
Ahora, si después de comerte más de una docena de galletas you feel like you still need a boost, o simplemente eres golos@, los cupcakes de “Joan’s On Third” will be enough to put you on a diabetic coma.
Los Angeles has been going through a “cupcake craze”- there are many joints specializing on these baked goodies so there’s plenty to choose from. However, when it comes to cupcakes perhaps the most popular and with highest demand is “Sprinkles”.
Although their cupcakes are good (and endorsed by Oprah)- they’re on the pricey side and their mass production takes away from the final product. Yes, they’re good… BUT if you want out-of-this-world cupcakes, head over to “Joan’s On Third”, where they put to shame all the cupcake bakeries in town.
Hit-and-run
Before heading over to “Joan’s On Third” you have to know that it is not a bakery or a place that focuses only on pastries and desserts. Instead you’ll find a deli-style kind of joint.
Going inside “Joan’s On Third” can be a tad hectic and overwhelming. The place is packed to full capacity and people keep arriving by the minute- so, it’s better to get all your shiz to go- unfortunately they don’t deliver so you’ll have to deal with the crowd and the terrible parking situation.
Aside from that, the cupcakes are worth the hassle. They’re almost sinful- after every bite I can almost hear a monjita telling me que me voy a ir al infierno for eating such a decadent treat.
One of the chocolate cupcakes I tried was beyond belief- not only was it deliciously moist, but it also had a hint of dark chocolate and a marshmallow cream filling that made me order a couple more and then some to-go. The vanilla cupcakes with raspberry filling are also outstanding.
Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth and your lombrices, go ahead and try one of their sandwiches… the tarragon chicken sandwich is a must, but no matter which kind of sandwich you order your taste buds will have a feast- it’s all on the cheese they use. “Joan’s On Third” is definitely an L.A. gem, hurry before the crowd or Oprah ruin it.
Joan’s On Third8350 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323.655.2285
