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CentralCal
HOTSPOT
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Good morning California: Get more out of life by starting the day with a fresh cup of coffee
s fun as sit-down Arestaurants are, nothing beats a simple meal at a local café. One of those gems that I had the pleasure of visiting was Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe, just one of many small, organic restaurants in town that aim to serve healthy, local and organic coffee shop |by Sally Loo| goods to the railroad district and greater San Luis Obispo area. Located at 1804 Osos St., Sally Loo’s is near a railroad station and across the street from Thai and Vietnamese restaurants. As a Bay Area native, it looked familiar to the quirky San Francisco sidewalk cafés that I had come to know so well. With eccentric touches of color on its exterior, piles of books and mismatched furniture, this coffee shop was the perfect place to spend a re-
color on its exterior, piles of books and mismatched furniture, this coffee shop was the perfect place to spend a relaxing Friday afternoon. For any college student, proximity and quality are top priorities when considering where to eat. At Sally Loo’s, both of those requirements are fulfilled effortlessly because of its close location to the Downtown Transit Center and the hard work put into each dish. With just a five-minute walk from the bus stop on Osos Street, this restaurant is easily accessible for those who don’t mind the distance and are in the mood for satisfying-yet-affordable comfort food. Because they serve so many different items, it was hard to pick just one thing to eat. It would take me weeks to attempt to dine through the entire menu of fancy dishes of
things to eat. It would take me weeks to attempt to dine through the entire menu, so I knew my choices had to count. I ended up ordering a small iced caramel latte and a sandwich humorously nicknamed the “killer grilled cheese,” with the total coming out to just a little less than $15. I received my drink quickly and sat down at a small table in the middle of the restaurant to await my fancy grilled cheese . As I looked around, I noticed that because of the small interior, Sally Loo’s has an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for hangouts, a quick snack or even studying. Students with coffee in hand and open laptops took up much of the restaurant. It is perfect for hangouts, a quick snack or even studying. Students with coffee in hand and open laptops took up much of the restaurant.
foodie magazine | 7
Photo by Hanna Iazzetta It is perfect for hangouts, a quick snack or even studying. Students with coffee in hand and open laptops took up much of the restaurant. I took my first sip of the iced caramel latte and enjoyed the refreshing contrast to the warm weather outside. There was just the right amount of ice in the cup — not too watered down. All it needed was a little stirring to bring out the delicious caramel and coffee flavor. My waiter arrived shortly after with my grilled cheese sandwich, conveniently cut in half and paired with a small side salad. The various cheeses in the sandwich included mozzarella, raw cheddar and Brie, all melted together into a delicious medley that oozed out from between the two pieces of crisp sourdough bread that foodie magazine | 8
melted together into a delicious medley that oozed out from between the two pieces of crisp sourdough bread.
“I immediately fell in love with this dish, not just because of my cheese obsession, but also because of the intense flavor in every bite.” | Sam Saucer, CP Student |
The sandwich was accented with just the right amount of pesto and garlic aioli, tying it together nicely. My first bite into the sandwich was delightfully crunchy, leaving my fingers oily and smelling just a little bit like fries. The firm bread
me feeling bloated after finishing off both halves. Although it was not the healthiest choice on the menu, it was definitely not a regretful experience — especially for a cheese lover like me. One of my favorite parts of Sally Loo’s is the rustic interior design and many knickknacks that adorn the establishment. The menu itself is merely a roll of brown paper hung from the ceiling that features many of the items that can be ordered for breakfast, lunch or dinner The seats in the restaurant also add a certain personality, with some of them being merely “up-cycled” theater seats and worn. vintage red leather chairs. Even the minute details such as the font used for the drinks menu and the ornate frames surrounding them bring about a classier feel to the restaurant.
“I can tell that I’ll be a frequent visitor of Sally Loo’s in my next few years at Cal Poly because of its friendly atmosphere, cozy appeal and tantalizingly good food. I can’t wait until the next time I come back with my study materials or a friend to justify spending more time here.” |Bryce Smith|
Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe 1804 Osos Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 545-5895
sallyloos.com Hours: Tues – Sun
6:30am – 6:30pm
yummy cafe of the week:
Urth Cafe is a tourist landmark in the Los Angeles Area, known for it’s organic food and relaxing ambiance. It tends to be droded, especially at lunch time. If you aren’t feeling the crowds and want a quick togo meal, see MORE LA HOTSPOTS on the next page. Poach Di Parma (below)
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Organic green tea boba is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. It is refreshing and perfect for a sunny day.
Photo by Hanna Iazzetta foodie magazine | 9
SoCal
MORE LA HOTSPOTS: On the North Side: Coffee Commissary
HOTSPOT
his Fairfax storefront is a favorite neighborhood meeting spot for locals who laze on the patio and coffee nerds who drop in for single-origin pour-overs and cold brews from a rotating roster of roasters such as Sightglass Coffee, Coava Coffee and Victrola Coffee Roasters. Writers also drop in (and stay) with their laptops at one of the few tables—be prepared to stake out seating—inside the industrial, minimalist space. Refuel with homemade chai tea and house-baked treats from salted caramel rice crispy bars and granola.
On the West Side: Espresso Profeta
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Reenergize your afternoon with a friend and a latte |Jerry Jones| rth Caffé is an organic coffee company that exclusively carries its own brand of premium, fresh roasted whole bean organic coffee, and hand selected fine teas sold under strict quality and ethical standards. Urth Caffé organic coffees and fine teas can be discovered online, via mail order, in fine restaurants and Urth Caffé locations in Los Angeles. Certified organic for the Urth means grown 100% chemical free. Only a handful of the world’s premiere, certified organically grown coffee beans can produce the flavor, richness, and aroma that make Urth Caffé’s organic coffees stand out from traditionally grown coffees. Urth Caffé’s organic coffee standards are unmatched nationwide.
offee nerds and the Portlandia set rejoice as Seattle’s Espresso Vivace lands in LA, namely in Westwood Village. Expect to see fewer UCLA students and more young professionals and a hip, coffee-loving crowd geeking out on perfectly pulled espresso shots. Wifi is free but there are no outlets, so come fully charged (on your laptop, that is). The idyllic, ivyfilled patio is inspiring and the small list of pastries and breakfast items—we love the almond butter and jam on brioche—satisfying. Try the Café Nico and make sure you get your name in their computer to rack up free shots.
Eat on, California. foodie magazine | 10