One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new and previously unknown eateries along the way. Below I’m highlighting our favorite meals from our 2023 California road trip that was just as much a culinary journey for us as a land voyage.
Esco’s Pizza
Located on 615 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 in the Melrose district and just a couple of miles from the bustling Hollywood blvd sits a colorful and delicious pizzeria.
We loved the relaxed vibe here as much as the food. The workers were enjoyable and patient and the clientele were laid-back and quiet; no one seemed in a rush.
The pizzaiolo behind the counter assisted me as I perused the prepared pizzas in the display case. He explained the different options and made suggestions while I tried to make up my mind. He highly recommended the 4-cheese pizza, explaining that it was a house specialty and a favorite of reviewers, but succumbing to decision fatigue at the end of a busy day, we ultimately decided on the safe, traditional options of sausage and pepperoni, as well as an order of garlic knots. While I was paying, I playfully warned him not to be surprised if I was back in 10 minutes to also buy the 4-cheese, and he laughed and we carried on completing the order.
The slices were visually appealing, spilling over the size of the paper plates, and clean, free from the greasy bottoms that commonly cause unwanted sogginess.
As we sat outside in the comfortable, sunny California weather enjoying our meal, the pizzaiolo emerged from the restaurant and surprised us with a slice of the 4-cheese pizza on-the-house. We were elated at the hospitality, and he was right—it was phenomenal!
San Diego Zoo Sandwich Co.
This casual eatery is located on Front Street just as you enter the zoo and was the surprise treat of the trip!
We’d always heard glowing reviews of the San Diego zoo, so our expectations for the visit were already high, but we didn’t expect to be blown away by food. Truth be told, our ‘quick stop’ at a sandwich shop was originally intended to appease my growing hanger before walking around the zoo all day, but it quickly became one of our favorite meals of the trip.
Initially, the girls simply picked up snack boxes of carrot sticks, celery, and ranch, but then ordered bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches substituting english muffins for bagels at my urging. They had actually never eaten english muffins before but declared that breakfast sandwich the best they’d ever eaten. I just have to take their word for it; they gobbled them up before I had a chance to ask for a bite.
It’s also important to mention how fresh all of the ingredients were! The vegetables were vibrant in color and crisp with a satisfying crunch. The accompanying ranch dip was creamy with just the right balance of dill and mayo and they’re still gushing over that flavor. We’d love to know where they get it; we want some at home!
I went with the Avocado Toast, because when in Cali as an aging Millennial, right? It did not disappoint!
The avocado was a beautiful light green with a creamy texture and earthy taste that I’ve never had before in an avocado. The balsamic glaze was thicker than common and had a delicious, sweet, tangy taste that contrasted with the grassy flavor of the avocado beautifully.
I have been trying my best to recreate it since we got back and it just doesn’t compare. The ingredients make all the difference. Well done!
San Diego Zoo Sandwich Co. Menu
::disclaimer::
this is my attempt at recreation, not the original meal, which I devoured too quickly to get a photo of. Also, I took some artistic license here and added an egg.
The Lab Collaborative
Just a short walk from the Oceanside Boardwalk this dining hotspot offered creative and distinctive culinary creations.
We meandered there in search of a light breakfast while on a leisurely morning stroll by the shore. The atmosphere was friendly, welcoming, and upscale casual. We were traveling with a furry canine friend so we chose to sit on the patio.
To begin, I ordered the Forager’s Friend, the only specialty coffee beverage that didn’t hint at the ingredients which, of course, made me curious. Turns out it was a rosemary and lavender latte, a unique choice for coffee, but I love trying new things and I enjoy both of those ingredients so I gave it a try. It was noticeably coffee, subtly complemented by the floral flavors, and had a light and airy taste. We loved it, even ordering another one to-go before we left.
The Housemade Raspberry Breakfast Biscuit was another innovative treat. When it arrived at the table it looked like a cake, but had the consistency of a fluffy biscuit, flavoring of a blueberry muffin and raspberry icing that was more like an icing glaze.
Other items we tried included the chicken and waffles, overnight oats, and blueberry muffin, and we were pleased with it all.
The Lab Collaborative Oceanside Menu
Tin Fish Oceanside
Before we left to head home we searched for a seafood eatery with top reviews and were fortunate to find this Oceanside eatery, located just off the entrance to the pier.
I always love a good fruit bowl and had to try one by the beach. We ordered a Pitaya Bowl called ‘Pina Colada’ and an Acai bowl – both with added granola and peanut butter – and were blown away by the freshness and mingling flavors of the treats we got at this boardwalk shop.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the clam chowder, as it contained more potatoes than clams, but I also wasn’t dissatisfied.
The girls, however, raved about their jumbo shrimp and popcorn shrimp choices, even urging me to take a small bite, which can be a dangerous offering as I’m known to take what they affectionately call “mommy bites” where I try to fit every flavor in a single, usually large bite because I know I won’t get another chance.
I was good and just took a tiny bite for taste, confirming that they were indeed correct.
Honorable Mention: Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World of Universal Studios Hollywood, which I previously wrote about in my review of our visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
This meal receives an honorable mention for a couple of reasons. 1. Because it’s within a sub-theme park of a theme park and not easily accessible, and 2. because while not all of the food was noteworthy, “the seasoning and perfect crispness of the truffle french fries are reason enough to purchase a universal ticket, wake up early, stand in lines, and plan your whole day around.” The mushroom burger and whimsical atmosphere also made this meal a delight.
While Oklahoma has our own locally-loved specialties, the consistent freshness of the food we enjoyed in California stood out in distinct contrast to the offerings of the landlocked Southern Plains, making our journey a palatable excursion.
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