Author: Rebecca Rodriguez
Nearly all of us have experienced the monotony of campus dining. In comparison to other colleges, Occidental College does have a great variety of food, but week after week it gets tiring to choose between “home-style” and “grill” cuisine. I was, therefore, very much looking forward to going out to Elf Café for my roommate’s birthday.
Elf Café is quietly situated on 2135 West Sunset Blvd (cross street Alvarado) in Echo Park. Though from afar, Elf blends in with the industrialized worn down buildings surrounding it, the restaurant truly stands out with its great food and modern ambiance.
Opened in 2006, the restaurant specializes in Vegetarian Mediterranean cuisine. The talented chefs at Elf have successfully created a menu that satisfies hunger without the incorporation of meat or heavy foods. Elf’s vegetarian cuisine is unique and gourmet but still at a reasonable price; appetizers fall at about $10 and main courses average at about $16.
Elf’s decor is simple, modern, minimalist and unique. The lighting inside is dark and comfortable, and the closely situated tables furnished with candles all make for a delightful dinner. The restaurant is an attractive dining spot for those in search of something new and interesting. Though Elf’s interior is humble and intimate, there is also a distinct bohemian atmosphere in the café as most of the diners are dressed in hip, urban fashion. The café also attracts celebrities such as actresses Alicia Silverstone and Natalie Portman.
Once you are seated, the aroma of the different dishes permeates the air and awakens your taste buds. From the different tables you have a good view of the open kitchen and a chance to see the chefs at work preparing the different meals. If you sit at the bar, you are directly in front of the kitchen and even get a chance to talk to the chefs who are more than happy to engage in conversation. The small size of the kitchen just adds to the restaurant’s intimate aura.
At the recommendation of the chef, we started with a refreshingly delicious avocado and tahini puree dip, as well as a creamy, tangy goat cheese, each served with pita bread. The next item was a Greek salad. However, this was not the conventional Greek salad with crumbled feta cheese and bland dressing. This salad was ornately served with two blocks of fresh feta cheese on top of the lettuce, olives and tomatoes. The rich tangy dressing collected at the bottom of the bowl and was absorbed by the olives and tomatoes, making them taste juicier. The richness of the cheeses in each dish served were different enough, yet similar enough that each item could compliment the other. We were creative and decided to add the tomatoes and feta with the pita bread and other items.
The appetizers were incredible – simple yet absolutely delicious. I was so pleased with the meal even before the main course arrived. There were no words to fully describe the deliciousness of Elf’s signature dish: the puff pastries and crepes. Of the two puff pastries we ordered, one was stuffed with potatoes and goat cheese, and the other was stuffed with red peppers and mozzarella. The crispy pastry filled with hot stuffing was light, but still satisfied an appetite. The crepe, with cooked spinach and melted cheese, was the perfect option for sharing.
The beverages served were non-alcoholic, but Elf allows diners to bring their own alcohol for a corkage fee of five dollars. The non-alcoholic drinks included refreshing rose water lemonade, an assortment of teas and several other delicious organic beverage options. Although some of the offerings might seem ambitious or bizarre, the food and drinks were simply delectable. One even forgets that they are eating vegetarian.
Conveniently nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Elf Café is a restaurant with so much to offer. The ambiance is astounding, the food beyond perfection. For whatever occasion, Elf Café is the quintessential restaurant for eating a healthy, delicious and expertly crafted meal that will leave you satisfied.
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