SUPPER CLUB resources
The Supper Club Issue #3: Summer 2026
Summer 2026 Curated LisT
Asia White’s: “Stripmall spots are the backbone of LA’s culinary scene and I’ll die on that hill. Here's just a taste of my favorite stripmall gems.”
Cafes - Jonnie
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I am by no means cheesecake's biggest fan. I prefer my desserts frozen. But anytime someone tells me their favorite dessert is cheesecake, I make a mental note.
My love language is gift-giving, so when the cheesecake lover in my life needs a little pick-me-up, I’m at Harriet's.
A Black-owned Inglewood staple since the '80s, Harriet's has earned its reputation. Crowd favorites include raspberry, cookies and cream, and Kahlua chocolate. Even as a cheesecake skeptic, I get the hype.
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You can throw a rock anywhere in this city and hit a pho spot, especially in the SGV. Most of the pho we eat in LA is southern-style, which has never done me wrong.
But northern-style pho is just more my style. The broth is clean, and more savory, and the noodles are wider. Pho Ngoon is my go-to for northern Vietnamese comfort food.
If piping hot soup isn't your summer vibe, order the nem cua be—crispy crab-filled egg rolls that are insanely perfect with an ice-cold jasmine tea. My mouth is watering.
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This is definitely not a “hidden gem”. The place stays packed no matter what day of the week you show up.
Most people come for the bossam—tender boiled pork served with all kinds of punchy, pickled, spicy accompaniments. It's fabulous, especially shared with friends on a warm summer evening.
But the Dak Kalguksu is what keeps me coming back.
A deeply savory anchovy broth, thick chewy noodles, tender root veggies and a whole chicken. It's technically meant for sharing, but somehow there's never enough broth. If they sold it by the gallon, I'd buy it.
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For some reason, this city has a war on lunch. Outside of corporate slop bowls and fast(er) food, delicious and affordable lunch options are kinda hard to come by.
That's where Borjstar enters the chat.
The shawarma makes for the perfect handheld lunch, but my personal favorite is the rotisserie chicken with extra pita to sop up all those glorious juices. Simple and super satisfying.
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I always need a little something sweet after a meal, and Sweet Rice always comes to mind.
A small-ish Thai breakfast spot, tucked away in the back corner of Gardena’s Honda Plaza. You walk in and chances are you'll see a no-nonsense Thai auntie meticulously slicing perfectly ripe mangoes for the day's orders.
Whether I'm there for my favorite duck noodle soup or just leaving the grocery store next door, I am 100% not leaving that strip mall without an order of mango sticky rice.
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This city loves a breakfast burrito. I do not.
Give me guisados, rice, beans, fresh-made tortillas, and fifty-eleven salsas, pickles, and toppings instead.
Asadero Chikali has seen me many, many times. I wish I had something more profound to say about it, but I don't. It's simple, delicious food made by somebody's family member, and it's ten minutes from my house.
What more could I ask for?
Actually, better parking. That's my one complaint. Somebody needs to do something about that dentist office and the chokehold they have over that parking lot.
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This might be the ultimate Russian doll food spot: a tiny café inside a bookstore, inside a grocery store, inside a strip mall.
Truthfully, I'm not even sure what it's called or if it has a name at all—and I've been going there since middle school. What I do know is that they serve the best matcha soft serve in Los Angeles.
The balance of earthy matcha and sweet cream is flawless. Toppings aren't required, but they're highly encouraged. I always get red bean and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
I know how that sounds. Trust me. 10/10
In fact, I may have just influenced myself into going after I finish writing this.
Summer 2026 recipe card
Chef Collin’s
KOREAN MARINATED EGGS
The Supper Club Issue #2: Spring 2026
Spring 2026 Curated LisT
HoFoCo's Sustainable Picks: a curated list by HoFoCo Exchange Team
Proof Bakery - Jonnie
Cafes - Jonnie
As a baker, Proof looms large in my life as a bakery who is really killin' the game! They make cakes, pastries, sandwiches, biscuits, and beverages all on a seasonally rotating menu. Their creations are incredibly delicious (my partner and I have a standing Proof morning date every Sunday) but what really makes me love them even more is that they are a worker owned co-op dedicated to a vision of a more sustainable restaurant industry centered around supporting workers, farmers, and their local community. To top it all off, Proof became a donor last year and not only do they drop off delicious leftover pastries (with the intention of us getting said pastries in a timely enough manner to distribute them at their peak freshness and quality), but they also participated in Giving Tuesday and volunteer at our kitchen quarterly!
Oh, and I love their Hojicha latte, their cheese sandwiches with seasonal produce (currently strawberries!), and their passion fruit tarts!
THRIFTING - Pilar
Pilar is known to be one of the most fashionable staff at the Hollywood Food Coalition! We always love the amazing pieces she wears, and anytime we ask her where she got it, she smiles and says she thrifted it!
Here are her three favorite thrifts that have great stuff at affordable prices:
St. Vincent de Paul in Lincoln Height
Out of the Closet in Glassell Park
The Salvation Army Boutique in Pasadena
Griffith Park - Joey
Access to nature in LA proper can be immensely difficult unless you live near the ocean. Finding a good trail within the city can be an even bigger challenge, but Griffith Park is the single best place to experience both. With over 50 miles of trails, it is one of America’s largest urban parks.
One of my favorite hikes, especially if you’re hoping to spot California quail bopping around, is the Skyline Trail. It begins with a steep climb, but after a bit of hard work, the trail transitions into a rolling path. Once in the rolling section, you rewarded with a constant panoramic view of the Valley stretching across the foreground and the San Gabriel Mountains powerfully looming in the background. Go hike in Griffith Park. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s fun.
SPRING 2026 recipe card
NINA ANGELO’s
RISOTTO CONGEE
The Supper Club Issue #1: Winter 2026
Winter 2026 Curated LisT
HoFoCo's COzy’s Picks: a curated list by HoFoCo DEVELOPMENT Team
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Right near our Dinner program, this LA classic has the perfect retro feel. A PB&J milkshake post film at the Los Feliz 3 is just what the doctor ordered. Plus, they have great breakfast deals before 10 am! Learn more ➞
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You must go for the delightful tiramisu, but if you’re craving a cozy, home-made pasta meal, anything on the first course menu will remind you of Italy Learn more ➞
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While part of the seating is outside, Azizam feels like you’re in a special, cozy corner of Los Angeles. You’ll love anything on the menu, but the Ash-e-Jo (barley soup), is really all you need to brave the LA cold (hey! Sometimes it gets cold). You’ll leave feeling nourished and content. Learn more ➞
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This spot feels so LA to me. It's somehow always packed and always has a table open. The tofu is made in house which makes it really special and flavorful. My order is the Kimchi Tofu Soup and the Galbi Short Ribs. Their banchan is really reeeeaalllyyy good too!! Learn more ➞
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Located in one of Pasadena’s oldest bookstores, this wine bar lets you cozy up with your most recent purchase and sip on a Merlot. With a good selection of finger foods and wine flights, The 1984 is perfect to bring a date to. You can browse to your heart’s content and follow it up with a glass of wine! Learn more ➞
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Larchmont Wine and Cheese is the perfect place to get all the needed essentials for your upcoming cozy night. Grab the monthly recommended bottle of wine, an array of cheese and fancy crackers, and if you’re willing to wait in the line, a sandwich in the back. Learn more ➞
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Flaky croissants, delicious cookies and a sunny patio to enjoy them on. And this bakery has vegan pastries! Who could ask for more? Baker’s Bench is nestled in a tiny corner of Angeleno Heights, near Chinatown, with a lovely neighboring cohort of other restaurants and cafes to try. It’s super hidden, so keep your eyes peeled. Learn more ➞
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Liu’s Cafe deserves all the hype that it has been receiving. I describe the Chicken Rice as home in a bowl; it is so soothing and warming. You cannot miss the noodles, and if it’s open head next door for their creamery with awesome and unique ice cream flavors. Learn more ➞
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Chef Yonette is one of the warmest, wisest and skilled chefs out there. She brings a sense of home to folks through her flavorful cooking. Her spice blends, pastry, drinks, desserts are all made from scratch. This is a family run spot full of so much love. Everything there is truly incredible but my favorites are: oxtail with roti (and a side of oxtail gravy), beef patties, veggie patties, Guyanese patties, doubles (special), currant roll, soursop juice! Learn more ➞
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Worth standing in line for over an hour in the pouring rain (it rains once a year in LA and that’s when I decided to go!) for the absolute best croissants in the city. Savory or sweet, you can’t go wrong, but the classic is just out of this world. Three thumbs up!
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I've been going here since I was a little kid. The sweetest family owns and runs it-- Mama Yuca (who recently passed away) and her daughters have built something really special that has lasted generations. Their incredible cooks make beautiful Yucatan food in a little hut on Hillhurst. My favorite things: carne Asada Burrito, Cochinita Pubil Burrito, Steak Sandwich with Chopped Steak, Burger, Cup of Beans.
*Hot tip-- if you want to try some other incredible Cochinita Pubil in LA, head to Flor de Yucatan for their tacos!! And sweets!
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A tea cafe that makes you feel like there truly are hidden gems in Los Angeles you want to gatekeep. It’s a cozy spot to spend time chatting with your friends, going on a date in the evening (when it becomes a bar), or catching up on your Goodreads reading goal. And if you are feeling ceremonial, try their tea tasting where you get to choose the special cup you want to drink from. Learn more ➞
Winter 2026 recipe cards
CHEF COLLIN’S
PRESERVED WINTER CITRUS
CHEF COLLIN’S
PRESERVED LEMON GREMOLATA