La La Land Dreams – Indulge Your Senses with Kate Berlant’s Ultimate LA Sunday
La La Land Dreams - Indulge Your Senses with Kate Berlant's Ultimate LA Sunday - Fuel Up on Avocado Toast at Gjusta in Venice
No LA Sunday is complete without a bit of refueling, and Gjusta in Venice is the perfect place to start your day. This airy, industrial-chic eatery and bakery offers an extensive breakfast and brunch menu filled with expertly prepared dishes. But their signature - and most beloved - item is the avocado toast.
Gjusta doesn't mess around when it comes to their avocado toast. They use thick-cut slices of their housemade sourdough bread and generously slather on a creamy hass avocado mash, then finish it off with flaky salt and Aleppo pepper. The result is a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite. The bread has just enough chew and the avocado is rich and velvety without being too soft or watery. And the dash of heat from the Aleppo pepper adds a lovely little kick to round it all out.
While the classic avocado toast is a must-try, Gjusta also offers an array of tempting toast toppings to satisfy any palette. You can opt for burrata and tomato during peak tomato season, smashed peas and ricotta in the springtime or even smoked salmon when you want something more savory. And their spreads and nut butters - almond mascarpone, pumpkin butter and more - allow you to get even more creative with your toast toppings.
Beyond the toast, almost everything on Gjusta's menu shines. Their baked goods, like the buttery croissants and cinnamon rolls, are simply sublime. The salads and grain bowls taste impossibly fresh. And while you may think a bakery can't pull off a proper fried chicken sandwich, Gjusta's version gives the quintessential LA chicken sandwich (and most standard bakeries) a run for its money.
Of course, it wouldn't be brunch in Venice without a proper coffee or espresso drink. Luckily, Gjusta has an entire coffee bar nestled right in the middle of the space. Their expert baristas can whip up everything from pour overs to cortados to matcha lattes. And their housemade almond milk and oat milk are rich and creamy, but not overly sweet.
The atmosphere at Gjusta also can't be beat. Sun streams in through the wall of windows overlooking Venice Blvd, grey concrete floors and exposed timber beams give it a chic industrial feel, and rows of fresh flowers and plants add pops of color everywhere. The large communal tables promote a lively but relaxed vibe where solo diners can easily strike up conversations. And the centralized coffee bar and deli stations make it feel like an active, energetic space.
What else is in this post?
- La La Land Dreams - Indulge Your Senses with Kate Berlant's Ultimate LA Sunday - Fuel Up on Avocado Toast at Gjusta in Venice
- La La Land Dreams - Indulge Your Senses with Kate Berlant's Ultimate LA Sunday - Wander the Whimsical Shops on Abbot Kinney
La La Land Dreams - Indulge Your Senses with Kate Berlant's Ultimate LA Sunday - Wander the Whimsical Shops on Abbot Kinney
After fueling up on avocado toast at Gjusta, head west to meander down Abbot Kinney Boulevard and wander through its whimsical shops and boutiques. With its charming storefronts, funky art galleries, and eclectic mix of retailers, Abbot Kinney offers the perfect opportunity to get your shopping fix while soaking up Venice's artsy, bohemian vibe.
You'll find everything from trendy fashion brands to exotic home goods as you stroll down this iconic street. Boutiques like Clare V. and CAP Beauty stock effortlessly chic clothing, accessories and beauty products that will make you want to revamp your entire wardrobe. Global-inspired shops like Burro carry colorful textiles, handcrafted ceramics and artisan wares that add global flair to any space. And independent book stores like Small World Books house extensive collections of books across every genre, plus you may even stumble upon a poetry reading or author event during your visit.
Beyond the curated selection of upscale retailers, it's the creative spirit of Abbot Kinney that makes it such an alluring destination. Take in the street art murals splashed across building facades that reflect Venice's artistic soul. Pop into one of the many galleries, like FIG Gallery or Topless Gallery, to view stunning works by local artists and sculptors. Or simply people watch as you walk by - you're sure to see an eclectic mix of characters that embody the free-spirited vibe Venice is known for.
You can also count on finding several restaurants, cafes and eateries tempting you as you explore Abbot Kinney. Grab an iced matcha latte as you thumb through design books at mona moore gallery's shop, or stop for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and a glass of natural wine at The Arthur J to refuel as you go. Places like Gjelina Take Away and Great White offer sidewalk seating that's perfect for an impromptu picnic with ocean views.
Shopping on Abbot Kinney is never rushed - it's meant to be a leisurely day of discovery and inspiration as you uncover little gems behind each storefront. Don't be surprised if you stumble upon hidden art installations, peek at craftspeople honing their trade or have a thought-provoking conversation with a local shopkeeper. It's these little moments woven throughout a day on Abbot Kinney that make it such a magical place to explore.