L.A. Youth restaurant review: Auntie Em’s Kitchen

I ordered an asparagus sandwich, which was HUGE (not just huge) that had stir-fried asparagus, caramelized onions, cheese and lettuce on a large French roll. It was delicious—warm, slightly crunchy, with the perfect balance of sweet onion and bitter asparagus. My mom ordered a vegetable quiche, my dad a lavish salad. All of the dishes seemed to be breakfast or lunch entrees, such as salads, sandwiches, roasted vegetables and soups. They also had baked goods: cupcakes, muffins, scones, cakes and pies. For dessert, my mom and I shared a coconut cupcake that had to have been larger than a softball. Half of it was sweet vanilla frosting, the other half cake, which tasted like and had the consistency of a soft macaroon. It was simply a wonderful cupcake—the kind of cupcake that would make anyone smile, even if they hadn’t taken a bite out of it yet.
   
While eating, I had the opportunity to look around the restaurant. Walking inside gave me the feeling that I had just walked into a very whimsical house. All the walls were painted different bright colors, and the tables were clustered near windows, as though drawn to the soft light. Next to a small countertop was a large tempting glass case full of cupcakes of all colors and sizes. A young man with long hair, skinny jeans and a hoodie took our order at the counter, and then we sat ourselves at a large table next to the largest window. Gazing around, I had the chance to take in the reused Coca-Cola bottle holding syrup and the large basket of random utensils on our table. The menu was scribbled with colorful chalk on a number of green boards hung around the building, which gave an air of spontaneity, as though the cooks had decided what they were going to make earlier that morning. Auntie Em’s Kitchen’s overall vibe was that of a group of indie kids who decided one day, “Hey, how about we start a restaurant?” and with creativity and determination, accomplished a perfect example of just that.

Auntie Em’s Kitchen was one of the best restaurants I have ever set foot in. It had a very personal, yet hip and eccentric feel to it. The funky recipes were well prepared, delicious and affordable. All of the entrees cost about $10 each, despite whether you ordered a salad, sandwich or soup, and cupcakes cost $3.50 each. Even though I don’t live anywhere near Eagle Rock, I would force my friends to drive all the way out there just to have another cupcake (so they can try them too!) So, if you’re looking for a delightful place to eat, look no farther than Auntie Em’s Kitchen.