Please forgive the truncated nature of this review. Thing is I couldn't bear to put my fork down to write.

They kept saying Culver City was exploding but I couldn't seem to feel the aftershocks. I like Beacon quite a bit and Ford's is fun for happy hour, but enough to pull me from my unabashed Beverly and barely beyond bubble? Culver was going to have to get crazy like that.

And then a little thing called Akasha happened. In addition to quickly becoming a cornerstone of Culver City's dining scape, Chef Akasha Richmond just might be the accidental arbiter of green eating, sustainable selectivity, and a "come carnivore, come herbivore, or come for comfort food" comeuppance. Whether you're already mad for mung or just looking to put some green in your scene, congregate. More than a nod to organic allegiance, this is a place to come and pledge yours. All over a steaming skillet of organic mac and cheddar.

Expect to be welcomed by a whirling waft of caramelized sugar. Graduated platters of strawberry coffee cake, lavender shortbread, and raspberry butter cake, displayed in meticulous abundance crown the glorious bakery. Behind the assembly of artisan delights expands the winding limestone bar; where colossal chalkboards anchor a library of vintages and a sundance of organic spirits. Not a single organic leather barstool was open, or would be for the duration of our evening. The place was officially on fire.

Once seated, a thirty grain (I made that up - are there thirty grains?) mini-loaf of bread was placed before us. We proceeded to devour it challah style. Looking around the room my far more civilized accompanying diners were daintily severing their loaves one slice at a time. I recommend our way. Dig in people. It's just so good.

Begin with the Akasha (42 Below Kiwifruit Vodka, Organic Cucumber Juice, house made Thai Basil elixir) if you fancy a heady cucumber top note. Not sure? Try The Emerald City. With Juniper Organic Gin, Basil extract, and lime juice, it's a more universal palate pleaser.

Had to try the Cannellinni Bean Hummus with truffle sea salt, pizza bread, and marinated olives. It's a light starter, excellent for communal dipping and for anyone who appreciates what a shave of truffle can do to a dish.

The mushroom and goat cheese tart is notable as well: earthiness and tart fromage mingle eloquently atop a feather light crust.

I continued with the Spiked Organic Turkey Burger because, heaven knows, all turkey burgers are not created equal. Akasha's version treats you to a grown up slider. Served pickle-side (house made) on a toasted bakery bun, a special kick composed of green olives, jalapenos, red peppers, tomatoes, and onion elevates it above the masses. Consummate feel good food.

Speaking of which, the steaming skillet of organic mac and cheddar, bubbling with seasoned breadcrumbs? Do not deny yourself.

Fair trade coffee (Splenda addicts, be prepared to go without. Coffee is served with a potpourri of organic sweeteners) and Dougie B.'s carrot cake with tangerine sorbet rounded out our Akasha experience. With a twinkly wash of city lights streaming in through the brick-bound bordello arches and tiny lights dancing from above, it's no wonder Culver City is celebrating its new kitchen. The scene is unmistakably electric and the cuisine, approachably exotic. Fair trade and fine food have found their zen space. Come pull up an organic leather hemp fabric chair, and find yours.

By: Jolie Loeb

AKASHA RESTAURANT, BAR, BAKERY

9543 Culver Boulevard

Culver City, CA 90232

310.845.1700

www.akasharestaurant.com

Bakery:

Mon-Fri 7:00am - 5:30pm

Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm

Lunch:

Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm

Dinner:

Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm

Bar:

Mon-Sat 11:30am - Last Call

CLOSED SUNDAYS