Do you ever wish you could eat somewhere that offered both Vegan/Vegetarian cuisine and red, juicy meat all under the same roof? Good news. Bloom Café has arrived. I love a good steak, but I like tofu, lentils, grains, and veggies as much as the next tree-hugger. More importantly, I appreciate fresh ingredients and organic practices, and Bloom makes each top priority.

Bloom creators Arnaud Palatan (the former owner of Pastis) and Jean Louis Bartoli (formerly of Louis XIV) bring a French style and finesse to a very contemporary, California-style café. On a street that radiates diversity and social improvements (this trendy spot on Pico wasn't always the safest of neighborhoods), Bloom promotes eco-friendly dining (all to-go items are bio-degradable) in a relaxed setting. Even the décor, a mix of avocado-lime colors, light-wooden tables with steel pipes for legs, and white-washed, art gallery like walls, brings about a sense of calm and serenity.

The Café also has many exciting homemade beverages to choose from, including their refreshing Organic Mint Lemonade, but unfortunately alcohol is not one of those choices. For a while Bloom was BYOB only, but lately neighborhood police have been giving them a hard time about ABC laws and so on (they're always ruining our fun), so it looks like BYOB is out for now...but we will happily await it's return!

Dining at Bloom is truly an all day experience, always packed with a lively, health-craving, fit Hollywood-Westside crowd. This place is always open, and if you don't believe me, here are 3 wholesome meals for your whole day at Bloom Café.

Breakfast!
The 2+2+2 is always a wise choice (2 eggs+2 pancakes/toast+chicken sausage & bacon); you get a little taste of everything. You can't beat their Huevos Rancheros, but for a new twist on a Mexican breakfast, try the Chicken Chorizo Burrito.
My Personal Choice: The Melted Brie, Asparagus, & Fresh Herbs Omelette (made with organic eggs, of course), and the ever-popular Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
Healthiest Choice: The Rise & Shine Granola and Rain Forest Acai Cereal.

Lunch!
You will be impressed with the Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos...plenty of kick and great quality fish. Carnivores vs. Herbivores: The Grass Fed Beef Burger is tender and juicy, while the Three Grain Vegetable Burger will surprise and satisfy the taste buds.
My Personal Choice: The Soba Noodle & Organic Tofu Salad (in a miso/chile/
ginger vinaigrette) and the Luxurious Chicken Mac N Cheese (with whole-wheat pasta, Gruyere & jalapeno jack cheese).
Healthiest Choice: Vegan Soup of the Day, freshly squeezed Smoothie or Vegetable Juice, and the Miracle Wrap (lentils, watercress, sprouts, & avocado cucumber dip).

Dinner!
This is where the pizzas shine: they're made with a super-thin crust, and they can be delivered to your doorstep! Go for the Blue Cheese & Butternut Squash Pizza and the Rosemary Comte Cheese & Potato Pizza (for the carb-lovers!).
My Personal Choice: The Seared Salmon & Citrus Salad for a lighter meal, the Lamb Sausage & Sweet Peppers Pizza, and the Grass Fed Flatiron Steak, for the extreme hunger pains!
Healthiest Choice: Vegetarian Curry Bowl with a side of Seasonal Greens and Wheani Brown Rice.

THE DETAILS: Bloom Café
5544 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Hours: 9am to 10pm (Daily) Prices: Reasonable

Call or Fax for pick-ups & deliveries:
Ph: 323.934.6900
Fax: 323.934.7856

Story by Erin Landsberg.