Momed in Atwater Village Archives

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Dining al fresco on the left coast 😎 in November makes us the envy of the country. You can see it in these photos taken on a typically desert weather week-end. It as overcast and under 60 degrees in the morning, and over 70 with a sunny noon. Can you find Copy-editor, Writer Roberta Deen in this photo at MOMED LA?

The impeccable service made the occasion of treating our valued LFE writer/copy editor to a Mediterranean brunch even more special. Can you find her in one of the photos?

Being Diwali week-end we were curious about the “nirvana” in the SILK ROAD cocktail. A shot of this whisky with a velvety “fireworks” feel, priced worthy of the holiday of lights.

A shot of “nirvana”whiskey in the SILK ROAD cocktail at Momed LA.

Middle eastern- inspired brunch at MOMED begins with the best, creamiest tzatziki in the world, one of the MOMED MEZZE, along with roasted garlic hummus and muhammara. The more unusual muhammara is a red pepper dip that originated in Aleppo, Syria. The spicy, vibrant red dip is made of walnuts, red bell peppers, pomegranate molasses, and sometimes breadcrumbs.The dips we took home were even tastier the next day.

A platter of the MOMED MEZZE with the best tzatziki at MOMED LA

A very busy MOMED BURGER in a brioche bun with grass fed beef, halloumi , harissa aioli, arugula and pickled onion was also share size. The unusual, thick-cut potato wedges were extra firm rather than crispy.

One half of the succulent (shredded) DUCK SHAWARMA (lavash) WRAP with cherry tomato, figs, pickled onion, arugula and garlic aioli also turned out to be even more satisfying and flavorful the next day, if that was possible. We would drive to MOMEDLA just for this and the dips.

Online reservations are the only way possible at MOMEDLA. The instructions are to be sure you include an outdoor preference, a must due to its popularity even though the deck is large. Even the indoor seating faces out onto the open deck.

Only a fraction of the deck at Mediterranean MOMED LA

We were so sure to do this that we had a photo on our iPhone. Still, when a system glitch switched ours, the staff could not have been more responsive and helpful. Thank you! We still found it better to phone the restaurant because their hours change due to the pandemic, not always accurate on travel guides and their website.

The cordial, alert and responsive staff at MOMED LA

Worth the destination drive, there are also nearby attractions to make it a full afternoon. Burn off calories to the nearby friendly farmers market that is walking distance. Or walk off calories at the easy driving-distance Silverlake Reservoir.

MOMED, 3245 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039, (323) 522-3488, www.ATMOMED.com

(Gerry Furth-Sides, photos courtesy of Taste of the Eastside) Taste of the Eastside, better known as TOTE for aficionados of good food and a fun Sunday is returning to celebrate the ever evolving and diverse East-Side and surrounding neighborhoods of Los Angeles on Sunday, April 28th, 2019 with VIP admission starting at 3:00 pm and general admission at 4:00 pm on the gorgeous and bright grounds of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens.

Taste of the Eastside flourished from an idea by a group of parents to raise money for Rose Scharlin Cooperative Nursery School, LA’s oldest co-op for kids and the primary beneficiary and organizer of TOTE. It has turned into a hugely popular and highly regarded yearly food festival that brings together the best food, drink, and entertainment this side of LA has to offer. Showcasing the East-Side of Los Angeles and surrounding areas that have emerged with new delightful and revered establishments in the hip neighborhoods of Silverlake, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, Echo Park, Downtown, Highland Park, Eagle Rock and beyond, TOTE celebrates the true diversity of Los Angeles.

Over 30 vendors of savory food and drink including newcomers and longtime TOTE participants alike will have something for everyone to love. Angelenos are sure to be familiar with some of the notorious local establishments bringing top crowd pleasers, including Fat Dragon, Little Dom’s, Momed in Atwater Village, Pine and Crane, JOY on York Blvd., Jewel, Sweetfin, Same Same Thaion Sunset, Café Birdie and French Côté Est Bistro, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, Ample Hills Creamery.

All proceeds from Taste of the Eastside will be donated to highly-deserving local organizations, including Rose Scharlin Cooperative Nursery School, The Pablove Foundation, and FOLAR, Friends of the LA River. TOTE continues to be an environmentally friendly festival by making an effort to compost, recycle and reduce waste.

The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, home to TOTE now for the past four years, gives the festival a unique location and vibe. The stunning mission-style villa with lush landscaping, soothing fountains and meandering, tiled patios, provides a breathtaking backdrop for Angeleno foodies to sample delicious offerings from some of LA’s hottest purveyors of food and drink. The lovely grounds are home to several non-profit organizations that aim to revitalize the Los Angeles River and promote sustainable living. It is located at 570 W Ave 26 #100, Los Angeles, CA 90065.

Rose Scharlin is a cooperative Nursery School in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake area founded in 1939 with the distinction of being the very first cooperative nursery school in the City of Los Angeles and the model upon which local schools patterned themselves. It was founded in 1939 as the Echo Park Cooperative Nursery School, using the facilities of the Echo Park Playground They emphasize the process of parents and children learning and working together for the social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual growth of all.

Sponsors and Partners of Taste of the Eastside 2019:
Sponsers include First Republic Bank (Bronze) Tracy Do (Silver), Gelson’s (Bronze), Eco Products, Universal Waste, Supergoop!, Green Bar Distillery and Partners include Boxed Water, Los Angeles Magazine, LA River Studios, VOXX Studios and Yelp.

List of 2019 Participants:

ALL’ ACQUA RESTAURANT

AMPLE HILLS CREAMERY

ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO.

BARBRIX RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

BON VIVANT MARKET & CAFE

BRACK SHOP TAVERN

CAFE BIRDIE

CÔTÉ EST BISTRO AND BAR

DAW YEE MYANMAR CORNER

DIABLO TACO + CANTINA

EAGLE ROCK BREWERY