Words from the Wire: Our March Must-haves

Hello, Spring! March is when the culinary world in California truly comes alive. With warmer days on the horizon, chefs start coaxing lighter flavors from an abundance of fresh spring produce. It’s sprouting up everywhere, from talked-about items on TikTok, to all the new buzzy fruits and veggies that are bursting this time of year. In this edition of "Words from the Wire," we're diving headfirst into the most mouthwatering highlights we sampled this past month, dishing out all the delectable details on what captured our attention (and tastebuds).

PEYTON 

Mille Fleurs | Deviled Egg

Chef Brandon's delicious Easter amuse bouche — a deviled egg  — was one of the tastiest versions I’ve tried! This is saying a lot from someone who was raised in the heartland and the adopted birthplace of the deviled egg. Any deviation is considered sin. But Chef Brandon’s was delish (and completely sans relish!) and made with tuna conserva, smoked trout roe, and fried capers. Now featured as a side on Mille Fleurs’ lunch menu.

KAELI

Callie | Crunchy Egyptian Carrots 

Coated in a heavenly blend of cashew dukkah and topped with a zesty burnt orange habanero dressing, these carrots were the standout dish from my evening at Callie. 

Waverly | Matcha Tea 

I am always on the hunt for the perfect matcha, and Waverly’s take is in my top favorites list. The matcha is infused with rosemary making for the perfect spring sip. 

ANA 

Erewhon | Viral Spicy Tuna Sandwich  

This “sandwich” is all the rage on the internet, and for good reason! The $22 (mind-blown emoji) to-go item is made with fresh tuna mixed with avocado, sriracha, and is then sandwiched between two rice buns for a delicious and unique twist on a classic sandwich. 10/10 recommend — even if I did have to drive all through LA traffic to get my hands on it!  

2019 Darius II Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon

“I’ll have a house cab” is what you’ll usually hear me say at any outing. However, as a self proclaimed Cab-Connoisseur, I was completely blown away when I took a sip of Darius II's Cabernet Sauvignon. Its incredibly smooth and velvety texture, as well as its rich and complex flavor profile still has me dreaming of another glass. While this bottle is certainly reserved for special occasions, it has easily become my number one favorite wine.

ALEX

Stella Jean Ice Cream l Strawberry Basque Cheesecake

Nothing says "spring" like soaking up the sunshine on @stellajeansicecream's Point Loma patio. The Strawberry Basque Cheesecake is a limited-time seasonal flavor that riffs on the 90s treat with strawberry, cream cheese, freshly baked strawberry Basque cheesecake chunks. 

Bob's Well Bread l Daily quiche, egg-in-a-frame #1 + avocado toast tartine

@bobswellbread original location in Los Alamos (they've since expanded to Ballard) is a favorite stop along the 101. Nothing on the bakery's menu disappoints, but I especially love their avo toast preparation - topped with pumpkin seeds, Maldon sea salt, and Aleppo chili.   

Alta Bakery 

Stumbled upon this Monterey neighborhood bakery for breakfast and went back a second time to score the last loaf of their delicious rye bread. It's situated in the Cooper-Molera Adobe which dates back to 1827 and boasts a sunny patio and gorgeous garden. 

MADISON

City Tacos | Taco Trio

Name a better taco trio… we’ll wait! @CityTacos 

Pescado, Pollo Asado, and Carne Asada (Taco Emoji)