One of my favorite lunch places in Los Angeles is Mendocino Farms, which I’ve blogged about countless times. I first heard they were opening a new-concept restaurant last November, and have been anxiously awaiting their arrival!
Located downtown (directly across from another lunch favorite of mine, Starry Kitchen) Blue Cow Kitchen looks a bit like Mendocino Farms in some ways…
…it’s definitely fancier, though, with a full bar…
…and waiter/waitress service for the seating area
(Super comfy!)
The restaurant doesn’t officially open until Monday next week, but I was invited for a lunch preview. Angela was my date!
We noshed on a few of the “Bites and Sides” while looking over the lunch menu.
“Baked then Fried Potatoes”
“Root Chips’n Dips”
I preferred the taste/texture on the potatoes – I hope they wind up doing something similar with the root veggies someday!
Dipped in lots of Sour Cream Onion Whip + Horseradish Ketchup
A lot like Mendo’s farm-to-table menu, but larger, more progressive, and with a twist – rotating guest chefs will put their own spin on the sandwiches, creating an ongoing, culinary “think tank.”
I decided to go vegan, with the “BarbaFaux’s Torta”
Shaved Seitan and Pinto Beans, braised in chipotle agave BBQ sauce with crumbled tofu, shredded romaine, avocado, cilantro Vegenaise and corn tostado – all on a soft roll
Mmmmm!!! I ate half with the side salad that comes with every sandwich…
…traded bites with Angela’s (so not vegan) burger
Grass fed Marin country beef, butter lettuce, tomato, and Point Reyes toma, spicy remoulade and applewood bacon on a buttermilk bun
Very happy to say the food was as good as I hoped it would be, plus I loved the cozy, fun vibe of the restaurant as well.
It’ll be a nice spot to have a power lunch at, especially when the weather is nicer outdoors.
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Will be looking forward to trying their changing menu – though compared to the current one Mendo Farm’s looks more interesting
Ha! I was in for the soft opening too! Wasn’t the decor ADORABLE?! Even the bathrooms were cute
they were adorable, indeed – i almost missed them – they were like secret rooms!
You talk about all this food, eating burgers, sandwiches, plates of bacon, etc. and yet here you are – so cute and skinny!
) Nice read.
it’s all about balance! read my FAQ’s for more info!
Eeee! I’ve always wanted to visit ever since I read about its opening on EaterLA! I love Mendocino Farms!
looks like a great place! all the food looks amazing
now I just wished I lived closer.
I love your blog because I’m always introduced to new, exciting restaurants in LA! You’re on top of ‘em. (:
This restaurant looks great! I’m drooling over your vegan sandwich. And what a fun concept to have rotating chefs!
the vegan sandwich sounds sooooo gooood!! i will definitely have to go there. glad you posted this and ate somethin veg. i miss hearing about stuff from quarrygirl!
this place looks awesome! i love the concept of a “culinary think tank.” will definitely need to check this out next time im in DTLA.
Yum! I must try it. We actually had Mendocino farms for lunch today at work… I love all there vegan options. They are all soooo good!
Can’t wait to try it out! You turned me onto Mendo, and now it’s an addiction!