Sure, Griffith Park is one of LA’s most majestic treasures. The Central Park of LA, it’s truly an outstanding public space with lots of fantastic attractions—Travel Town, the Carousel, pony rides, hiking trails, baby swings…you name it. But, something it also has, though rarely acknowledged, is one of the best veggie sandwiches in LA.
The avocado sandwich at The Trails Cafe, a cute little outside eatery at the base of the Griffith Observatory trail, is a lunchtime triumph, stacked high on dark, sweet bread with at least half an avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar and mayo. It’s even sprinkled with soy bacon bits, which would normally scare me, but on this sandwich it works very well, adding salty crunch.
I could eat the thing everyday.
And as if that weren’t enough, Trails also makes a bevy of baked goods, vegan and otherwise, all from scratch. This cheddar and chive scone is buttery, flaky, dense, and draped in cheddar that once bubbled and dripped. Other savory options include quiches, hand pies, cheesy tarts and even some fancy pigs in a blanket called “Snakedogs”.
On the sweet side, there are seasonal fruit gallettes and scones, a big golden apple pie, and cookies. I always mean to try the other baked goods, but these cookies have me in their grips. The chocolate chunk is scrumptiously salty sweet, but the lavender vanilla shortbread cookie is really something special. Sometimes lavender infusion makes me feel like I’m eating soap, but this thick, buttery cookie surprises with its delicate balance of flavors.
The Trails also serves breakfast. Think: fruity granola, multigrain waffles piled high with strawberries and whipped cream, and egg in a basket. Stumptown coffee is brewed and lemonade is made fresh daily.
Park yourself at a picnic table and get some.
–Valentina
The Trails Cafe
2333 Fern Dell Drive,
Los Angeles, CA
