Locally-grown, organic and quality foods are hard to find in eastside neighborhood markets, so I was psyched when word came that Marta Teegan of Homegrown was opening a green grocer in Echo Park. When I finally stepped into Cookbook, I wasn’t disappointed. The tiny shop carries an abbreviated yet satisfying collection of fruit, veggies, cheese, and pantry staples like flour, sugar, green tea, coffee and various cooking oils. Spotted: very hard-to-find Matiz Sugared Tortas, Spanish olive oil crisps encrusted in sugar and spiked with anise.
But I wasn’t looking for sweets—my Cookbook mission was to find fixings for an effortless meal. I was directed to an incredibly tempting selection of fresh pasta and sauces catered by Heirloom LA (they also supply some pretty yummy-looking sandwiches in the deli case). After some tortured deliberation, I chose the Mushroom Ravioli, which had a hint of citrus flavor, and some very meaty Wild Boar Bolognese. To round it out, I grabbed a block of parmesan, served myself some Cerignola olives and asked for a small container of the picturesque roasted peppers and kale from the deli case.
At $34, the price tag for all this was a little steep, but it did create a meal for two that was better quality and a lot cheaper than what I’ve had in many restaurants. My only addition was some sauteed mushrooms (and a couple of glasses of red wine), so the entire preparation took about 10 minutes. Plus, I think I’ll be using that cheese for another month.
My only regret is not buying those Matiz tortas…
Check out more pics-just click to expand:
[cincopa 10775961]
-Valentina
Cookbook (Map It)
1549 Echo Park Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca 90026
a.k.a “Chicken Corner”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks delicious! I have been meaning to check Cookbook out, thanks for the post!
Actual pix of prices? That’s honesty right here. No one else mentioned Cookbook’s prices, except how lovely it’ll be. $34 for take-out? OUCH.
Yes, it is pricey for sure, Sinosoul, but that’s because we’re so used to rock bottom prices. The food offered at Cookbook is high quality, mostly local and organic, which is going to cost a little more. And it’s probably worth it, considering the pesticides, hormones and other junk that goes into the majority of meat and produce supplied to most restaurants. Plus, the environmental effects of unsustainable farming and food transportation (though i guess those Spanish tortes had to cross the ocean).
Don’t get me wrong, I like cheap food, but I’m not opposed to paying for ethically-produced food that’s not filled with poison and maybe even poop! It’s worth it to me.