With Weekend 1 upon us and a FOOD lineup that is next level, we’re here to help guide your eating experience since you have enough to navigate with the music and outfit choices (#nomoreflowercrowns). If you follow along on insta, it’s probably clear we’re not going — donuts, fried chicken sandwiches and Shake Shack are NOT on that #coachelladiet. That being said, the food vendors that’ll be there are making us rethink our decision to ditch the desert this year.

First off, they will have 3 FULL-SERVICE (complete with tables, chairs and waitstaff) restaurants: Commissary (check out our dish), Pok Pok and Rosaline.  So if you’re looking to take a minute and pretend to be classy and not so f-ed up, this is your chance.

 

 

But because we know you’ll be on-the-go most of the time, here is the list of our TOP TEN VENDORS (in no particular order- ok, ok except #1):

 

 

 

1. Backyard bowls– the obsession is real and just what you need to bring you back to life and stock up on the nutrients for a long day/night. Plus let’s be real, the likeliness that this is where all the models/celebs will be is high.

2. Blue Bottle- a double espresso mid-day or mid-night will be necessary.

3. Free Range– filling and fried chicken. That’s all.

4. Cassell’s– burgers and beer to hit the spot.

5. Afters Ice Cream- necessary in desert heat – we’ve been dying to try this place BC it looks unreal- make sure to tag #eddr so we can swoon.

6. Sweetfin Poke- refreshing, healthy and light.  The most perfect snack.

7. Guerrilla Tacos- great on the go and will hold you over until the next meal.

8. Hanjip- because good is good.

9. McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream- because you’ll need that triple-scoop cone to take that perfect insta-pic.

10. Superba Food & Bread- it’s kinda healthy and you’ll have another day of crop tops and short shorts.

 

Also the “Outstanding in the Field” pop-up dinner series returns, both weekends, with 2 dinners each night for $225 per person.  This ‘fine-dining’ experience, with no dress code of course, might be worth the Coachella ticket purchase required on its own.  It runs about 2 hours, so you can get back to the music, and cocktails are meant to be drank (so just think of it as a time to relax and refuel). A handful of chefs are involved for each service, but Weekend 1 will include Chef Antonia Lafoso of Scopa Italian Roots and Kris Morningstar of Terrine and Weekend 2 will include Michael Voltaggio of ink. and Brendan Collins of Birch (link to dish). We have serious FOMO already.

So take some notes on your phone or save this post because realistically, the weekends will be one giant, magical and memorable blur. Can’t wait to see the foodie pics… And I guess the music and outfits too… But mostly the food.

Stay safe out there and happy eating,
A²

Because sometimes you just need a good ol’ “quickie.” Here is a round up of our Top 8 faves over the past few weeks:

1. Yalla Mediterranean – With its easy 1, 2, 3 step approach, you create a filling and healthy lunch that fits your specific craving.  First you pick the style (wrap, salad or plate), then you pick the protein (falafel, chicken, steak, salmon, etc.) and lastly you pick from the seasonal sides (like potato salad or slaw).  Right in the middle of what’s beginning-to-be the “IT” part of town- Culver City.  Let’s hear a “holla” for Yalla!!

 

2. Shake Shack – It has finally arrived to the best [West] coast and it’s smack dab in the middle of the city in WEHO—equal playing ground for Angelinos everywhere.  This burger, fry (ummm, cheese fries!) and shake “shack” has got a Cult-like following and we are now new members.  And spoiler alert, there are special LA only menu items: the Shack Attack, LA edition and the Rainbow Connection.  FYI- the lines are long, but coming soon are DTLA, Century City and Glendale locations, so hopefully that will be changing…

 

3. Backyard Bowls – No, we haven’t been reposting pics on insta, we’ve actually been here 5 weekends in a row.  It’s that good!  Everything you want in a healthy, fresh and filling morning meal and you leave feeling soooo good about yourself (because for once, no bacon was involved).  Now if only we actually worked out beforehand like 90% of the people in there; I mean, were already wearing workout clothes—baby steps…

 

4. Maple Block Meat Co. – This local spot smokes their meats almost as good as the South, and that’s more than good enough for us in a region of mediocre BBQ.  It’s a little pricey, but the quality and flavor, of the meats specifically, is exactly what you’d expect from a Bazaar and ink. alum.  The portions aren’t as big as you’ll find in Texas, but it had to conform to some Los Angeles standards.

 

 

5. The Bigg Chill – This OG fro-yo joint has been going strong since our high school days — they had dairy free flavors before it was cool. With limitless toppings (how is the vegan cookie dough better than the regular?) and a rotating array of soft serve flavors, this is your date night/girls night/family night spot should you find yourself in Westwood — and dare we say it might even be worth a trip of its own.

 

6. Samosa House – With locations on the East (Silverlake) and West (2 in Culver City) this quick and DELISH go-to vegan and vegetarian Indian food jaunt is where it’s at.  A family-owned authenticity you can feel and taste.  A seriously cheap-eat (you can get a 3 item plate with pita for under $10) in a city filled of expensive “fast-food” options.  If you’re craving the real deal without all the fanciness, the search ends here.

 

7. Pizza Romana – No fuss, no frill; just good quality food, fast and cheap.  It’s hard to find a place that checks all the boxes, but we have managed to find it for you.  And although the pizza and salads are delish, the knockout is the fried chicken (everyone needs this is their life!).  They also have a reverse happy nightly from 9PM-close, because sometimes, late night pizza is the answer.

 

 

8. Picnic.LA – With a ‘build your own picnic’ approach you can make the perfect plate for yourself or get a bunch of sides or salads for a group/party.  Fresh and healthy with items changing as the leaves do.  It’s like a Lemonade or Tender Greens but not as overwhelming.  And perfect for those food commitment-phoebes because you can get a little bit of everything.