Culinary Adventures with a 6 Year Old

So this morning, I decided to take Jason on a culinary adventure. I always let Jason have whatever he wants for breakfast on Sundays. Doritos and ice cream... so be it. Today, he wanted a cupcake. I didn't exactly have any on hand and as L.A. is filled with cupcake boutiques, I figured it was time to give one a try. I read a bunch of reviews. Leda's was my first choice but it turns out they are closed for remodeling. Next choice, Big Sugar Bakeshop. It is located on Ventura Blvd in Studio City. It's a fun shopping area lined with nifty boutiques. Big Sugar is a charming shop. It totally reminds me of a bakery in New York. It's filled with retro, fun furniture and cool gifts. The bakery selection is not huge but I rather have a limited selection of super fresh goodies. Jason picked out a chocolate chocolate cupcake and I picked the daily special, an icebox cupcake. We sat down in the window to savor our goodies. Jason thought his selection was super yummy...not too sweet, dense, rich and moist. My icebox cupcake was served cold and was like the world's best Hostess Cupcake. Dark, dense chocolate cake filled with vanilla creme, topped with ganache. Holy cows!!! Tastebud nirvana! I really wish I had never walked into the shop. I have a feeling that these cupcakes will be calling my name on a regular basis. I want to taste all of them now.

Next stop was the Studio City Farmers Market. It's small and just the perfect size. Jason had a blast tasting all the fresh fruit. Peaches and plums were his favorite. There was one vendor that had heirloom tomatoes that were gorgeous. I had to get some of those for a salad tonight. The colors and shapes are so fantastic.

After the Market, we were walking back to the car and passed a restaurant called, The Counter. Jason said he was starving (hard to believe) and could we stop and have lunch. Good call, Jason! The Counter is a gourmet burger joint. They hand you a clipboard with all your choices and you build your own burger. I had a 1/3lb. burger with mixed lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, crispy onions, imported swiss cheese, pickles and sprouts. It was huge! Everything was fresh and delicious. The guy next to us had a 1lb. burger and lord, it was a monster. J and I shared a Fifty-Fifty order of french fries and sweet potato fries. So good! Jason said that he thought the meat tasted as good as what his grandfather makes and that is a huge compliment, as he is a grill master. We left stuffed and oh so happy. The waitstaff was super friendly and the service great. They have a bunch of locations so check and see if there is one near you. I know we will be back.

We had such a good time today that I think I may have to make this a regular adventure...well not too regular or I am going to have to buy some elastic waist pants :D