Chocolatiering
WORK • Thursday Routine
VALERIE GORDON • founder • Valerie Confections
Neighborhood you work in: Echo Park & Glendale
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
It’s bustling at Valerie Echo Park — casual community energy surrounds our little corner on Echo Park and Lucretia Ave. Breakfast sandwiches in different forms are rolling out of the kitchen, along with salted maple lattes and Sir Owlverick's drip coffee.
What’s on the agenda for today?
This morning, I’m finalizing specials at Valerie Glendale, in addition to shooting content and recipe-testing new items for afternoon tea and playing with looks for new merch.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Too many! I’m having brunch at Saltie Girl. It’s very close to my home, and I’m in love with everything about this restaurant. Ronan is a very frequent family stop, as I can’t say no when our kids ask for their pizza (particularly the Spicy Clam). Oy Bar in Studio City is another possibility. The owner Jeff is a doll, and I love the variety on their menu. I also love Thai Town. The Hainan chicken from Heng Heng Chicken Rice is glorious (ask for the duck blood). Speaking of chicken, Pollo A La Brassa sounds great right now.
How about a little leisure or culture?
Hunkering down with a couple of new books. Book Soup is a favorite weekend stop for sure. We’re so lucky to have opportunities to experience incredible art in Los Angeles, and Luna Luna is pure stimulation. Also, this busy life requires Pause. I truly crave this place — from the contrast therapy to the floatation tanks, nothing restores me more than an hour of quiet floating here.
Any weekend getaways?
The Alisal Ranch for life. A ranch resort, my home away from home, just two-and-a-half hours north of Los Angeles (but a world away). Horseback riding, no television, long hikes, western-style cabins… it’s the best. I host BBQ Bootcamp there every year, which never feels like work.
What was your last great vacation?
We spent spring break in London and our dining and food list was robust. A few highlights: The River Cafe, St. John, Towpath Cafe, Jolene bakery, Violet Bakery, London Borough of Jam, and Fortnum & Mason. As for culture: Tate Modern, The British Museum, Highclere Castle, Westminster Abbey. My spreadsheet was packed!