Michele StuevenAn elegant, traditional Turkish Cafe has opened in West L.A., Loverra Cafe on Wilshire Blvd. west of Bundy stands out in bold black and gold, filled with traditional Turkish treats and friendly service.
The cafe menu includes a wide variety of coffees and Turkish teas alongside no less than a dozen different traditional stuffed pastries, both sweet and savory. There’s also a Turkish breakfast place made up of boiled egg, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta Cheese, avocado, cream cheese, butter, jams, and Simit or similar pastry. There’s also a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and regional specialties like Albanian-style liver and kebabs.
Inside Loverra Cafe (Michele Stueven)
The pastry case is filled to the brim with savory cookies like black cumin and sesame, and sweet versions that include pistachio chocolate, Un Kurabiyesi butter cookies, a selection of baklava desserts, and cakes like the Loverra Special, made with pistachio, lemon, kadaifi shredded phyllo dough, strawberry, or pumpkin.
And yes, the crowning glory is a lineup of Turkish delights, including traditional rose petal flavor, pistachio chocolate, mango, and pistachio-encrusted cherry.
Loverra Turkish Cafe (Michele Stueven)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Parisian way at The Peninsula Beverly Hills Midnight in Paris New Year’s Eve Party on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The evening starts at Le Petite Belvedere, as the Belvedere transforms into a Parisian Brasserie with a live French jazz trio. After the three-course meal, stop by Le Salon, where the Living Room will be hosting the dancefloor. Finally, their cocktail bar will be set as Le Bar to sample small, French bites and sip on martinis. End the night in the hotel lobby with a countdown to midnight and a festive balloon drop. Space is limited; reservations for The Belvedere can be made here.
For its first New Year’s Eve celebration, Zouk LA is launching an immersive roaring 20s environment with champagne moments, chandeliers, golden confetti, and carefully curated surprise elements. The new hip LA nightspot has transformed the former Nightingale Plaza space into an immersive club focused on atmosphere, production, and high-impact music.
Bonne Année (Courtesy The Peninsula Beverly Hills)
If you’d rather indulge in caviar and seafood towers in your pajamas, ring in the New Year with a spread that works for any style or budget. Gelson’s Markets are offering holiday seafood and shrimp platters that shine as is, or can be elevated to create a show-stopping shrimp tower. On a budget? Crackers, chips, cured meats, and produce can be used to create a similar playful, layered display without the splurge.
Known for its caviar, the ultimate New Year’s indulgence, which can be paired with creative accompaniments like potato chips, mini waffles, tater tots, or deviled eggs. For a budget-friendly twist, tinned fish makes a versatile, elevated pantry option that’s affordable and flavorful.
Gelson’s will also be offering their New Year’s holiday meals, along with a la carte sides, desserts, and floral arrangements. Newly curated cheese boxes are also available. Stores will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 31, and Thursday, Jan. 1.
What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink