Our stylish and health-conscious (but not tediously so; they’re into natural wine and apéros) friends David Rager and Cheri Messerli always seem to be ahead of the curve, stylistically and gastronomically. The peripatetic duo run the design firm Weekends. Here’s where they’ve been eating in LA since they moved back from Paris a few months ago.
“We used to live in Echo Park before moving to Paris, and Elf Cafe quickly became our favorite spot–Mediterranean and Mideast flavors focused through a California lens. The integrity of their ingredients gives any high-end spot a run for its money.” Plus, it’s vegetarian, even vegan.
Above: “Elf Cafe owner and chef, Scott Zwiezen, recently opened a falafel shop in Atwater called Dune, where they make their own pita bread and serve the best falafel we’ve had outside of Paris.”
Above: “For cooking at home, Cookbook is always great for quality ingredients.”
Above: “Our favorite breakfast/lunch spot is Sqirl, designed by Project Room. Somehow it captures everything we love about California food. The jams are awesome, too, and rumor has it they’re expanding.” N.B.: Owner Jessica Koslow was named Eater’s 2014 Best Chef of the Year.
Above: “We live near the Silver Lake reservoir, and L&E Oyster Bar is our local; it’s a great spot for an apéro at the upstairs bar or some oysters at the restaurant.” Remodelista favorite Project M+ in Silver Lake designed the restaurant.
Above: “Our new favorite Thai spot is Night + Market Song, which has some of the best natural wine you can get in the area, mostly vin de soif, which is fortunate since the food is so wonderfully spicy.”
For the couple’s Paris picks, go to Expert Advice: 11 Under-the-Radar Parisian Dining Spots.
And for more LA hot spots, see our City Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who is David Rager?
David Rager is a designer, creative director, and partner at the branding and design studio, Weekends. He is also a co-founder of the wellness and lifestyle brand, Live Better.
What is the focus of David Rager's insider's guide to healthy LA dining?
David Rager's insider's guide to healthy LA dining focuses on finding and recommending restaurants and eateries that offer healthy, nourishing, and balanced food options to their customers.
How does David Rager identify healthy eateries in LA?
David Rager identifies healthy eateries in LA by looking for certain key factors such as locally sourced and organic ingredients, farm-to-table food practices, and overall mindful and conscientious approach towards food and dining.
What is the role of restaurants and eateries in promoting healthy eating habits?
Restaurants and eateries occupy a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits by offering balanced and nourishing food options, sourcing ingredients responsibly, and educating customers about the benefits of mindful and nutritious eating habits.
How can customers make healthy food choices while dining out?
Customers can make healthy food choices while dining out by researching and selecting restaurants that offer healthy and nutritious food options, checking the menu for ingredients and nutritional information, opting for grilled or roasted dishes over fried ones, and being mindful of portion sizes.
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