Good eating has come to the Hollywood Riviera’s “Riviera Village.” Dolce Vita is a wonderful new addition for the breakfast and lunch crowds. They are actually a german deli and sandwich shoppe with more of an italian name. Ripe w/ european flavors, Dolce Vita offers homemade quiche, flatbreads paired w/ fresh green salads, pasta & veggie salads, sandwiches on baquettes, delicious lattes and cappucino’s to top of the meal. A certain return visit for me – especially since they actually had terrific customer service – a true bonus today. I also enjoyed sitting outdoors – they have a great set-up with plenty of tables & chairs with eye-catching red umbrellas.
Village Pizza has opened and has a super charming feel with table and chairs out on the sidewalk for a little al fresco dining. They also have a nice size indoor eating area complete with flatscreens for those sports fans. They offer beer and wine as well as pizzas, calzones, salads and kids menus! A certain competitor for Pedones.
A fabulous find for dessert after you are done with lunch or dinner in the Riviera Village – head to Crema Dolce…they have been in the Riviera Village for over 5 years now! Talk about a huge number of fresh, homemade gelato & sorbet flavors – it’s unbelievable. And it is not only delicious, but healthy too. They say that “these delicious and flavorful treats are combined with proven Prebiotic benefits that bring you a balance of taste and health.” I got the mango-passionfruit sorbet and it was mouthwateringly tasty! I’m headed back for more soon. They even have “american style” cream flavors such as mint chip and cookies & cream. And “cotton candy” flavor for the little ones. Topped with a waffle cone triangle; this is sure to cure your sweet tooth.
Strolling through the Riviera Village this afternoon – around 2pm on a Tuesday – I found it bustling with activity, which frankly shocked me. I thought it would be much quieter. I walked by the Coffee Cartel (right next to Crema Dolce) and there were several people out enjoying the shaded patio with their coffee drinks. The crepe place – Crema de la Crepe was packed. All sorts of people outside eating delectable little bites…although the dessert crepes I saw drizzled in chocolate and oozing with whip cream didn’t look so little! I wrote about them in March 2008 as a new store to the Riviera – looks like they are doing well! Hennesseys’ was of course crowded – people with their little dogs sitting outside.
I also popped my head into “L’Atelier” a knitting store carrying the most exquisite yarns and samples of gorgeously crafted sweaters, wraps and handbags. The store was standing room only – women sitting on stools at a “knitting bar” clicking away and enjoying the companionship. Very cool! Makes me want to take up knitting one day.
On it’s way, not open yet….Turquoise. The sign indicates a mediterranean grill featuring organic foods. They said they’d be open next month! Somewhere to head to in September.
