Mar 1st, 2012
-Well, finally found the worst pancakes in LA. So far.
This weekend I visited Bloom Cafe on Pico Blvd and Sierra Bonita Ave in Los Angeles, CA on, what I must say, was a whim. Wanting to go for pancakes close by with parking and no wait is hard to come by in this city, so we figured Pico Boulevard was the route to go. Well, after visiting Bloom Cafe, I now know why there was ample parking, and no wait.
Now, in all fairness, the Yelp reviews do warn you there is a vegan-theme to this restaurant. HOWEVER, the menu only lists “vegan” next to several items – these do NOT include the pancakes. So, I figured I was safe.
Bloom Cafe has a nice little selection of pancakes, and I was informed the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are the most popular. I realize I am a pancake-blogger, but I am still not ready to try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, a selection I have seen on several menus.
Anyway, my guest was in the mood for pancakes also, but desired an egg-breakfast as well. Bloom Cafe has adapted the new trend of 2+2+2, a dish that offers such option:
I however, opted for the Blueberry Pancakes without the puree on top.
Looking at these pancakes again… it’s just, unfortunate. Judging by the freshness of the orange juice, I thought the pancakes would be fresh, tasty, and crisp. Well, it was quite the opposite experience.
The Blueberry Pancakes at Bloom Cafe were dry, dense, and had an (almost) sour aftertaste from the blueberries. Now, if you can recall from my previous reviews, particularly Charlie’s Coffee Shop, I often discuss the importance of pancakes NOT being pre-soaked in butter. Well, you see that Organic Valley square up there? I had to wipe almost the entire piece on these pancakes, just to finish my meal. Not. Good.
As you remember from my review at Jinky’s Cafe, pancakes are supposed to say “Good morning, sunshine;” unfortunately, these pancakes say “You’re being punished.” If these pancakes are in fact vegan, soy filled, any of that crap, than A: it should clearly say that on the menu, and B: if this is what it means to be vegan, I will never be a converter.
It’s not fun to post such a harsh review. But in a town full of competitive pancake batter, design, and creativity, this just doesn’t cut it. The rest of the menu looks pretty decent, but as my breakfast partner stated “The 2+2+2 was all great – but the worst part about my meal were the pancakes.” Bloom Cafe: as far as your pancakes are concerned, you may want to replace the “Bloom” with “Withering.”