eating out
by tony reverditto Café Laurent is a popular dining destination opened almost 20 years ago in Culver
City and the restaurant is still going strong. Gay owned and operated, they are known for incredible hearty breakfasts and lunches. Ryan Gonzalez runs the restaurant with his fiancé, Robert Hansen, who handles front of the house and the two make an incredible team, along with all of the friendly and professional staff who gave such great service.
The breakfast menu has a wide
range of options from quiches to custom omelets, crepes, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and French toast. For lunch you can choose from an even larger myriad of options including: soups, salads, empanadas, burgers and sandwiches with an impressive array of desserts. Chef Gonzalez is self-taught,
OWNERSHIP PRIDE IN
CAFÉ LAURENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN INVOLVED ONE WAY OR ANOTHER WAY WITH THE LGBT COMMUNITY, EITHER BY DONATING DIRECTLY OR BY PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN MY RESTAURANT. WE WELCOME IN EVERY SINGLE PERSON REGARDLESS OF THEIR SEXUALITY OR COLOR WITH OPEN ARMS AND WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY ANY WAY THAT WE CAN.” —Ryan Gonzalez
who started studying law before discovering that the food world was his true passion. He worked at the local Farmer’s Market selling pastries from Café Lauren, which were extremely popular because they are the closest you can get to an authentic French version in L.A. Gonzalez eats out almost every day and also draws inspiration from the endless dining adventures that he has experienced. He has had a hand in creating the entire Café Laurent extensive menu and continues to create new offerings. He can be seen in the kitchen cooking on Sundays but has trained Chef Savino who has been with him for 14 years, to replicate his very specific style of cooking. The Rage Monthly caught up with
Gonzalez to get some insight on what Café Laurent is all about. Regarding what originally inspired him to open the restaurant, “I opened Café Laurent with my ex-partner in 2001 and I took over the business nine years into it. I love food and have always enjoyed creating and making people happy. I started when I was 19 and am now going to be 40. I enjoy having direct contact with different people from different communities and it has always made me happy.” He discussed what sets the
restaurant’s menu apart from others, “It is definitely our from scratch, home- made style using fresh ingredients.
Our Northern France food influences are infused with an American touch and we are constantly adding new dishes to the menu at affordable prices.” Gonzalez went on to talk about their breakfast and lunch menus, and what items are the most popular, “One of the most popular dishes is the Eggs Benedict with a Smoked Salmon, our omelets are very fluffy and delicious, and our famous potatoes gratin are unique and very popular.” Added bonus for L.A.’s Pride Weekend: Free coffee or hot tea with purchase of any omelet or crepe. Gonzalez talked about his connec-
tion to the LGBTQ community and how Café Laurent stays involved. “Café Laurent has always been involved one way or another way with the LGBT community, either by donating directly or by promoting diversity in my restaurant. We welcome in every single person regardless of their sexuality or color with open arms and will continue to support the com- munity any way that we can.” When asked whyThe Rage Monthly’s
readers should visit Café Laurent, Gonzalez had to offer. “I am very passionate about good food and it shows in the menu. I have traveled to France many times to always refresh and add new trends to my place. Many people enjoy our patio and always compare it to or have said they feel like it’s in Paris. So, come in for a visit, enjoy our menu and be transported. Beginning in July, Café Laurent will
extend their hours to include dinner and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
Café Laurent 4243 Overland Avenue, Culver City 310.558.8622 |
cafelaurent.com
52 RAGE monthly | JUNE 2018
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