Blackburn + Sweetzer Has Moved

The Oaks Gourmet rotating sign; click to expand images

Between the photo shoot and filling in for Urban Daddy’s LA editor last week, it’s been a hectic couple of weeks, involving much gadding about—from new restaurant Oliverio at the Avalon Hotel to recently-opened West Hollywood boutique P on Sunset, food truck tracking to checking out Franklin Avenue’s latest addition, The Oaks Gourmet, opening tomorrow at 1915 Bronson Avenue at Franklin.

I left The Oaks Gourmet thoroughly excited and jealous—I may be getting greedy here, but how I would love for this shop (from Greg Morris of the Spanish Kitchen, Belmont, Oak Fire Pizza) to be opening up in B+S territory. It’s like the reverse of Joan’s on Third, in that there’s a much vaster beer, wine and spirits offering (four dozen beers, 325-plus wine varieties, tons of hard alcohol, including an impressive selection of tequila), and a more limited though promising menu (seven pizzas, a pulled pork French dip, duck confit salad, and a half-pound burger with bacon, Taleggio and smoked jalapeno-pineapple compote, nothing exceeding $13). It’s also importantly open from 7am-12pm.

A look inside! More on the merch!

And the space’s shelves are also well stocked with everything from Tim’s jalapeno chips to jarred preserves, caramel, and dried porcini mushrooms; you’ll find gourmet pasta sauce, antipasti of tomatoes, wasabi lime mustard, ostrich and alligator jerky, tins of razor clams and sardines with lemon slice; or there’s the chalkboards filled with cheese selections, plus olives and black truffle and white cheddar popcorn.

For the AM, there’s coffee roasted on premises in a matter of ten minutes, Lavazza espresso, smoothies, and pastries (and desserts) from locals Cake Monkey and Delilah Bakery. Also, a menu of milkshakes (peanut butter cup, strawberries and cream, and more).

They’re also taking their customer base very seriously, already incorporating beer suggestions. I have a feeling The Oaks is going to become a hub for the area—Beachwood Canyon, Franklin Avenue to Los Feliz—both inside and out on its quaint elevated patio, perfect for people watching.