Admit it. There’s probably been at least one moment in your illustrious parenting career where you’ve just wanted to serve your kiddos an easy breezy bowl of breakfast cereal for lunch or dinner. Perhaps it was after an exhausting night battling the three-eyed monster in your toddler’s closet. Or maybe you were dreading another cyclone of rejected veggies in your hair. Whatever the reason, cereal totally rules any time of day. Knowing this, some very brilliant LA entrepreneurs are turning cereal bars into the trendiest eateries in town. So whether your tots fancy themselves Captain Crunch connoisseurs or Apple Jacks aficionados, they’re sure to find a whole new cool and creative way to devour the cereal they love.
Another Kind of Sunrise
Hidden down a tiny alleyway off trendy Abbott Kinney Ave., lies a smiley little hotspot that’s changing the way Venice does cereal. Open 5 months now, Another Kind of Sunrise serves up bowls of childhood favorites in totally fantastical combinations. Menu items like the Peanut Butter Cup Bowl are a hit with parents and kiddos alike featuring a mix of Cocoa Crispies, Peanut Butter Puffs and cacao nibs made from all organic ingredients. The acai bowl and paleo bowl are slam-dunks with mini gourmands as well. (Shhh! They’re crazy healthy too!) The shop also showcases delish juices from Venice’s own Moon Juice, a delightful selection of herbal teas and coffee from Handsome Coffee Roasters. Between the uber-charming staff, plentiful seating on nearby planters and psychedelic bohemian vibe, you’ll likely want to make this a new weekly hang, especially if you live in the hood.
Parking: It’s a challenge, but with a little luck, you might grab a space at a meter or on one of the nearby side streets. Public valet lots are available as well.
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1629 Abbott Kinney Blvd.
Venice, Ca 90291
Phone: (909) 334-2567
Online: anotherkindofsunrise.com
Mix n’ Munch
In the heart of South Pasadena sits a comfort food paradise for the small pint set. If a selection of over 25 cereals with imaginative toppings doesn’t keep tots coming back for more, the wide variety of grilled cheese sandwiches definitely will. Uh-huh, they do grilled cheese too. (Cue angels singing!) But back to the cereal portion of this broadcast – toddlers go gaga over tasty menu items such as Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles and Cheerios with fun mix-ins like animals cookies, strawberries, almonds and rainbow sprinkles. If your babes are in the mood for something beyond the bowl, they can add cereal to a yogurt parfait or check out one of the shop’s famous Munch Bites (think Rice Krispy treats with fruity fun cereals for extra pizazz). There’s also a special area with a magnet board and books to keep kiddos occupado while you take a breather with a hot cup of Groundwork coffee. Ahhh…
Parking: Rather than worry about parking, why not take the Gold Line? The shop’s located steps away from South Pasadena station.
Hours: Monday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5p.m.
1005 Mission St.
South Pasadena, Ca 91030
Phone: (626) 441-8808
Online: mixnmunch.com
Venice Flake
Finally, an LA flake you’ll actually want to spend time with. Nestled off bustling Rose Ave., Venice Flake features a fab selection of nostalgic cereal faves, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruit Loops and Captain Crunch with toppings like coconut, pecans, blackberries and gummy bears among others. Kiddos can choose from a wide variety of milks as well, so there’s something for every palate. Customers are greeted by a bright and cheery surfboard in front and a quintessential California cool atmosphere that only Venice can deliver. With plentiful seating inside and out, patrons will beg to linger and soak in the beachy vibe. Speaking of which, the shop’s just minutes from the sand and surf, so families can make an afternoon of it.
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be tough to find. Good excuse for a family bike ride, we say!
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
513 Rose Ave.
Venice, Ca 90291
Phone: (310) 396-2333
Online: veniceflake.com
Where does you brood like to get their cereal fix around town? Give us a shout!
–Jennifer O’Brien
Photo Credit: Jennifer O’Brien and Mix n’ Munch
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