The Griddle

If you're hungry (and I mean REALLY hungry), The Griddle is the place for you.

The menu is large enough to have its own blog, ranging from breakfast staples such as pancakes or omelets to twists on lunch favorites, like shrimp BLTs and Cobb burgers.

Portions are insane and menacing, each pancake at least a foot in diameter (ask for just one - only $1 or $2 less, but you won't get a visual food coma).

 "Mounds of Pleasure"

"Banana Nana"

Vanilla

Normally, something vanilla is plain, boring, dull, unimaginative, and overdone.

This cannot be said, however, for Vanilla Bake Shop (512 Wilshire, Santa Monica, CA).

 Cupcake excitement.

Meyer Lemon Raspberry

Tart, flavorful curd inside,

balanced by the sweetness of the frosting.

Textural variety from the sugar crystals on the frosting.

The sweet bite of the raspberry completes an excellent flavor mix.