BIG NEWS from the Cafe.
Our new chef de cuisine, a wellness tonic we're loving, summer specialty items, and our Salt & Straw Ice Cream Social.
Hi everyone. We’re especially excited over at Cookbook Larchmont to welcome our new Chef de Cuisine to the team, who will be leading the charge at the Café. Over the past year, our talented team of cooks has kept things running beautifully — but with this new chapter, we’re looking forward to refining longtime favorites and introducing fresh new items to the menu. And it’s perfect timing as patio season kicks off on Larchmont. To mark the moment, we’d love for you to get to know our new chef a bit better.
We look forward to serving you xx Cookbook.
Meet Chef Mark Hernandez
Mark was born and raised in Southern California and always knew he wanted to be a chef — he finds joy in making people happy, and few things do that better than a great meal. He began his culinary career at North Italia, where he developed a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine. Over the past decade, he’s worked in some of Los Angeles’ most respected restaurants and catering kitchens, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Cookbook Larchmont’s Café.
Mark enjoys exploring global cuisines and shares his love of food and hospitality with his wife, who also works in the industry. Together, they’re raising their one-year-old son.
At Cookbook, Mark is excited by the opportunity to experiment, bring new ideas to the table, and introduce thoughtful, seasonal dishes to the menu.
Mark’s Favorite LA spots: Ggiata, Damian, Ruen Pair, and Dunsmoor
Mark’s Favorite Cookbook Items:
2023 LS Gris, Wavy Wines - “This is such an amazing orange wine, it’s a crowd pleaser, great for parties. The notes of strawberry and guava feel really fun and fresh for summer too.”
Zindrew chili crisp - “It’s the perfect condiment to go with anything — eggs, rice, tacos, veggies, ramen…I especially love it on my breakfast burrito. You can also cook with the oil.”
Heirloom tomatoes - “I’m so excited heirlooms are back in season. We use them a fair amount on the Cafe menu, including our Mediterranean breakfast plate.”
*LS Gris available at Larchmont and Highland Park only
Wellness Tonic
With more travel, outdoor time, and seasonal allergens, summer brings its own share of illness, and being under the weather in the heat is, well, the worst. One of our favorite go-to remedies is a simple, vibrant tonic: Sycamore Hill tangerine juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, and freshly grated ginger. Stir it all together and sip chilled. It’s refreshing, restorative, and just the kind of thing we like to keep in our back pocket this time of year.
Summer Specialty Items
We baked up something fun for Father’s Day: mustache cookies, just the right mix of sweet and cheeky. Pick one up to treat a dad or anyone who appreciates a good cookie.
Corn season is finally here. Sweet, peak-season ears are rolling in — perfect for grilling, tossing into salads, or eating straight off the cob. And for all your summer cookouts, we’ve got premium large lump charcoal in stock to take your BBQs to the next level.
*Charcoal available at Larchmont and Highland Park only
Saturday 6/14: Salt & Straw x Cookbook Sundaes
Join us TOMORROW from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a celebratory afternoon on the Larchmont patio in honor of The America’s Most Iconic Ice Creams, the new cookbook from Salt & Straw founder Tyler Malek. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary sundaes, made to order, while Tyler is on the patio signing copies of the cookbook. Our cafés full food and beverage menu will still be available, and cookbooks will be available for purchase. All are welcome, no RSVP required.