Passing it Over on Passover

"One for One," that's the motton of TOM'S shoes and now the motto of TOM'S Roasting Company who are in business to improve lives. For every bag of coffee you purchase at the coffee bar, TOM'S will give one week of clean water to a person in need. The fantastic, rich coffee from TOM'S come from all different regions like Rwanda, Malawi, and Guatemala. The beans eventually end up in this charming cafe in Venice where they are brewed into the perfect cup of coffee. We stopped in for a freshly brewed cup of organic, delicious drip coffee. ($2, refill $1). The confections by Valeries include Seasonal Teacakes ($5), Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies ($3), and Vegan Hand Pies ($6). But that's not all! Shop for sunglasses and original TOM'S shoes in the back of the store or buy a magazine up at the front. Take it to the outside seating area in the back. Make sure to bring your laptop or ipad too so you'll fit in with the hipsters conducting business or writing the next great best- seller from chairs on the lawn. Tom's Coffee Bar 1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice (800) 975-8667. Hours M-F 6:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. Sat 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Sun 7:00 am- 8:00 p.m.

My friend Ellen and I always have fun foodie adventures and we usually start with dessert first. We love Abbot Kinney, especially the food and drink, so we started with a refreshing beverage at none other than my favorite place for lemonade...but Lemonade. (Abbot Kinney & Venice Blvd). I had Blueberry Mint ($3) and she had regular. ($3) As always, both were terrific. Next we moved onto GTA (Gjelina Take Away) where she had a buttery Berry Crumble Cake and I had a very thin, chewy, chocolatey, buttery chocolate chip cookie. That cookie brings tears to my eyes it was so good. I really liked the nice help at GTA and can't wait to go back for some yummy sandwiches. So after that, of course Ellen and I were still hungry for lunch. I've been meaning to go back to 3 Square for lunch for, oh I don't know, maybe the last three months because who doesn't love Hans Rockenwagner's baked goods? And what better time than the present is there to eat Hans' pretzel rolls?  We started off with some avocado fries. You heard me right, avocado fries! ($7). Avocados are halved, then quartered, quickly deep fried then served with both a chipotle and a lemon aioli dipping sauce. I still don't get how the avocado keeps its shape in the deep fryer, but it does, my friends, it does. And it's delicious! We followed up with the fabulous Rockenwagner Pretzel Burger ($15) served with a fried egg, caramelized onion, swiss cheese and crispy fries on the side. Try some Stumptown coffee ($4) with free refills for a nice pick me up 3 Square Cafe + Bakery 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice (310) 399-6504 Open Daily 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

I can remember lunching at Neiman Marcus with my children as little girls, then young ladies, and now as adults. We still love to go for lunch with my mom whether at the Westfield Topanga mall or shopping in Beverly Hills. Today we had the pleasure of lunching and finding the perfect LBD (little black dress) that I am actually going to wear to three upcoming events! If you see me Saturday or Saturday night, please be cool and pretend you didn't; should you espy me Sunday night! I spent a lot of dough on this little number and I'm amortizing it over time. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. Anyway, back to The Cafe at Neiman Marcus. I just love this restaurant and always start off with a glass of fresh lemonade ($4). But don't be shy. I wouldn't have been either if I wasn't driving today! The wine list is great and by-the-glass availability is no small potatoes. I love the Laguna Ranch Vineyards Chardonnay ($15) or the Stag's Leap Karia ($18). For reds the William Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($14) is an excellent choice. Specialty cocktails are just that...special. The Bellini Brunch Cocktail ($12) and the NM Mimosa ($11) are two of my favorites! Enjoy the mini teacup of chicken broth. You'll be carried back to your nana's kitchen. The taste and smell are like no other. No one, and I mean no one can make broth like this. (Tip: I always order a big cup as well.) For a starter, try the Truffle Parmesan French Fries. ($8). Truffle oil, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan top crunchy, piping hot french fries served in a paper cone. Accompanied by two dipping sauces (ketchup and ranch dressing), these potatoes will be gone in no time! NM makes a deeply rich, flavorful Tortilla Soup ($6.50/$10) that we frequently enjoy. Chicken, Mexican cheese and crispy tortillas are combined to make one tasty soup that's pretty filling. My favorite sandwich is the Caesar Turkey Wrap ($16). House roasted turkey, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, parmesan, and caesar dressing are all rolled into a huge flour tortilla and served with seasonal fruit on the side. Sometimes, when we are feeling really decadent, we have the Lobster Salad BLT ($28). Applewood smoked bacon, avocado, lemon aioli, and lobster salad are piled high on a fresh brioche bun. I. Love. It! Don't forget the Little Shopper's Menu too.(kids 12 and under ($10). So come on, bring your kids, and let the memories begin. Neiman Marcus Cafe 6550 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Canoga Park (818) 316-7014      Hours M-F: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sat. 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Sun. 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Recommended Dishes: Chicken Broth, Popovers, Lobster Salad BLT, Truffle Fries, Caesar Turkey Wrap, Tortilla Soup.  

With locations to serve you in Agoura and Calabasas there are enough Blue Tables for everyone. We have been eating and (now thankfully due to the new addition in Agoura, drinking wine) at this great little place for years. Take a look at the giant blackboard for a list of salads, sandwiches, paninis, or pizzas. Saunter over to the deli case for other delectable treats, then find your place in line and be ready to order. The Ellen's Special ($9.99) really is that...special. I can't count how many people I've turned on to this sandwich, people who swear they hate (with a capital "H," ham.) Picture this...a perfect ciabatta roll (white or wheat) with turkey, ham, creamy goat cheese, fig jam, and garlic aioli accompanied by a fresh salad of mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. I have this sandwich practically every time. Add a side of the the Asian Green Beans with soy sauce and sesame seeds and you'll be all set. Grab a drink from the big fridge and pay for everything at the cashier. Other sandwiches we love are Grilled Chicken Breast ($8.99) with roasted red peppers, arugula, and garlic aioli, and the Caprese ($8.49) with fresh mozarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, grilled eggplant, and balsamic vinaigrette. As a special treat, I sometimes order a Caramelized onion and Melted Brie Sandwich on a ciabatta roll. It's not on the menu, but if you ask, they'll make it for you! The Salad Trio ($11.99) is one of my go-to lunches. I usually get the Avocado-Chicken salad with cilantro and tomatoes, Asian Green Beans, and Tuna Salad. Add a baguette or ciabatta roll and it's a perfect lunch. Pizzas are 10" and are made with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and herbs. Vegetarians will go nuts for the Bologna ($13.99) with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, kalamanta olives, and vine-ripened tomatoes. Be sure to pick up some yummy chocolate chip cookies ($1.50) for dessert too. Blue Table 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (818) 597-2583. Hours: Mon-Wed 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. Thurs-Sat. 10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m.- 5 p.m. Also at 4774 Park Granada #4 Calabasas (818) 222-5195.

 Recommended Dishes: Ellen's Special, Salad Trio, Asian Green Beans, Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, The Bologna Pizza, Caprese Sandwich, Caramelized Onion and Brie Melt.

We have been eating here forever and this is one place I could not live without. From the blue checkered tablecloths to the long lines of tourists and regulars alike, Malibu Kitchen has a special place in my heart. Ingredient are always fresh and top-notch to boot. I can usually be found here on a lazy Saturday sitting on the patio with my feet up on an empty chair. And it doesn't matter that I've eaten here a million times; there is always something interesting to try. My favorite sandwich is the "Better Than Mom's Meatloaf" ($8.95) with "secret sauce", lettuce, and tomato. Trust me, that's all you need. I get it on the country white bread. It's huge and juicy, and messy. I'm in love with this sandwich. The Roast Beef and Swiss ($9.50)+$1 for cheese is a fine choice. We love it on a ciabatta roll with Thousand Island. Boar's Head meats make sandwiches extra tasty. Choose from an array of fresh salads, wraps and deli salads too. Study the menu while you wait in line and ready to order when you get up to the front. Grab a bag of Wise potato or corn chips and you are good to go! The bakery is an entity unto itself. The peanut butter bars are creamy and draped in chocolate. Eat one there or take some home and freeze them! Chocolate cigars are my husband's favorite. Cupcakes (we especially enjoy Red Velvet) and muffins are huge,  freshly baked on the premises, and pair well with a steaming cup of Peet's coffee. Go for breakfast and pretend you are in NY with a fresh H&H bagel! Malibu Kitchen & Gourmet Market Malibu Country Mart 3900 Cross Creek Road, #3 Malibu (310) 456-7845 Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm

Recommended Dishes: Meatloaf (Sandwich or plate), Roast Beef, bagels, salads, wraps, soups to go, bakery items.