california dreaming.

this past september, founders david and chris took newly promoted head chef, jake dolin, and general manager, daniele beltramo, on a long-awaited trip to visit some of california’s best eateries and meet the people behind them. it was also a chance for them to thank two of our longest standing team members for all that they do at manteca, as well as celebrate dan’s 50th birthday (much to his surprise, as he has not yet reached the milestone). the elaborate birthday sing-along at a very full la restaurant was better received by some more so than others…

first stop, los angeles. it is, in every sense, a city of contrasts: sprawling, gritty neighbourhoods graze districts of densely packed high-rises. valleys of glossy mansions exist alongside a pulsing beachfront. and the core that holds it all together is the city’s unfaltering love of good food. 

five days is not nearly enough time to sample all the dining options available, but we gave it our all. and la delivered. our favourites could fill pages, but special mention goes to bavel for their exciting take on middle eastern food. the baba ghanoush and the duck ‘nduja hummus were an unforgettable way to start a meal. 

we had to experience the thriving street-food culture, and for this we squeezed in tacos, tostadas and tamales where we could. some of the best bites were between the main meals.

our la restaurant quota sufficiently satisfied, we headed up coast toward san francisco. driving via the sunny shores of malibu with a classically-californian hot dog pitstop thrown in. winding along breathtaking shorelines and past staggering mountain ranges, it was easy to see why people fall in love with the west coast.

san francisco offered an opportunity to catch our breaths. slower mornings at iconic spots such as tartine manufactory and dinner at zuni café, where we finally got to enjoy their signature wood oven roasted chicken. we ended our tour at the golden gate bridge, which gave us a goodbye we won’t be in a rush to forget.

we returned to london full - in every sense of the word - and inspired to get back into the kitchen.

cali, we’ll see you again soon.

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with special thanks to our photographer, gilles draps, for capturing the trip.