Charlie's Pantry: A New Gourmet Eatery and Market Takes Root in the 818 -- My Daily Find

BY KAREN YOUNG

The long wait is over. Charlie’s Pantry quietly opened its doors last Thursday. Located in Studio City underneath California Pizza Kitchen, this new eatery is a welcome addition to the 818.

This picnic table is surrounded by marble bistro tables and cherry wood chairs. Photos: Karen Young

Similar to Sweet Butter, Sweetsalt and Olive & Thyme in its type of eatery, Charlie’s Pantry differs a bit in its menu and style. While the others have more the farmhouse/Hamptons feel, Charlie’s Pantry has a more subtle European edge with marble top bistro tables, cherry wood chairs and moulding on the ceilings and walls that recalls more of a British sensibility. A white picnic bench anchors the room with white seat pads. The entire effect is crisp and modern, yet exudes a feeling of comfort.

Only part of the large case showcasing market specialties perfect for take home.

The casual eatery’s namesake, Charlie Pearson, is indeed British. She is partners with her husband, David, and mother-in-law, Maria. The trio owned the very popular Dusty’s in Silverlake before selling it when they decided to open this new concept in Studio City,

Charlie’s Pantry is part eatery/part marketplace where you order at the counter and your food is brought to you. The menu is seasonal using market fresh produce with vegan and vegetarian options as well—and is quite unique with an emphasis on an all day breakfast which includes a variety of eggs, omlettes, benedicts (which can be ordered on latkes, grilled polenta or English muffins), savory and sweet crepes, croques and french toast.

Eggs a la Stella: Eggs Benedict without hollandaise, grilled asparagus, poached eggs, shaved parmesean and crispy proscuitto.

Most breakfasts are served only with toast or baquette. Potatoes are served as sides. Poutine, the French-Canadian specialty of fries, cheese curds and gravy, is one side I have seen only at select restaurants.

The lunch menu offers a variety of salads and sandwiches with ingredients from various regions offering global tastes of Italy, the Mediterranean, Mexico, America, Canada, France and India. There are two fresh soups made daily with two others— matzoh ball and minestrone—which are featured regularly.

Pastries.

The front glass case showcases an eclectic selection of “take home” possibilities with standard selections and others that change daily, including grilled artichokes, burrata salad, French beans, broccolini, jumbo asparagus, mac n’ cheese, lasagna and berry salad. Meat and fish selections include crab cakes, seafood salad, quiche lorraine,salmon vichy and osso bucco. There’s also pasta and grains with such offerings as lasagna bolognese and couscous.

Seafood salad

The pastry case is filled with fresh selections of muffins, croissants, pastries and select French macarons. There are hot and cold drinks with coffee served in a tall, silver personal pot and tea prepared in an individual pot with a strainer for leaves or bags. There is also selection of fun bottled sodas, such as Bubble Up. The marketplace also offers a selection of drinks, gourmet jams and spreads, salts, oils, vinegar and other freshly packaged goods.