Go out for brunch in LA and you're likely to hear the following phrase: "Is that gluten-free?" We know, we know—for many people, there are legitimate allergies that come into play; for others, it's a matter of feeling good or losing weight. But for those of us whose favorite part of dining out is the bread basket (shout out to Red Lobster's cheddar bay biscuits), the inaugural (and free!) Los Angeles Bread Festival is a godsend. For two days (June 6-7), Grand Central Market will be filled with the glorious smell of carbs just waiting to be eaten. Pop-ups, demos, workshops and panel discussions are all on the schedule, including creative family events like "Feel the Churn Butter Aerobics," which is, of course, a butter-making/aerobics class. Because we've always wanted to make butter while stretching.
Visitors will have the chance to hear from local farmers, bakers, millers and chefs discuss the LA bread movement, along with catching a sneak peek of "The Grain Divide," a pro-wheat film by JD McLelland. But here's what you really want to know: GCM vendors will have a plethora of bread items available for purchase, like cornbread from Horse Thief BBQ, zucchini bread from Valerie at GCM, and flatbread from the market's newest falafel shop, Madcapra. Some will be created just for the event, while others are promoting bread options they already have. Additional pop-up vendors will also be making an appearance: Grist & Toll, The King's Roost, Spread the Love and more.
If you're still not into gluten, well, we have an emoji for you. But if you're buttering a bread roll as we speak? We'll see you at the festival.