10 Things from Sqirl - (illustrated by kai)

Address: 720 Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States

#nomswithkai_LA @ Sqirl

When I came back to Los Angeles after finishing my first semester at USC and spending Christmas back at home (2022), I decided to try harder in getting to know the local area through something that felt familiar to me: toast.

Searching for Toast in LA
When I first started the Everyday Toast project, I didn’t intend for it to go on into the hundreds as it started as a 7-day challenge that later evolved into a 30-day challenge, then 100… and now it has taken a form of its own. I started by drawing toasts that I found online on Pinterest and also on Instagram through my explore page and trending content from fellow cooking creators. Everything happened almost digitally (Phone and iPad) and I never quite physically went out to explore. After hitting 100 toasts, I decided to put more effort in getting to know the food scene in LA, doing more research into brunch offerings with the keyword “toast.” It was simple enough to find an avocado toast at every trendy cafe in LA as it was Los Angeles after all, but what really changed my views on food and community was Sqirl.

What makes “Good Toast”?
I often get asked what makes a good toast — from my dictionary, I think a good toast menu is made by understanding the canvas (toast) you are working with. Some places like to source their bread from outside makers, while some places spend time to extensively research and develop bread that they find fitting for their menu. What makes Sqirl special to me is their incredible range of bread — ryebrød, croissant bread (recent addition), whole baguette (outsourced from clark street bakery), english muffin, brioche and sourdough. Everyone has a solution to their bread texture needs to start off with (though perhaps missing a gluten-free option), and the toppings that come with on top is what changes the whole story.

Sqirl’s 42.5 hour French Toast is soaked in custard before being baked ‘pain-perdu’ style — the texture that equates from this outcome is a warm, velvety, bread pudding-like toast that cuts neatly with a fork and knife. The top is brûléed (caramelized on top with sugar) for an extra textural component, creating a fun eating experience as the food simply never gets boring. Paired with a choice of either their iconic jams (strawberry is good), or the seasonal poached fruit, you cannot make a bad decision out of the two. Lastly, to top it all off, it comes with a side of whipped ricotta to cut through the sweetness of the caramelized toast top (when things get a little too crazy). The size of this toast never ceases to amaze first-timers — a full satisfying pound of brioche, sugared and toasted.

toast diaries: #163 #211 #214 #379 #431 #445

Kai’s Recommendations:
1) first time go-ers: 42.5 Hour Brioche French Toast; Rainbow Ricotta Toast (comes with 4-daily jams - Sqirl has an incredible variety)

if you are going with someone that doesn’t like toast, or prefers a more ‘lunch’ like item — you cannot go wrong with the Salmon Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl. If they don’t like fish, then look through the Pesto Rice Bowl menu to find something that fits their palate! (vegan friendly option also available)

2) second visit: Shaq (shakshuka), especially on a cold day.

Extra Notes:

Sqirl always has something to look forward to especially during fun festive seasons - for example, they had Hamantashen (a Jewish triangular filled-pocket pastry made when celebrating Purim). Other examples include: Valentines Day Pastry Tins (variety cookie boxes)!
On weekends (starting Friday). they have cake slices available. Flavors are always different each week — you are in for a treat if you get lucky with landing on one!
I had a “fluffernutter” cookie once. If you like peanut butter and marshmallows — this one is for you.

[LA] Sqirl