It's impossible to pin down exactly what this little Melrose storefront is -- retail café, purveyor of fine food, Italian deli, casual panini joint, wine bar -- it's all that and more.

Stop into Froma during the morning for a hot espresso and some homemade, ginger-swirled banana bread, or take your time with the likes of a cheddar-avocado omelet, panettone French toast, prosciutto-gruyere croissant sandwich, or a breakfast panini with tomato and basil from the full breakfast menu.

 Panini dominates the multifaceted lunch-dinner fare with two dozen exotic choices like the Alpino with salty bresaola, chèvre, fresh lemon and arugula, and a sandwich featuring blue crab meat. There are a dozen different salads as well, and a variety of bruschette like the gorgonzola and bosc pear drizzled with raw wild honey. Pair that with a glass of chilled Jo Pithon Chenin Blanc from France's Loire Valley or choose from Froma's well-curated wine selection -- one of the in the area -- with fine old/new world options including several carrying organic certification.

The in-store menu is only part of the experience, however. You'll also find Froma's shelves and counters lined with gourmet products like Tsar Nicoulai caviar, specialty olive oils, European coffees, tea biscuits, fine chocolates and confections, and a cheese /
(Photo by Eric Rosen/LA.com)
charcuterie counter brimming with briny meats and rinds.

Now that Froma has extended its evening hours until 9:00pm, you'll have an extra hour to peruse their wares for the perfect gifts for your foodie friends. Get there between 4:00-7:00pm on weekdays, and you can enjoy a new happy hour too, with $4 beers, $5 glasses of wine, and several "small bites" from the main menu.


Froma
7960 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 653-3700

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