AKASHA

For those without reservations, the long and lively bar--which overlooks the scene--offers 30 wines by the glass ($9 to $18), and serves the full menu. The patio seating on Culver is lovely for al fresco dining and preening, especially in nice weather.

The smaller side of the restaurant houses the bakery counter and satiny teak communal tables, where you can get fair trade coffee and organic teas along with a wide array of organic baked goods including lemon bars, apple tart, carrot cake and assorted cupcakes.

After 20 years of cooking and catering events, Akasha Richmond finally opened her own place in the historic Hull Building in downtown Culver City. An impressive interior design respects Richmond’s love of the earth: walls are made of reclaimed barn wood; recycled glass tiles are used for the floor; mobile-like lighting fixtures are equipped with LED bulbs; and chairs are made with organic...

It’s all-natural, organic, local hippie dogma with a side of celebrity spotting: Chef Akasha has friends in high places. It’s a bobo addition to Culver City’s big-time restaurant scene. Not the best, but the biggest splash (Harrison Ford’s kid down the street is JV now). Halibut wild, coffee fair trade, Rosie chicken, French fries, even drink muddlers organic. Fun if you can stand the hippie heat.

In Short
Like moths to a flame, celebs, artists and foodies are rushing to make this eco-friendly haunt the hottest spot in Culver City. Just try to get a reservation on a...