Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Mix 'n Munch: Why cereal and grilled cheese?


 A tuna melt from the now-departed Meltdown in Culver City

Here's some info on Mix 'n Munch, the cereal and grilled cheese cafe due mid-summer in South Pasadena. It's a family business started by Heather Apraku, her husband Abraham Apraku, her sister Kimberly Lee and brother-in-law Bryan Woo. All four went to South Pasadena High, and they're aiming to make it a community gathering spot for all ages, with Wi-fi and bigscreen TV and everything available to go for Gold Line commuters (just don't eat that cereal on the train, or you'll get a whopping fine!) So why the unusual combo?
Heather Apraku says, "When we first thought of opening a cereal bar, we wanted to offer an additional menu item that was simple and delicious. To us, it was a no-brainer to offer another classic food item that we believe most people grew up eating, and never really stopped loving, the grilled cheese sandwich. Instead of just one or two types of grilled cheese, we wanted to continue with our theme of customizable food and provide a variety of cheeses, breads and additional toppings (bacon, caramelized onions, etc) for people to choose from. On top of our grilled cheese selection and our numerous cereal combinations (30 cereals, 20 different types of mix-ins, and several milk options), we plan on offering additional items such as homemade tomato soup, fresh oatmeal and yogurt parfaits."
Also in South Pas. news, there's branch of the Menchie's frozen yogurt franchise moving in next to Mike and Anne's. I'm happy to see more activity in the neighborhood, though there's plenty of things we could still use (even more) -- a gastropub, a Counter-type burger place, a good Mexican restaurant with drinks, a healthy grab 'n go place like Forage or Larchmont Larder would all be welcome. Especially if one of them happened to bake great fresh French bread.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with you as a long time SP resident! I still have my doubts about Mix 'n Munch though. Although I'd love to see another small business succeed in South Pas, there are many types of restaurants we "need" in the area much more than a cereal joint.

DailyChef said...

Interesting - I'll have to swing by the Mix 'n Munch. Can't say I've ever eaten at a cereal bar before.

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Anonymous said...

I can't wait for Mix 'n Munch! This is a perfect business for South Pas. Right next to the Metro and right across from the historic Busters Ice Cream. Great location and all it needs is good people to come in once it opens.

Sandhy said...

South Pasadena will never have a good Mexican place with drinks, as there are only three bars in the whole city and unless hell freezes over they'll never allow another (it has something to do with how they always felt like Pasadena's red-headed step-sibling, I dunno).

As for Mix 'n Munch: really? Really? While I think the neighborhood will continue to support an overpriced French deli and a high-end Japanese fusion restaurant, I can't see it supporting a place serving stuff easily obtained at Pavilions. Call me crazy and I may be completely wrong. I'd rather have a great ramen house or Vietnamese cafe in its place.

cakebake said...

Im fond of grilled cheese and cereal... separately, as long as the prices are reasonable im interested.

Anonymous said...

If I ever have a craving for a delicious grilled cheese and some Capn Crunch mixed with granola, I can just make it at home.
SP definitely needs a gastropub and Mexican place with drinks. But what Sandhy said is right. It'll never happen!

Anonymous said...

Hey, if people are willing to buy water in a bottle, I'm sure they will buy cereal from a "cereal bar."

Anonymous said...

This may not be the proper thread to post this on, however, since So. Pas. residents are all weighing in on the topic of what this area needs, what do you all think about a used bookstore in the space right next door to this Mix 'n Munch place? There aren't many bookstores in the area - and Crown doesn't have much character. Do you think a hip little bookstore would thrive or be completely overlooked? Would love to hear your opinions...

wildebeest said...

In case you didn't know, the Friends of the South Pasadena Library has a volunteer-run bookstore upstairs in the Library. The selection is very good and the prices are exceptionally low. Certain book dealers go there a couple of times a week.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say Mix n' Munch is still around and thriving....HOLLLA!!!