SILVER LAKE

Botanica

1620 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Vampire repellant spray. 18k gold dumb bells. Pubic hair oil.

We all know Gwyneth Paltrow and the goop team can be a little out-of-touch with the more simple folk, like myself. But I’m also a #goopApologist so sometimes, I like to test-drive what they’re selling before I’m so quick to judge.

According to goop, one of the team’s favorite family dining spots in LA is Botanica in Silver Lake. I decided to break out my toddler’s goop x Christian Louboutin flats (KIDDING!) and take a drive over there to see just how goopy it can be.

Vibes: Much like Gwyneth’s personal style, Botanica is chic but feels effortless. It’s the kind of place you’d expect Gwynie’s kids to dine at and behave like proper little gourmands. When I saw the marvelous wall of reputable natural wines for retail, I started to second guess this choice.

I checked with the hostess to make sure it was ok to have piglet with me and she assured me a lot of kids are there all the time. I sat very close to the door just to be safe but the server was so polite and accommodating anyways.

Kids menu: No designated kids menu, no problem! I always pack a suction baby bowl (by BabieB on Amazon) in her diaper bag, so she can have her own bites.

Order: Rick’s Farm Egg (ordered scrambled) and Rice, Noodles, Herbs and & Greens. Head’s up - there are chunky peanut pieces in the salad.

Price: $18 (not including tax + tip)

Highchairs: Were they aiming for a “shabby chic look” with black paint chipping off or is there just no upkeep for the highchairs? Just seems like a place so welcoming to little ones would invest in something nicer…

Changing Table: They do have a changing table.

Stroller Access: If you’re able to get the table where I sat (right of the hostess stand when you first enter) there’s room for your stroller. Otherwise, it’s a little tight, so get ready to fold it up.

Parking: There’s a lot of street parking on Silver Lake Blvd, but it’s a very busy street, so please be careful with traffic.

Bonus: I’ll definitely be back kid-less to taste all the wines. The wine list focuses on natural producers- wines grown without pesticides, no manipulation, and have no additives (except that pinch of sulfur). This results in bolder flavors and less of a hangover.

Rating: 4.5/5 Spoons - I only docked a half a point, because of the paint chipped highchair. Otherwise, goop got it right.