According to researchers at Vanderbilt University, laughing burns an average of 1.3 calories per minute. Many say it’s the best exercise for your spirit and preservation of youth. In fact, Charlie Chaplin considered a day without laughter “a day wasted.” Therefore, a dining experience at new Hollywood café, The Republic of Laughter (“ROFL,” preferred) must become a necessary exercise for Angelenos.
Now, the concept behind ROFL runs deep of the research and theories of several scientists and motivational figures, including Dr. Masaro Emoto, along with contributors to motivational best -seller The Secret. Every aspect of this dining experience erects with happiness in mind. From the uplifting worded-wallpaper and artwork, to comforting lighting and outdoor seating, the tables and glassware as well as the chipper and engaging staff, and most importantly, the food, creates positivity that is contagious.
The surprisingly sophisticated, localized farm-to-table menu created by Top Chef competitor turned celeb chef, Govind Armstrong and executed by Chef de Cuisine, Jacob Wildman, offers a little something to make everyone smile. We were downright giddy nibbling fried Padron peppers studded with sea salt and lemon, followed by flavorful chilled heirloom gazpacho complimented by freshly made buttery croutons.
From plump mussels served in a saffron, basil and preserved lemon broth, to the whole Idaho trout, flanked by delicately prepared fennel slaw and roasted tomato chipotle aioli, ROFL restaurant serves quality food at casual café prices. If you’re not looking to eat a full meal, but rather, need a place to plug-in and caffeinate, ROFL offers free Wi-Fi and a range of made-to-order coffee drinks from an in-house trained Barista. The restaurant undertook an exhaustive hiring and training process to fill their ranks with qualified, gleeful people they intend to keep.
Thus, not to be missed is their vanilla latte, which utilizes a home-made vanilla bean blend for the perfect balance of sweet and smooth. And of course, you’re going to want a little dessert with your coffee, so go for one of their decadent caramelized pearl sugar Liege waffles, coated in a rich chocolate ganache and drizzled in caramel. Or, try the creamy and light, not-too-sweet cheesecake, which is guaranteed to invite the corners of your mouth to turn up, maybe even into a laugh. Beer and wine coming soon.
