I am not a foodie, nor am I a self-proclaimed food critic. Yet here I am, preparing to persuade you to try a restaurant. When I eat out, for the most part, I play it safe. I find something I love at a restaurant and I stick to it. Even when trying a new place in Los Angeles or while traveling, I look for the dishes that most resemble something I love from somewhere I'm used to.

Then came the exception to the rule. One overcast weekend morning a few months ago, while driving to Dunkin' Donuts (feel free to pass judgment) with my boyfriend, I noticed a large black sign with the word: LODGE. Curiosity peaked.

"I wonder what that place is?" I asked as we watched a line of smiling, chatting people form outside.

From the moment we locked eyes on the establishment it only took a week before deciding to try.

Welcome to Lodge Bread in Culver City. A bakery whose tagline says it all:

A bakery with a focus on SIMPLICITY + CRAFTSMANSHIP

Warning: Leave all diets at the door. There is no place for them here.

At Lodge, it's all about the bread. From the moment we entered it was love at first sight. Jimi Hendrix was playing and my nose was immediately filled with the aroma of De La Paz Coffee and, oh yeah, BREAD. Lots and lots of bread. Baked fresh everyday.

I tried a sourdough, cinnamon roll. It was the size of my head and I couldn't get enough.

Are you drooling yet?

The menu is written on a chalkboard above the register, with special items on sheets of paper underneath. Featured items include Avocado and Radish and Cinnsugar on Country Bread. I've yet to order the same thing twice and have a need to satisfy weekly cravings.

Take a seat at the counter or at one of the tables and be sure to get a good view of one of the staff members or owners rolling dough and sending more loaves off to the oven. Don't stop at a post-breakfast satisfied stomach: I urge you to take a loaf (or two) to go.

Whether or not you observe Shabbat, you'd be doing yourself a total disservice by passing up a loaf of their braided challah bread during it's weekly limited availability. And on Sunday night, just when you think the weekend is over and all you have left to look forward to is a grim Monday back at work, show up for Pizza Night. With ever changing toppings and unusual ingredients, you will never be disappointed!

Thank you Lodge. Thank you from the bottom of my hungry, happy heart.