Cheese, Wine & More at Kustaa | Culver City, CA

By Sophie Gayot

Culver City, March 2022

• GAYOT’s Rating13/20
• Cuisine: Salads, Sandwiches, Charcuterie, Cheese
• Open: Wed.-Sat. 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Sun. 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

After being an interior designer for years, Kustaa’s owner Tina Bonfils had a change of heart. When she saw the small space, she immediately had the vision to transform it into a friendly neighborhood (and no fuss) gourmet market — it is true that she is married to restaurateur Yon Idiart, who was for years at the Patina Group, therefore has been infused with good foods for some time. Being Swedish, Tina wanted a sleek look. Black and white are the theme throughout the market and the patio where food is served.

Upon entering, you are greeted by cheeses from around the world, charcuterie (French and Italian), and pastries on the right; and on the left, gourmet foods (French and Italian). Move farther in and that is where you find the wines coming from every corner of the planet. Tina has deliberately opted for low priced labels. And, the more you buy, the less you pay: 3 bottles and you get a 10% discount, 6 bottles are 15% off, the case is marked off 20%. The other good news is that when you dine, you can bring the bottle(s) purchased in the front to your table at the back patio with no corkage fee.

Of course, expect to find cheese and charcuterie boards prepared based on the monger’s daily choice. In the homemade snacks, I liked the olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade. There is a good offering of classic sandwiches made with French baguette from nearby Superba bakery. Salads include a cucumber burrata one and kale goat cheese with farro. There are also two quiches (traditional and spinach & blue cheese). Finish with engraved love macarons, crème brûlée, or fruit tart.

> Gather your family and friends
on Wednesday and Saturday for the raclette
– on Saturday and Sunday, mimosas are served, including a mango version, as well as an omelet and an egg muffin that you can spice up with merguez.

Kustaa – GAYOT’s Rating13/20
12954 W. Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90066

424-289-9167
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