The recent COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent nation-wide quarantines have decimated businesses, especially those in hospitality. Being essential businesses, restaurants across the US are struggling every day to stay open. Business owners have been cutting their hours, tweaking their menus, buying masks and sealed tamper-proof bags, and some are even laying off their entire staff. Even with these major obstacles some local restaurants are stepping up in the local community.
One Southern California restaurant that particularly caught my eye is Claudine Kitchen and Bakeshop located in Encino, CA. This family friendly, valley brunch spot has charitable deeds intertwined in the fabric of their business. The two owners/chefs, Anthony Jacquet and Lea Newton, provide their expertise in culinary and pastry cuisine. Together they bring their customers high-quality ingredients in an ever-developing, chef-crafted breakfast, lunch, and pastry menu.Since their opening in 2016, they have been nothing but generous to their staff, their community, and their patrons who they call their family. Some of these good deeds include donations to churches, Prime Surgical Center, Giving from the Heart Foundation and Mamba on Three Foundation. Los Angeles natives, the owners (like every Angeleno) have an affinity for Kobe Bryant. When Anthony and Lea heard about this tragedy, they created a menu item based on the legend’s favorite foods. Keeping with Kobe’s generous ideals they wanted to give back. This month-long promotion allowed them to donate $1,500to his foundation to help relieve some of the stress of the other families.
And even now with worldwide financial struggles they are still finding ways to give back.
This brunch-only spot is now offering family dinner portions and market baskets so families can focus on the other aspects of the quarantine besides dinner and standing in line at the grocery store. Along with these menu changes, Claudine has decided that giving back now more than ever is still important to the restaurant. The restaurant is currently in the process of feeding the healthcare workers of Valley Community Healthcare, as well as donating 50% of profits from Easter Dinner family baskets to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. After talking with restaurant staff, they were very excited to share their ideas including “Get a Meal – Give a Meal” for healthcare heroes.
Claudine is definitely a spot to check out! Whether it is for the delicious menu, crazy good rewards program, or the atmosphere, you’ll be amazed at the food while supporting your community. Next time you’re wondering what to order during your quarantine, check out Claudine Kitchen and Bakeshop!