How we got here: we typed “what to eat…” into Google and the top suggestion was “…after wisdom teeth removal”. Hmm, dumb idea? Then we took a group poll and realized that most of us at Infatuation LA have had our pesky third molars removed. Maybe it’s not such a dumb idea after all-useful, in fact. So, if you’re currently in pain and your face looks like a bee-stung Cabbage Kid, consider this your salvation. Here are some LA spots that will make these next few weeks less miserable.
DISCLAIMER (IN CASE YOU CANNOT DETECT JOKE): We are food writers, not health professionals. This is clearly a stupid guide. Follow your doctor’s orders and eat or not eat whatever they tell you. And keep those outlets clean.
You could go to Pinkberry, but that’s an everyday thing. You need something extra special because you’re experiencing what feels like a hamster applying a tiny hammer to your jawbone. What you need is a yogurt shop in Beverly Hills. Go Greek claims its froyo is also healthier, but we don’t care about that. We are interested in their wonderful flavors such as Greek cookie, honey and almond. Just be sure to skip the overlays. The last thing you need is chia seeds placed in there.
photo: Sylvio Martins
When was the last time you entered that dark, forgotten place? Well, get familiar with it. The lime flavor is either gross or the best, depending on who you ask.
Gelato evokes something Häagen-Dazs never will. Maybe it’s the smoother, denser texture, or maybe it’s because we’re looking for it when we go through something. Either way, take your pain and misery to Bacio di Latte at Westfield Century City Mall (or their Larchmont and Brentwood locations) and order their two bestsellers: the not-too-sweet pistachio and the eponymous bacio di latte which tastes like pure cream with the tiniest vanilla blouse.
photo: Matt Gendal
Tofu = soft. Pudding = soft. Tofu pudding = very soft and a little crazy, too. The one at Siam Sunset is especially delicious thanks to the sweet ginger syrup floating around.
photo: Matt Gendal
At some point during your soft food journey, you’ll hit a tipping point and feel like a teething baby on the verge of a meltdown. Bow to it in Borit Gogae. For $30 per person, this quiet spot in Koreatown serves up a barley rice set for two that includes a huge variety of vegetable banchan and three nutritious soups: burnt rice, pumpkin puree, and a hearty perilla seed and chicken porridge. It’s soft food heaven. Depending on how far along you are with the treatment, you may need to pass on the delicious banchan. Well, more soup for you.
photo: Matt Gendal
This is good soup. You want this soup. The chicken broth has just the right level of schmaltz, and the giant matzo ball is as light and fluffy as the cotton balls you were cramming into your mouth last week.
One never Needs an Erewhon smoothie, except maybe now. (Note: not all Erewhons are created equal. We can explain.) Don’t take anything with seeds and definitely don’t use a straw. Suction is a big no-no during treatment. That means you’ll have to scoop up your $20 organic probiotic algae smoothie with a spoon. And before you complain about looking dumb in front of the real Erewhon Influencers, remember not to take yourself so seriously. You just spent $20 on a smoothie. (Good smoothie, though.)
photo: Matt Gendal
You’ve finally reached the point in your recovery journey where you can chew soft foods. Congratulations! You (and your appetite) should be excited. Pancakes are thankfully delicious, filling and easy to chew, and few places do them better than Du-par’s. The pan leaves them slightly crispy on the outside, but spongy and soft on the inside. Everyone go to the boysenberry syrup fluff.
Breakfast By Salt’s Cure knows how to make a soft scramble, with an emphasis on soft: think little balls, velvety smooth, perfectly seasoned. Sometimes, limited jaw mobility is needed to appreciate small details.
photo: Olivia Mans
You shouldn’t be eating things like toasted sourdough because of the current state of your mouth, but what if said sourdough was soaked in a nutritious chicken bone broth? Say the loophole if you want. The bread is mushy and soggy in a satisfying way, as opposed to a gross way. Maybe eat around the crust, though.
Please order all the above takeaways and enjoy them at your IKEA Malm. The pain will pass, but your appreciation for soft foods will be forever.
