Valentine's Day with Baby on Board: Trotter's To Go

By Elizabeth Shapiro in Food on Feb 13, 2008 8:30PM

Valentine’s Day had always been a great excuse to go out to dinner. Unwilling to foist our screaming banshee toddler on fellow romantic diners these days, we’ve created a new luxe tradition to celebrate: after bed time, we’re reheating Charlie Trotter’s take out.

Trotters to Go is the pre-made food endeavor from high end chef Charlie. This cross between a wine shop and an upscale deli counter, sitting in a strip mall on Fullerton, serves a ridiculous array of foods. You can purchase gourmet groceries here, like hard to find spices, salts or mixes and stock up on hand picked wines and decadent cheeses. What sets Trotters apart from, say, Southport Grocery, is their heat-and-eat fare cooked “consistent[ly] with the culinary philosophy of Charlie Trotter's restaurant”. In other words, friggin’ tasty.

They’ve luxuriously prepared a handful of proteins, like sea scallops or beef tenderloin accompanied by a dozen sides: seasonal vegetables, wheatberry salads or pasta. You get to pick your portion size, and they’ll give you tips on how to reheat your dish. We particularly love their soups and breads. We’ll stick to these if we’re buying on a budget, or buy extra for lunch the following day. Don’t forget their desserts: you’ll have your choice or pre-made tortes or cakes, or some ready to bake cookies in their refrigerated section.

Although their website gives you a hint as to what they might be serving, you won’t know until you get there. This week, they’re featuring aphrodisiacal treats and highlight ingredients like rosemary, chocolate or truffles. We bring our toddler to shop there, but keep him close by-- the store teems with breakables, most within a two-year-old’s reach.

Visit Trotters to Go at 1337 West Fullerton between the hours of 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the week and check out their website for more information.