First Strawberries

Strawberry season is just beginning, and here’s where we’ve spotted a few good berries:

* Pie ‘N’ Burger: This Pasadena coffee shop serves enormous wedges of a fresh strawberry pie that is, essentially, a bit of flaky crust, a lot of fresh strawberries and enough fresh strawberry glaze to hold everything together. We like it with a generous portion of freshly whipped cream. (Fresh strawberry pie, $2.85 a slice; a la mode or with whipped cream, add $1.25. Whole pie, $15.) Pie ‘N’ Burger, 913 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 795-1123.

* Donut Man: The first days of spring bring Donut Man’s famous strawberry doughnuts. The fluffy yeasted doughnuts are filled to bursting with fresh, ripe strawberries in a juicy homemade glaze. For ultra-fresh doughnuts, still hot, go before sunrise. (Strawberry doughnuts, $1.75.) Donut Man, 915 E. Alosta Ave., Glendora, (626) 963-7412.

* Edelweiss Candy Kitchen: Chocolate-covered strawberries are back--as they have been every spring for decades at this venerable Beverly Hills candy store. Sweet, ripe, full-flavored berries are dipped in bittersweet chocolate in the candy kitchen on Edelweiss’ premises. (Chocolate-covered strawberries, $24 a pound.) Edelweiss Candy Kitchen, 444 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 275-0341.

* Spago Beverly Hills: Sherry Yard’s kaiserschmarren, an ineffable souffle-like crepe served with warm sauteed Chino Ranch strawberries, is one of the all-time great desserts. (Kaiserschmarren, $10.) Spago Beverly Hills, 176 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 385-0880.

* Paio: The new spring menu at this Silver Lake gem offers an enticing pastry dumpling filled with fresh strawberries and bathed in a mango coulis. (Strawberry dumpling, $6.) Paio, 2520 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 953-1973.

* Joe’s: In Venice, stop for one of Joe Miller’s bargain lunches. Eat out on the pretty patio--and be sure to stay for a beautiful mauve sphere of refreshing strawberry granite served with jewel-like slices of fresh citrus fruit. (Strawberry granite, $5.) Joe’s, 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 399-5811; JoeJoe’s 13355 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 990-8280.

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