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By Lesley Balla
Matcha isn't just for Japanese teahouses anymore. The antioxidant-rich green tea, which is really a powder made from steamed and dried tea leaves, has been around for thousands of years. It's traditionally whisked in hot water and has an earthy flavor and a bright green color that's almost unnatural. But it is natural, and good for you, too, even if it's made into a donut glaze. From ceremonial tableside service in Brentwood steakhouses to creative cocktails in West Hollywood, the frothy, ultra-green green tea is popping up just about everywhere this summer. Here are some of the most unique uses around town right now.
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Valerie: The confectioner's pretty petit fours are the perfect bite-size cake treats. The matcha petit four layers green tea cake with lemon verbena ganache and a white chocolate coating. The light green tinge makes it stand out from the others, although it's a perfect match for the rose-petal topped petit fours. Find it at all three Valerie locations — in the Grand Central Market, in Echo Park and at the original Los Feliz bakery.
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