How a simple snack plate in LA cost a whopping $77

The allure of Los Angeles, with its sun-kissed beaches and star-studded sidewalks, often comes with a price tag that can leave visitors and locals alike in a state of sticker shock. But even by LA standards, the cost of a simple lunch can sometimes be jaw-dropping, as one Sydney tourist recently discovered. 

Emma Gillman, a visitor from Sydney, ventured into the world of Erewhon, an upscale organic grocery store and cafe in Los Angeles known for its health-conscious offerings and celebrity sightings. With a desire to indulge in something healthy amidst her travels, she found herself facing a bill that would make anyone’s wallet tremble: a staggering $77 AUD for what she termed a ‘snack plate’ and an iced coffee.

A Sydney traveller, Emma Gillman, paid $77 for a snack plate and iced coffee at Erewhon in LA. Credit: @emma.gillman / Instagram

Erewhon’s reputation for exorbitant prices was not lost on Ms Gillman, who was curious to see if the hype was justified. ‘Erewhon is everywhere, so I wanted to see what all the hype was about,’ she said. Her quest for quality food in LA, a city where she felt the food quality was generally poor, led her to this trendy eatery.

The infamous $77 snack plate and coffee consisted of an organic rotisserie chicken combo plate with broccolini and buffalo cauliflower, which alone cost $29.50 USD ($47.60 AUD). Erewhon prides itself on its high-quality ingredients, boasting gluten-free and organic chicken, cauliflower flash-fried in non-GMO avocado oil, and broccolini sautéed in organic extra virgin olive oil. But the price didn’t stop there. A large iced latte with organic milk set her back another $16 USD ($25.80 AUD), and the addition of coconut cream was a further $7 USD ($11.30 AUD).

After-tax and a recommended tip, the total reached an eye-watering $48.13 USD ($77 AUD). Was the experience worth the cost? Ms Gillman’s verdict was mixed. ‘The coffee tasted like trash, and the snack plate was small,’ she admitted. ‘The chicken was disappointing… American chicken and produce just don’t taste the same. But the broccolini and cauliflower hit the spot.’

Despite the underwhelming aspects of her meal, Ms Gillman still believed in the value of eating high-quality, clean ingredients while travelling. On her social media stories, she humorously remarked, ‘It literally costs money to breathe in LA,’ but conceded that it’s part of the cost of seeking healthier options in a major US city.

This incident has given Ms Gillman a new perspective on the cost of living back home in Sydney, particularly in her Bondi neighbourhood. ‘We talk about the cost-of-living crisis in Australia, but honestly, it doesn’t compare,’ she reflected. The high prices of Uber Eats, grocery orders, and DoorDash deliveries in LA have highlighted the stark contrast between the two cities.

The issue of soaring costs in Los Angeles is not limited to trendy eateries. The city has been grappling with rent-gouging following the devastating wildfires that displaced thousands. Despite an emergency declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom, which prohibits price gouging above 10 per cent of pre-disaster prices, reports of rent increases of as much as 134 per cent have surfaced, drawing ire from the community.

The natural disaster has exacerbated the already precarious economic situation in LA, where around 70 per cent of residents were living paycheque to paycheque even before the fires. The service industry, in particular, has been hit hard, with many workers facing a sudden halt in employment.

As supply and demand drive up the cost of essentials, hotels and groceries have become more expensive than ever, putting additional strain on tight budgets. With the cost of living in Los Angeles already 50 per cent higher than the national average, the current crisis has only intensified the financial burden for many.

As prices continue to rise, it’s natural to wonder how others are coping with the increasing cost of living. Have you experienced similar price shocks while dining out or travelling? What strategies do you use to manage the rising costs in your own city? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s exchange ideas on how to navigate these financial challenges together!

Also read: It’s science, not fiction: high-tech drones may soon be fighting bushfires in Australia

Abegail Abrugar
Abegail Abrugar
Abby is a dedicated writer with a passion for coaching, personal development, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With a strong background in leadership, she provides practical insights designed to inspire growth and positive change in others.

4 COMMENTS

  1. Next you’ll expected to tip the checkout chick at Walmart when you pay for your groceries.

    If 🇺🇸 is that hard up and can’t afford to pay decent wages maybe the people should reach out to 🇨🇳 for Foreign Aid

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