Clifton's Favorite Family Recipe's

3/28/2016

Must of been some damn fine grub, someone is too busy eating to pose for a picture with the Camera Girl!

Since I shared this recipe on my Facebook page a few weeks ago, I've just been dying to try this out. I happened to have the day off and it’s one of those rare rainy, blustery days here in Southern California so I figured it was perfect baking weather. I quickly gathered all of the simple ingredients and whipped it right up.

Photo courtesy of Esotouric Secret Los Angeles, Facebook

The results? So scrumptious! The torte was thick, lightly sweet and buttery. The balance of fruit and walnuts seemed to offset the sugar content for a more savory flair.

As I was feasting on this old Clifton's family recipe, I kept thinking how indicative it was of the meals Clifton's Cafeteria used to serve to the multitudes over the generations. All of their meals were home-made, with fresh ingredients and purposely hearty and nutritious. True comfort food that illustrated the Clifton’s family vision, and especially needed to serve the poor families in the Los Angeles area who could thankfully afford a good hot meal by "paying what you wish".

This is probably why so many people have never and will never forget the memorable food they had when visiting this most famous landmark. When folks start reminiscing about Clifton’s you’ll usually hear about an array of hot bubbling trays full of buffet style classics, such as the full turkey dinner, meatloaf, mac and cheese, in addition to the endless display of fresh desserts, and let’s not forget about that famous Jell-o. It was a true feast for the eyes...and a Disneyland for the stomach.

You may not realize this, but there are actually hundreds of treasured family recipes that the 'new' Clifton's still has in its archives! They have even promised to incorporate many of these time-tested old recipes in with their new menus. (on my recent trips to Clifton’s none have yet surfaced thus far- boo!) And after the recent, shall I say "challenging" food reviews, it may be time to go old-school.

Here are the actual archives hidden mysteriously away somewhere inside Clifton's

Photo courtesy of Esotouric Secret Los Angeles, Facebook

If and when they do incorporate the old-timey recipes, let's hope this Fruit Nut Torte makes the cut!

By the way, I added fresh whip cream (please no partially hydrogenated non-dairy whip… ugh) and a sprinkling of cinnamon to finish off the plate. It comes highly recommended by yours truly.

One more thing, I just thought I would post the results of my baking accomplishments just for fun, but not to worry a new diary episode will be coming your way soon!

54 Comments

george wilson

11/19/2017 08:56:41 pm

I've been looking for this recipe since I saw it in the L.A. Times long ago. I made several one year for family and all were pleased. I thank you for honoring Clifton's, a Southern California treasure. Now I better get busy with my baking.....

Louise Nicholson

1/11/2020 01:51:00 am

Do you have the recipe for the “Clifton’s Family Recipes” meatloaf?
(Not the Vienna-style one.)

Jonie

7/1/2020 04:44:51 pm

Looking for cliftons recipe for carrot raisin salad with NO pineapple.

sherry domerego

1/23/2021 01:48:00 am

might you have the cliftons pineapple bran muffin recipe. I have the macaroni and cheese recipe photocopied from their actual recipe book.
would you like to have a copy?

Angela

2/11/2022 06:37:18 am

Hi Sherry,
I hope this message finds it's way to you. I grew up on Clifton's (literally was taken there as my first outing as a newborn). I have been looking for several of their recipes for years, including their Mac and cheese. I would adore a copy and would treasure it forever.
Would you be willing go share?
Thank you!

Sherry Domerego

3/8/2022 02:05:41 am

i will be happy to email it to you!!

Angela Cusick

4/2/2022 04:36:33 pm

Thank you Sherry!
Would you kindly send to [email protected]
Forever grateful!

10/16/2022 05:37:51 pm

Hi - was wondering if you would share the mac and cheese recipe.

Thanks

Charleen

10/10/2023 09:42:13 pm

Hello Angela I grew up on Clifton’s Cafateria it was our special outing when we had extra money Salisbury steak Mac n cheese a salad and chocolate pudding or the million dollar pie for dessert! I was wondering if you could please share the Mac and cheese recipe with me? I have been trying to recreate with no luck I would be forever great full thank you. You could send it to [email protected] thank you again

Ingrid

5/29/2022 05:23:25 pm

Hi Sherry. I would love a copy of the mac and cheese recipe if you'd please share. I grew up going to Clifton's with my Grandmother and it was both of our favorite! Thank you!

sherry

12/1/2024 12:52:47 am

i am afraid i cannot find it. now I am hoping someone else has it.
it's very unusual I'm that it had eggs in it. and that made it very custardy.

Lisa Norton

8/27/2022 10:42:32 am

Yessss... I have been looking for the Macaroni & Cheese recipe! I would be so grateful! Bless you ☺️

MONICA R.

11/15/2023 06:14:34 pm

My family and I are huge Cliftons Fans, especially mac m cheese.
We would forever be grateful for the recipe with Thangsgiving around the corner.

Jenn Garner

3/19/2024 12:28:56 pm

Hi Sherry, I would really love to receive a copy of Clifton's macaroni cheese recipe if you still have it available. That's so awesome that you were able to photocopy the mac & cheese recipe, and it wasn't lost to those that are so nostalgic for it!

I also hope you eventually find the pineapple bran muffin recipe that you're looking for. It would be so great if all of those old recipes pictured on the Diary of Vilma site can eventually be found and shared someday soon. I wonder if anybody has any idea where they are located or archived.

Thanks! My email is [email protected]

D Turner

11/23/2024 11:38:48 pm

Would be grateful if you could email the Mac and cheese recipe! [email protected]
Thank you!

anne

3/1/2021 04:48:30 pm

Do you have the recipe for oily french salad dressing?

esther owens

8/5/2021 08:15:05 am

Do you have the recipe to their stuffed bell pepper and their enchilada's?

ian link

4/23/2022 05:18:26 pm

Everyone wants the Mac and Cheese recipe. Could you please e-mail it to me. Thanks Ian

Ely Diaz

5/3/2022 01:17:41 pm

I am so happy to have bumped into your post. I absolutely love Clifton's. They had opened one in Lakewood CA and my family and I would go every Sunday. I was so upset when they closed down. But I am happy the original is still open. If you happen to have the custard recipe, could you please email me. The Mac and Cheese is also my moms favorite. Could you also email me the recipe. [email protected]. Thank you!

McLean AC Repair link

8/16/2022 12:50:19 am

Grateful forr sharing this

Stephen Ortiz

8/19/2022 11:44:51 pm

Do you happen to have the recipe for the apple pie cream sauce?

Jeri Blose

8/21/2022 12:50:50 am

If anybody has the original Clifton’s Mac’n’Cheese recipe and the Mississippi Mud Cake recipe, I would love copies. Thanks!

Willie Rodriguez

9/15/2022 03:17:11 am

Looking for the Mac and cheese recipe and Turkey Dressing Recipe Thank you

Michael rodriguez

11/18/2023 08:07:15 pm

Rest in peace brother

Mike

10/21/2022 04:22:25 pm

Hi Sherry!

Like many others here, I am a super fan of Clifton's and their Mac & Cheese. My mom brought me here before I was even born!

I wished one day to be able to bring my own family to experience Clifton's but alas it cannot be.

I would really appreciate it if you could provide me with the Mac & Cheese recipe since that was the one item that was a MUST every time we went. Thanks!

10/21/2022 05:57:08 pm

Hi all!
If anyone would like to share receipes, I'm thinking of starting a catalog of them. I subscribed to this page and it appears there is quite a following for getting ahold of Clinton's recipes.
Unfortunately I haven't heard from Sherry so I would still appreciate the Mac and cheese recipe if anyone has it! My email is [email protected]
Thank you all!

Rachel

11/16/2022 02:50:41 pm

Do you have Clifton’s custard recipe? Been looking for years. Thank You!

Katherine

11/18/2022 06:34:40 pm

Has anyone gotten the Mac and cheese recipe yet? Like most of the people who made comments, I also grew up on our beloved Clifton's. I've been trying in vain to recreate the Mac and cheese...Southern Style Mac and cheese seems to be the closest with Monterey Jack cheese

Angie

11/18/2022 08:33:50 pm

I don’t have it yet but started a Reddit page to help consolidate and find recipes.
Here’s the link

https://www.reddit.com/r/FortheloveofCliftons/comments/yz3azg/for_the_love_of_cliftons_cafeteria/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Christina

11/22/2022 02:32:38 pm

Please please send me the mac and cheese recipe. It would make my day. Thank you.

Dinah

12/10/2022 09:31:56 am

I too would love the Mac and cheese recipe, please.

Anthony Aguilar

5/23/2023 03:27:22 pm

Can you please send me the recipe to the Mac and cheese

Stella Rooney

8/13/2023 05:07:14 pm

I went to Cliftons with both my grandmother and my father often. They loved it and now that they are gone l always remember Cliftons so fondly. I have searched high and low for a recipe close to their Vienna Loaf. Would love it if you have it and share ❤️

charlie alvarez

9/24/2023 11:08:59 am

the vienna loaf was my absolute favorite. i had my first job right down the street from clifton's. would love to acquire the recipe for my all-time favorite. thank you.

Crystal

10/14/2023 04:38:58 am

My mother loved going to Clifton’s when she worked in DTLA in her mid 20’s/30’s & she would take my brothers & me.
My favorite was the roasted chicken with gravy, the mashed potatoes with brown gravy, the Mac and cheese, the spinach, & the chocolate cake, cheesecake (without I believe it was strawberries). If anyone can share the chicken & gravy recipe I would appreciate it very much.

jimmy p

11/14/2023 12:51:25 am

i remember the last time i went to cliftons back when it changed for the...well, sorry to say it but for the worse. went there with my father back then when he was still alive and we did not like the new change nor the food like where did all the food went?? i always would the beef patties with mash potatoes, corn, fruit jello, fruit punch in those colorful cups and last but not least ice cream, and sometimes that buttery toast...i sure miss that food, favorite of all time and nothing still as of today has beaten it. if anyone know where the cooks and chefs are that are still making this food let me know please lol, geez i swear, that new place, i felt so disappointed. i wish there was another cliftons that still served the same style of food from when i was a kid. miss that place a lot.

Lisa

11/15/2023 04:05:07 pm

Hello, My family and I adored Clifton’s! it was the one place all of us could eat happily. If you are still sharing the recipes, I would love to get macaroni and cheese and the breast of lamb.
Thank you!

Rosina Candorini

11/18/2023 02:21:11 pm

I grew up going to Clifton's in Lakewood mall with my mother. Both of us miss it sooo much. Does anyone have the recipe for the sage dressing???? None like it. Thank you.

11/19/2023 12:30:13 am

Hi everyone. I’m the one with the Mac And cheese recipe. I thought I sent it out long ago. But apparently many of you are looking for it. I will try and remember to type it in to the site this week.

11/19/2023 12:33:40 am

I’m still hoping the pineapple bran muffin recipe will pop up. My 93-year-old mother loved having those muffins at Clifton’s in Lakewood shopping center. She hates the food where she’s living now. She complains all the time. How overly sweet the bran muffins are. I would love to make her some of those Cliftons pineapple bran muffins. If I remember correctly, they made them in little loaf pans. Remember treasure trays with flags in the dessert. If the stick was red you got a prize from the treasure chest

Mark

12/23/2023 12:35:11 pm

We would get the Mac n cheese at Lakewood mall growing up. It was our favorite. I’d someone can email or post the recipe for it that would be awesome! [email protected]

Joseph Land

12/27/2023 01:41:20 pm

Can anyone supply me with a recipe for their famous Mac & Cheese. Been looking for it for awhile for myself and a friend who used to eat there back in the 1980's and have since moved out of the area.

[email protected]

Thanks in advance.

Michael

12/27/2023 02:07:59 pm

My parents had their first date at Clifton's. I spent many evenings there. Can someone please send me the Mac and Cheese recipe? The new owner won't give it up or doesn't know it. [email protected]. Thanks, Michael

Bren

12/30/2023 09:38:19 pm

Hello, does anyone have the recipe for Clifton’s Cafeteria Strawberry Shortcake? My parents would buy me this cake every year for my birthday when I was a child. Many thanks

Pamela g

2/19/2024 12:08:11 am

Has anyone gotten the Mac n cheese recipe please send it my way! I’ve been searching for so long to find it!
[email protected]

Jaime P

3/11/2024 11:40:51 am

anyone know the recipe for their beef patties? i swear, just before entering i would already be drooling thinking of my usual plate that consisted of mash ps, beef patties, corn, fruit jellow, texas toast, punch juice and last but never the least, ice cream with that little wooden spoon lol. the memories! if you know or know a place that still serves the same food then hit me up please. :) [email protected]

Lauren

3/12/2024 01:30:42 am

Hello! I am yet another fan of Clifton’s. If you have the recipes for the Vienna Loaf and mac’n cheese, I’d appreciate it! [email protected]. Thanks!

3/19/2024 02:06:27 pm

Hopefully someone someday will have the Mac & Cheese recipe that they can share.

3/19/2024 02:43:03 pm

Oh where oh where is that Mac and cheese recipe?

Christine Ciccarelli

5/7/2024 03:16:01 pm

I grew up going to Cliftons. Dad was a truck Driver and during the summer he was our sitter. We spent our summers in his truck with him because mother worked. We loved it! While Dad would wheel the load into the markets my Sister & I stacked the cases. It allowed us extra time for longer lunches at Cliftons our fav! I always had their Mashed Potatoes & Brown Gravey. Do you have a Recipe for their gravey?? I've never been able to duplicate that flavor..

V Brown

6/10/2024 06:32:37 pm

My mom would take me to downtown L.A. every few months when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s. We'd always stop at Cliftons for lunch. My favorite was the tapioca pudding. I have never had better, and although I learned to make a pretty good version, I have never been able to figure out Cliftons secret. Wish I had that recipe.

Jane Suh

7/22/2024 12:28:04 am

Do you have Clifton’s recipe for Oxtail Stew and Rice? I had this dish as dinner every other Saturday with my grandma and dad.

11/24/2024 08:33:48 am

Has anyone received any emails?

Jim

12/6/2024 09:18:23 pm

Anyone know the kind of beef/recipe Clifton's used on their beef patties? I would always get that with mash ps, corn, texas toast, jello and some ice cream...can stil taste the wooden spoon it came with it lol. Those were the days!
[email protected] if you know the recipe or the kind of beef they used for their famous imo, beef patties...
favorite place ive ever been, hasn't been topped since i was a kid.
Glad there are still folks around here talking about it. :)

Clifton's Favorite Family Recipe's

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