Foodie Archives - AJ Feuerman

THE 2021 BRUNCHIES

December 29, 2021 By AJ Leave a Comment

Yes! The Brunchies are BACK! Not quite on the grand scale of years past but The 2021 Brunchies will take a new form to go along with these new times. I decided I did not want to go another year without my most beloved honorarium so rather than individual categories — since I was not able to try as many new brunch spots as I would in “normal” times — I’m going to share with you some of the brunches that simply stood out to me this year, as well as restaurants I’m hopeful to try in 2022. And then, additionally, a link to a few articles with solid “best of” recommendations worthy of checking out.

I also want to add how sad I’ve been in these last two years to see so many restaurants close down. Any small business that has fallen victim to Covid-19 is heartbreaking. So please, support small businesses as best you can. Order delivery and take-out from your favorite local eateries. Go dine out on their new patios and try their special take-home kits. Let’s not let so many of these place fall by the wayside.

AND PLEASE! If you have a brunch recommendation of your own, I would LOVE to hear it. Drop it in the comments or send it my way on social media.

STELLAR ATLAS was one of my favorite Quarantine-time discoveries. They produce fresh coffee and fresh bagels – all homemade in Burbank for pick-up or delivery. My personal favorite are the sesame seed bagels but definitely try his nugz and pretzel nugz.

When I ventured back out into the world, as it was in the Spring, one of the first restaurants I visited was WOOD AND WATER in Sherman Oaks. I had the gravalax benedict which comes on potato pancakes, topped with caviar. I’d perviously only been there for dinner, which was delicious. Glad to know they’re well-rounded.

In truth CONSERVATORY in WeHo was one of the only restaurants I repeat-visited this year, due in large part to their wonderful patio – and my friend Claire’s addiction to it. (I don’t even know if the restaurant even has indoor seating, actually.) The service rocks, the food is great and the cocktail program is top notch.

PIZZANA (locations in Brentwood and Beverly Hills) is not exactly a brunch spot but I was into it the moment I saw their Chef, Daniele Uditi beat Bobby Flay with his signature white pizza — the Cacio e Pepe pizza. On the off chance you don’t know what Cacio e Pepe is, the pizza is topped with provoloncino di agerola, fior di latte, parmigiano crema and cracked black pepper. (If you have to google any of that, I will not judge you.)

The breakfast sandwich at HIGHLY LIKELY is really tasty with its squishy soft bun, soft scrambled eggs and Wisconsin cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a gem of a coffee shop in Culver City.

Another Culver City gem in MARGOT with its rooftop patio. I had poached eggs and polenta with a roasted red pepper sugo and feta. I went back for dinner not long after and though it was a pricey evening, it was just as good as the brunch. And let me give you this tip: Use the valet parking. Finding street parking in that neighborhood is a nightmare.

So! There you have it. Thus concludes The Brunchies 2021. Perhaps because of the way and weight of our world, every meal out of the house felt so much more special this year and it’s my sincere hope that this feeling carries over into every meal with friends and family in the future. Many of us realize now that these are not moments to take for granted.

If you’re thirsty for more, here are some great articles to refer to:

“100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America” (Big ups to THE FRONT YARD, which is in my neighborhood!)
“Los Angeles Food Writers Share Their Go-To Restaurants in 2021“
“The Most Exciting LA Restaurant Openings For 2021“
“The Best Brunch Spots in LA” (as of November 2021)

And lastly, a short list of restaurants I am eager to try in 2022:

The Rooftop by JG
The Great Maple
The Girl and the Goat
Manuela (A note here: I have been to Manuela for dinner. It was one of the worst restaurant experiences of my life, no joke. But a handful of people I know insist their brunch is amazing and my curiosity is getting the better of me.)
Poppy + Rose
Ostrich Farm (if/when they reopen)

Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy new year. May the coming year be kind to us all.

LA Quarantine Life Delivery Hacks

December 18, 2020 By AJ Leave a Comment

Not quite the regular “Friday Favorites” here today; instead I’m offering up some Quarantine Life Delivery Hacks to my local peeps. One of the more fun aspects of sheltering in place is all the fun little side hustles local entrepreneurs have started up to remain productive and make our lives a little easier. I’ve amassed a nice list of some to share and I hope if I’ve missed one you love, you’ll share it in the comments!

Special thanks to friends who sent me a lot of great recommendations. I kept this list to Quarantine time start-ups that deliver, mostly individuals, not established restaurants or businesses that deliver via a third-party app. All of these link to the businesses’ instagrams and I encourage you to follow them to stay current on their offerings and make sure you know their delivery guidelines, boundaries and recommendations.

BOOZE

Natty Pours: Natty is a bartender creating and delivering craft cocktails to you at home! Her Insta is super fun and her cocktail names are a treat. A group of girlfriends and I have taken to placing large group orders with Natty via one designee who then delivers to all of us.

Stir Crazy Cocktails: More craft cocktails! They come in charming mason jars and baggies with a note. I love this one a lot. She has a new menu each week!

Fancy Free Liquor: Imagine you were planning to open a new business this year… OOF. But these guys have made it work with a delivery service that is crushing it. So much so, they are currently shut down for delivery but keep an eye out. They not only deliver liquor, they also offer cocktail kits, mixers, select market items and more. I love their vibe.

Lost Cove Tiki: Aloha tiki lovers! This is calling your name. They offer tropical cocktails, wings and Hawaiian BBQ, and even adorable tiki mugs & glassware.

Rocks Paper Salt: I am dying to try this one. I know a lot of my friends have. It’s detailed craft cocktail kits delivered to your doorstep. Also a women-owned business. Isn’t it nice to see so many women dominating this space? I love it!

Bespoke Bar LA: A customizable specialty cocktail service that delivers locally – and they actually ship nationwide! Their deliveries arrive in super cute crates and I’m excited to try it soon.

Authentic Cocktails: A little farm-to-table with your craft cocktail deliver. Don’t be surprised if your delivery shows up with a cute little succulent plant. They also have a cute gifting option!!!

Left: Natty Pours’ “But First Let’s Take and Elfie!” / Right: Stir Crazy Cocktails ready to go out for deliveries!

GOOD EATS

Cuterie Girls: I can’t get enough cheese – and I know I am not alone because today alone I saw two friends post about this one.

WCPLA: Just a note that Wine and Cheese Please asks for deposit and charges for delivery but if you love charcuterie, it’s totally worth it. (You can also just pick it up and skip the delivery charge — they’re in East Los Angeles.)

Go Go Gyoza: This Los Angeles dumpling company uses the highest-quality ingredients from local and regional purveyors and “every dumpling is pinched with love.” I have yet to try it but I’ve heard it’s completely delicious.

Stone Soup Project: I just loved this when I tried it! They deliver homemade soups you can freeze or just refrigerate to eat up right away. Tons of choices! Very easy to heat up and very easy to love — for every quart you buy, one is donated to a person who needs a meal.

Rosie’s Bagels: I just found out about this and I MUST HAVE IT. They deliver each Saturday — homemade California Bungalow Bagels inspired by Montreal & NYC style recipes. They look amazing.

Kuma Beer: Do not be deceived. Not beer, also bagels. They are sourdough based bagels and OMG, they have a bacon and cheese bagel! (I assume they use a beer sourdough starter, hence the name.)

[OMG]arlic: This is so unique and I love that someone thought of it. It’s handcrafted garlic chili oil that’ll make you say “OMG!”

All the carbs!!! Left: So many dumplings from Go Go Gyoza! / Right: Kuma Beer’s plump Sesame Seed Bagels.

BAKED GOODS

Sunday in June: Small batch, handcrafted, Filipinx flavors delivered in the OC and LA. The pies look HEAVENLY.

Pique-Nique LA: Handmade treats celebrating cali’s produce palette made in Eagle Rock. So you’ll see a lot of pies, fruit pastries and cookies, but also preserves that looks gorgeous.

Love Dreams Pie: Homemade fresh pies, cakes, and treats actually catered to your dietary needs. For orders you just have to call 48 hours in advance.

Maddy’s Mookies: Maddy + cookies = Mookies! And guys, I have a full on food-crush on Maddy. They. Are. DELICIOUS. A month back, my friend and I split a cookie PIE. Just us two. Because why not. She delivers in LA & OC (she also ships!), and 10% of the net proceeds go to the Equal Justice Initiative.

NoHo Pie Guy: From his home, NoHo Pie Guy is making pies and other treats — including cocoa bombs, which seem to be quite the trend this season. I’m told they’re worth taking a drive for.

Left: Sunday in June’s chocolate pie made with Philippine coffee beans / Right: Maddy’s Mookies are always packaged beautifully!

Amanda Bakes LA: Amanda’s baked goods are amazing and she’ll even do some gluten free treats for ya if you need. In addition to delivery, curbside pickup in available in WeHo. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to meet her delivery helper, Lucy. (Pictured below.)

Better with Butta: His homemade scones are IT. Omigod. Chris Tucker (no, not that Chris Tucker) makes baked goods with vegan options and contributes some of his proceeds to great causes.

Sugar Farm Bakery: Cornflakes and cheesecakes, matcha, mochi and brownies – OH MY!

Batter Days Desserts: Based in Carson and Filipinx owned, a myriad of baked goods. New menus posted regularly.

Brown Baked: Transforming traditional Filipino dessert flavors into cookies and more. Who wants to try Ube cheesecake?! I do.

Beat Blend n’ Bake: Filipino Desserts with twist! Like ube cheesecake bars, pumpkin spice flan and pudo pandan. (Don’t worry, I gotchu if you don’t know — Puto is a steamed cake make in various fashions; Pandan is a particular flavor from a plant.)

Honey and the Hive: A bakery serving up delicious goodies inspired by old batter-splattered recipes cards with innovative and sometimes unexpected flavor profiles.

Andy: Yes, just Andy. Andy is very talented actor who occasionally bakes and delivers. Highly recommend stalking his Instagram profile to find out when he does. He brought me a pie early on in Quarantine and it was wonderful.

Left: Amanda’s Peppermint Bark Brownies and her adorable helper / Center: Pudo Pandan / Right: Brown Baked’s Ube cheesecakes.

THE 2019 BRUNCHIES

December 26, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

And the awards go to…..

It’s my most favorite thing to write all year — it is time for the 2019 Brunchies, my annual BRUNCH AWARDS! It has been another stellar year of decadent mid-morning meals, Benedicts, toasts, Bloody Marys and much more. In 2020, I vow to continue to bring you the best Brunch-related content over at @HollywoodBrunch and look forward to the relaunch of my long-lost newsletter for the subject. (I know, I’ve said this before but you gotta keep trying, right?)

BEST BENEDICT: Rossoblu, City Market South, 1124 San Julian St, Los Angeles, 90015

I first tried Rossoblu because I’d heard incredible things about their pasta and that did not disappoint, so I was excited to return for Brunch, which did not disappoint either. They put such a wonderful Italian spin on traditional brunch dishes. The “Crostone Benedetto” was obviously a standout. Of course, I think any dish is improved with fresh prosciutto. And while it appears to be a very simple side salad, they dress it in such a wonderful, homemade vinagarette, I could just pack that lettuce in all day. xe88

BEST BAGEL: Black Market Liquor Bar, 11915 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, 91604

I previously felt that ordering a bagel with lox for brunch was silly. Why spend so much money on something I could very easily assemble in my own kitchen? But on one visit to BMLB, believe it or not, I just didn’t feel all the brunch vibes and wanted something simple and easy. So I gave into their Gravlax platter — and now that is the only thing I will ever order there. How does Gravlax differ from lox? The salmon is sliced super thin and cured in salt, sugar and dill. I like to pile that on my cream cheesed everything bagel with some capers. Maybe squeeze a little lemon. It is perfect. With lesson learned, I’ve gone onto ordering lox plates at other restaurants — nothing comes close to this. So I stand by that ordering any kind of bagel plate at a restaurant is silly. Except here.

BEST TOAST: Bondi Harvest, The Platform, 8820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90232

It’s important to point out that I’ve only been to Bondi’s Culver location because I’m told it differs a bit from their Venice spot. And when you go, allow some time to stroll through all the cute boutiques at The Platform. They have a lovely patio besides. I was totally blown away by their Sweet Halloumi Toast which is grilled sweet halloumi, avocado, pistachio dukkah and honey on a thick slice of sourdough. Halloumi, for those who don’t know (I had to google it at the time), it is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk. It has a high melting point and so can easily be fried or grilled. I’d liken it to a string cheese texture. It’s a little salty and with the honey over it, amazing. If you’re burnt out on avocado toast, this is going to be your thing. If you’re NOT burnt out on avocado toast, this is till going to be your thing.

HONORABLE MENTION: All Time, 2040 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, 90027

All Time is quirky (for example, if you’re gonna have a salad, you have to order the “good ass salad” and it is aptly named) and I must clarify that this particular dish is not even on the Brunch menu; it is actually a dinnertime appetizer and only served seasonally, but it is so, so GOOD I could not overlook it here.

BEST POTATO + BEST COCKTAIL PROGRAM: Akasha, 9543 Culver Blvd, Culver City, 90232

Akasha makes me sad I do not live closer to Culver City because it’s a place where I’d like to be a brunch regular. When I went with a friend, we shared several yummy dishes but really, the homemade latkes and cocktails were all we needed. They serve the latkes the ol’ fashioned way but you oughta get them with sour cream, chives and smoked salmon, too. And if you do find yourself with more room in your tummy and a total lack of self control, get a side of onion rings, too. These are so good they’ve twice been featured on the Food Network’s show “Best Thing I Ever Ate” (one of my favorite shows)!

Oh hey, take an Uber while you’re at it. Because if you find yourself with all of these on the table, you’ll want to finish them…. That’s a boozy, ginger lemonade, a classic bloody mary, and a coffee drink that made this non-coffee drinker obsessed with coffee for 20 minutes.

HONORABLE MENTION (Potatoes): Mizlala (West Adams and Sherman Oaks locations), Ingo’s Tasty Diner (Santa Monica)

It’s not easy to get into Mizlala because the press got hip to it and now it’s trendy, but try, I beg you. And order the latkes (photo on the right), which are super unique with potato and sauerkraut, apple chutney, horseradish and pecorino cheese. Ingo’s is fantastic all-around and is one of only a dozen or so LA brunch spots to offer live jazz. They’ve managed to take the diner experience to the next level with dishes like their hash brown skillet (HELLO SOUR CREAM!!!) while still maintaining a “local hangout” vibe I really loved.

BEST SANDWICH: Five Leaves, 4845 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, 90029

If Five Leaves could get their shit together and provide better service, I’d eat there a lot more often and give them a lot more “Brunchies” but after two visits with horrendous service, I am not sure I’ll ever return. However, to be fair, pushing that aside, I cannot overlook how amazing their “five leaves burger” with grass fed beef, grilled pineapple, house-pickled beets, harissa mayo and a sunny up egg on sesame brioche. I dream about that burger.

HONORABLE MENTION: Crack Shack (multiple locations)

Is it a brunch spot, per se? No. But that hasn’t stopped me from enjoying it on the occasional Saturday or Sunday. What’s not to love about honey butter-dipped fried chicken on a giant, fresh biscuit with a fried egg and their special red eye aioli?

BEST BLOODY MARY + BEST FRENCH TOAST: Hamptons 818, 14917 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, 91403

Consider this my formal apology to the droves of friends who told me I would love Hamptons 818 because I could not imagine loving a restaurant that went into a tiny building, formerly a wine shop and hot dog stand. Now it is easily one of my most favorite places for brunch. The space is bigger than it looks from the outside; the patio is bustling and crowded – especially if football is on. They also, oddly enough, have a whole hookah thing there, if you’re into that (I am not). The menu is huge so take your time going through it but my solid recommendation, whatever you order, is to get a French Toast plate for the table to share. Their Corn Flake batter makes it and then to top it off, they drizzle lemon ricotta cream over it with syrup and butter. My god, it is decadent. The Bloody Mary also wins at all the things — whatever they use in their homemade mix is gold and they seal the deal by adding bacon and shrimp to it.

HONORABLE MENTION (Bloody Mary): Ingo’s Tasty Diner

Delightfully, their Blood Marys are served in vintage Wonder Woman glasses. Ingo’s also pickles their own veggies – purchased at the local farmers market. As such, no two Marys are the same. It is $2 to add bacon and you absolutely should.

HONORABLE MENTION (French Toast): On the Thirty, 14622 Ventura Blvd #112, Sherman Oaks, 91403

How has Sherman Oaks become a hotbed of Brunch glory? On The Thirty also coats their French toast in a cereal-better. Here it is Captain Crunch. It makes it pretty sweet but also the perfect thing to share with the rest of the table.

BEST NEWCOMER: Eleven City Diner, 5400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, 90036

Eleven City is one of those places where everything on the menu is good. And then some. In fact, my favorite dish there isn’t even really a brunch item and it isn’t even really on the menu but you can ask for it — it’s the open-faced pastrami/corned-beef combo sandwich. They will be around a long time, I think, as they have taken such great care with the menu and aesthetic.

HONORABLE MENTION: Alice, 8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 90069

Amazingly, Alice is a hotel restaurant. It is based at the 1 Hotel but doesn’t for a second feel like a hotel restaurant. They have set it up with a charming pastry shop up front and a classic art deco vibe in the main restaurant. The food is all wonderful and I’m rather partial to enjoying a grilled cheese and iced tea there. They also have a lovely patio but I’ll be getting to that….

BEST FOR GROUPS: Preux & Proper, 840 South Spring St, Los Angeles, 90014

Where do I begin? I could have given P&P ALL the Brunchies but that felt a little extreme. But I fell so in love with this restaurant this year. Not just because the food is great and the cocktails are amazing and the setting is lovely. I fell in love with it because I swear to you, you’ve just never encountered a more wonderful team of people. They have created a little slice of New Orleans and heaven here so I recommend gathering up a big group of friends and heading there for some shrimp and grits, pate a choux beignets, pork neck gravy poutine, shakshuka… Noticing there aren’t a lot of egg dishes on the menu? That is intentional and it’s a cool way to distinguish themselves from all the hundreds and hundreds of other brunch spots.

HONORABLE MENTION: Hamptons 818

Hamptons has a boisterous patio so don’t plan to enjoy a peaceful, leisurely brunch here but, as mentioned, it’s just an all-around treat and would be a ton of fun for groups!

BEST AESTHETIC: Santuari, 6711 Forest Lawn Dr, Los Angeles (Toluca Lake) 90068

How has this restaurant, mere minutes from where I live, gotten by me for so long? Perhaps because it’s on a sort of off-street, by Warner Brothers and Forest Lawn Cemetery, adjacent to the Toluca Lake Tennis and Fitness Club. But it is gorgeous inside and the food is equally gorgeous – plus it’s delicious. It’s become the place I take people to when I want to impress and have no need to drive into the city. It’s earned me a lot of compliments for doing so and I was a little hesitant to reveal it to y’all but you’re welcome.

HONORABLE MENTION: Le Petit Paris, 418 S Spring St, Los Angeles, 90013

In the same way Preux & Proper has brought a little piece of Louisiana to Downtown LA, so has Le Petit Paris brought us all a little Parisian flare. It’s a stunning, sprawling space. You may see it among the 2020 honorees as well if I can get myself down there for the Sunday brunch buffet sometime, as well.

BEST PATIO: Alice

Yes, here we are with Alice again, because despite being right on Sunset Blvd., they have achieved a blissful oasis with their patio. They impressed me with comfortable chairs and couches, greenery, shady spots (I’m a delicate vampire, guys) and a not-annoying water feature. It never ceases to amaze me how we live in a city known for great weather and how hard it is to find a great dining patio, so rejoice in this one.

HONORABLE MENTION: The Front Yard, 4222 Vineland Ave, Studio City, 91602

The Front Yard has also managed to be a hotel restaurant that doesn’t feel like a hotel restaurant, over at The Garland. It’s a lovely mix of chairs, booths, lounge space, fireplaces and so forth.

BEST BUFFET: The Smoke House, 4420 Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505

Come for the cheesy garlic bread. Stay for the cheesy garlic bread. The Smoke House was built at the end of WWII, in 1946 (73 years ago!), and is one of very few restaurants of that era to survive to today. It also still has the decor of that age — aged red leather booths, tables and chairs — but so be it. It’s part of the charm. The brunch buffet has everything from Oysters to Churros (which is not to say I recommend eating those two items together at all). It’s also priced on the lower side of LA’s brunch buffet spectrum – $37 for adults, $18 for kids (ages five and under are free). If you feeling especially motivated, they’ll even give you $7 off between 9 and 10 AM.

HONORABLE MENTION: Circa 55, 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, 90210

Circa has you covered if you crave something a little more upscale. Keep an eye on sites like TravelZoo and Groupon for can’t-miss deals on their brunch buffet. I do have to call out, though, because it’s been mentioned with others, that this is a hotel restaurant that does feel like a hotel restaurant. But sitting outside by the pool in gorgeous weather, that’s not so bad.

BEST ALT BRUNCH: Ma’am Sir, 4330 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90029

I don’t know if I ever imagined I’d enjoy a Filipino brunch but this was astonishingly good. I think we went through three orders of “pan de sal” (photo on the right) and went to town on the various spreads it came with. There was shrimp lumpia, pork burgers, porridge and sizzling sisig (that would be a Filipino dish made from parts of pig head and chicken liver)… You could order something a little more usual like pancakes or a smoked salmon benedict, but why would you?

THOUGHTS? FEELINGS? CRAVINGS?

Let us know what you think about the 2019 Brunchies in the comments!

Brunches I Want to Try in 2020

Lincoln (Pasadena)
Jacks N’ Joe’s (DTLA)
Terra at Eataly (Century City)
Margot (Culver City)
Atrium (Los Feliz)
Bon Temps (Arts Dist.)

Brunches Recommended to me by Others for 2020*:

Huckleberry (Santa Monica)
AOC (Mid-city)
Here’s Looking at You (Koreatown)
Perch (DTLA)
The Local Peasant (Sherman Oaks)

* Via informal poll on Facebook in the Eater LA group.

POSTSCRIPT

These were the Brunches on my “to try” lists this year that I got to:

Thus concludes the 2019 Brunchies, everybody. We really need to get on some little trophies next year, don’t you think? Want to look at all the mouth-watering photos on their own? Click here for the album. In any case, thank you for joining me. Please make sure you’re following my brunch adventures on Instagram.

Ever your servant and ever Brunch’s biggest fan, here’s to many more delicious, decadent meals in 2020!

THE 2018 BRUNCHIES

December 27, 2018 By AJ 1 Comment

And the award goes to…..

It’s time for the 2018 Brunchies! I am so excited because it’s time to give out my annual BRUNCH AWARDS! YES! It’s been another stellar year of decadent mid-morning meals, Benedicts, toasts, cocktails and more. It’s my hope that in 2019, I can continue to bring you the best Brunch-related content over at @HollywoodBrunch and perhaps get back to my long lost newsletter for the subject. I’ve also had the privilege of being a journalist on the meal I love most, now — I’d love to do more of that work as well (and, in fact, another article will be out in January).

The envelope, PLEASE….!

BEST BENEDICT: Aeirloom Cafe (Toluca Lake)

For years I’ve lived near this small, bustling Cafe and only once popped in for lunch on a weekday because it was convenient. When I finally got over there for Brunch (albeit on a weekday — they are only open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week), I had to chastise myself. What a menu! It’s so epically vast and I’ll need to go several more times to truly conquer it. But I thoroughly enjoyed their Eggs Benedict because the thick, fresh English Muffin they serve it on is to die for. live22

BEST NON-TRADITIONAL BENEDICT: Fig & Olive (Melrose)

Fig & Olive was a gorgeous restaurant before and is even more beautiful following a little refreshing this year. I love going there for any meal and have been for years, though this year was the first time I partook in their Brunch. Their Benedict combination is something I’d never imagine enjoying as much as I did — poached egg with prosciutto di parma,
manchego cheese, pear and hollandaise sauce.

BEST PASTRY: 189 by Dominique Ansel (Fairfax)

I know I am late to this but dear lord, the CRONUT is real and I am HERE FOR IT. They change the Cronut flavor monthly but when I got to enjoy it, it was a Maple French Toast Cronut that went down nice n’ smooth.

An honorable mention in this category would also go to 189 for their Kouign Amann pastry. It’s buttery and delicious. You can buy them to take home in packs of four and it’s worth every calorie.

BEST BLOODY MARY: The Henry (West Hollywood)

I’d been itching to try The Henry since before it opened and it did not disappoint. They might also get the “Best Aesthetic” and “Best Patio” honors were it not for my desire to spread the love. And their Bloody Mary cart is just epic. Spend only a couple bucks more to take advantage of it. Choose from four homemade infused vodkas and a myriad of accoutrements like bleu cheese olives, bacon, salt and celery.

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Honorable Mention: The Bloody Mary at Granville is simple but perfect. (And the ones I make at home are pretty damned good, too.)

BEST SMALL PLATE: Black Market Liquor Bar (Studio City)

Perhaps we can say Cauliflower is the new Avo Toast, yes? I’ve seen it on a ton of Brunch menus in the last year (and for other meals as well) but no one does it better, in my opinion, than Black Market Liquor Bar, where they lightly fry the cauliflower and then top it with parmigiano-reggiano and serve it with a side of yummy lemon aioli.

BEST NEWCOMER/BEST FRENCH BRUNCH: Petite Trois (Sherman Oaks)

The Valley rejoiced as Chef Ludo decided to expand his empire our way when he opened his second Petite Trois in Sherman Oaks. And there are more Ludo-run establishments to come! And while last year I seemed to come across many a Mexi-Brunch, this year the French-inspired Brunch was very prevalent. So why wouldn’t this honor go to one of the most acclaimed French restaurants around? Their French Omelette is available on the menu for any meal and is absolute perfection. My favorite surprise was how much I loved the smoked salmon tartine, due mostly in part to the wonderfully salty caper berries.

Honorable Mention (both for Newcomer and French): Bluebird Brasserie in Sherman Oaks. Are we seeing a Brunch Renaissance blossoming in this suburb of the Valley? Only time will tell but it looks promising.

BEST FOR GROUPS: The Bellwether (Studio City)

For reasons I’ve never been able to figure out, despite landing on so many “best of” lists, The Bellwether just doesn’t get crowded on weekends. Not in my experience, anyway. So until the rest of the city catches on, feel free to make a reservation and head there with your large group. They have a lengthy menu of shared plates — the brioche French toast is probably my fave.

BEST PATIO: Baltaire (Brentwood)

Save your pennies because Baltaire is pricey but it’s an elegant, mid-century mod setting and just the spot if you need to take Mom out for Mother’s Day. The whole restaurant is bright and airy with their floor-to-ceiling windows. And when they’re opened, the whole restaurant is transformed to an indoor/outdoor experience. The patio is very private and quite large but manages to feel cozy and they have extremely attentive staff. (Hint: Start with the cheddar scallion biscuits.)

BEST VIEW: The Strand House (Manhattan Beach)

Oh sure, you have to look out over a parking lot, but there’s really nothing wrong with that once you see the incredible beach behind it. And the restaurant is in a fun area for walking around afterward!

BEST AESTHETIC: The Nomad (DTLA)

I am obsessed with The Nomad Hotel downtown. It. Is. GORGEOUS. I can only imagine the attention paid to its design. There is so much detail and every inch of the place is luxurious.

Brunches I Need to Try in 2019

Five Leaves (Koreatown)
Post & Beam (Baldwin Hills/Downtown LA)
Preux and Proper (DTLA)
Ingo’s Tasty Diner (Santa Monica)
Lincoln (Pasadena)
Jacks N’ Joe’s (DTLA)

Brunches Other People Keep Telling me I Need to Try in 2019

Huckleberry (Santa Monica)
Bone Kettle (Pasadena)
The Reyn (Pasadena)
Madera Kitchen (Hollywood)
The Smokehouse (Burbank)

POSTSCRIPT

These were the Brunches on my “to try” lists last year that I ventured to (and enjoyed!) in 2018:

189 by Dominique Ansel (The Grove)
Baltaire (Brentwood)
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (West Hollywood)
The Henry (West Hollywood)
Square One Dining (East LA)

Make sure you’re following my brunch adventures on Instagram. Here’s to many more delicious, decadent meals in 2019!

The Mother of All Indulgence – Fat Sal’s Deli

February 12, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Truly, Fat Sal’s Deli can only be described as indulgent. It’s the mothership of food-crazy. With locations in Hollywood, Westwood, San Diego, Austin, and Encino, Fat Sal’s does everything to put their customers first with over-the-top service and an over-the-top menu, built from only the freshest and best ingredients. Their shops are super inviting and fun — their staff is the same. Do not go here if you’re on a health kick, my friends. You go here for nothing but comfort food on crack and good times.

I came to know of Sal’s through Instagram. Their menu is made for it. At a place where items on the menu includes a “Pastrami Western Burger,” “Bacon Cheeseburger Fries” and the “Big Fat Fatty” (this is a $50 food challenge you have to down in 40 minutes or less), you can imagine what kinds of things show up in photos online. So at the risk of crossing my arteries, I have just always wanted to try it. But I took it “easy” on my first visit.

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of French fries, I gravitated toward the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Fries which, in addition to fries, has chopped chicken fingers, melted cheddar and mozzarella, buffalo hot sauce and blue cheese dressing. I had to make sure the hot sauce wouldn’t be too spicy (I’m a pansy) and I was thankful it was more of a tangy wing sauce than something that’d burn my tongue off. And as much as I love fries, I gotta tell ya, what really got me on this dish was the chicken! It was cubed chunks, perfectly cooked, very tasty and if it was just those with the sauces, I’d be perfectly happy.

They’re smart to serve it in a to-go container. Lord knows I could never finish that in one sitting (but kudos to those who can). But I was quite happy to come back to it the next day and find all the pieces of chicken I’d missed beforehand.

I did require a tasty beverage to wash it down with, too, of course. And they are rather famous for their milkshakes so I did not mess around. I leaned right over that counter and asked for whatever is the most popular. The #5 was alluring purely because it comes with a “whole slice of cheesecake” but I was secretly relieved when they told me the #4 is the most popular — it’s vanilla ice cream, oreo cookies, caramel and sea salt. Put sea salt on caramel on anything and I’m here for it.

But ish is gettin’ real crazy, cause Sal done gone added this madness to his menu: The “Fat Fuhgettaboutit.” A sandwich to end all sandwiches with (and I am not joking) cheeseburger, chicken fingers, bacon, mozzarella sticks, French fries, ranch dressing ON A SLICE OF PIZZA. I did not try it, guys, but it’s like an accident on the 405 freeway. I should not slow down but dammit, I can’t help it. I have to stare at it for just a second. (And when I have finally recovered from the buffalo fries and milkshake combo of glory, I will recruit five to 10 of you to come try this thing with me. I will not go it alone.)

Uncle Paulie’s Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

February 11, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

We all enjoy the occasional visit to Subway or Jersey Mike’s but where do you stop in for your real Italian sub? The one with warmth and charm; with the amazing bread and bold flavors? I’ve come across joints like this from time to time but they really are few and far between in Los Angeles. They’re either fast food or divey but then I got to know Uncle Paulie’s.

I won’t try to convince you it feels like you’re sitting in a cafe in Italy – I’ve lived there, I know – but Paulie’s doing a lot to bring authenticity to his menu. With his red and white checkered tablecloths and robust, colorful deli counter, you feel transported off of Beverly Blvd. And with added, custom touches like an incredible black truffle hot sauce (I’m a pansy but I had to try it!) and yummy, fresh, baked goods, they’re distinguishing themselves from anyone else in the game.

But hey, let’s even put all that aside, because as the sandwich board on the sidewalk out front says, “let’s talk turkey.”

They blew my mind with TWO subs and some homemade potato salad. The first sub was their “Italian Combo” with mixed italian cold cuts, aged provolone, roasted red peppers and italian dressing. I personally requested the second one because I have a love affair with prosciutto and it did not disappoint — the “Prosciutto di Parma” with their very own house made mozzarella cheese (I mean…. HOUSE MADE?), arugula, balsamic and a little EVOO.

I know it’s become virtually clichéd to say so in blogger food reviews but everything was just delicious. Later and into the next day, I was quite findable on my couch still eating the leftovers I took home, unable to resist knowing they were in my fridge. I wanted to determine what made it so delicious and I arrived at two enlightening details.

First, the bread. Not only was it fresh and riding right on that line between too soft and too hard (read: perfect) but I noticed that the two sandwiches I ordered did not have the same bread. That is key. That tells me they care about pairing the exact right type of bread with the sub they are serving. It also tells me they’re not cheaping out on ingredients — think about that. Think about how it would save them money to just order or make one type of bread and put it with every sandwich. RIGHT?

Second, the meat. Or, specifically, the slicing of the meat. I swear, I’ve never had deli meat on a sandwich sliced so thin. It was unreal precision. And it left the food very chewable — you know how sometimes you bite into prosciutto and the whole slice comes out of the sandwich in the bite? You know what I mean? Slicing the meat the way they do and preparing the cheese on site, means that truly, every bite of every sandwich is their “perfect bite.” For the win.

So please, go meet Uncle Paulie. He’s not what you expect. I mean, even their curb is charming.

THE 2017 BRUNCHIES

December 28, 2017 By AJ 2 Comments

The 2nd Annual installment of THE BEST BRUNCH IN LOS ANGELES IN 2017

Last year, I selected some of my favorite brunch spots to win a very prestigious “brunchie” honor and now the tradition continues. What’s more, last year, I designated seven restaurants as “must try” brunches for this year — Post & Beam (Baldwin Hills), Spear Steak & Seafood (Downtown LA), Odys + Penelope (Mid-City), Magnolia House (Pasadena), Sonoma Wine Garden (Santa Monica), Sunny Spot (Venice) and Wolf (Mid-City). I fell out of love with the idea of some but managed to try three of them and have carried over the rest into my wishlist for 2018 (see below). Enjoy these honors for the best Brunch in Los Angeles:

Best Benedict: Barrel & Ashes (Studio City)

The King of Brunch menu items; hail! Last year, I named B&A the “Best Non Traditional Brunch,” but this year, at a recent visit in fact, I became taken by their smoked salmon Benedict. Their hollandaise is perfectly lemony and much more light and fluffy than heavy and creamy. Also, though the dish is primarily served hot, they leave the lox cool which is wise — warm lox are gross and the hot/cold contrast really worked to my surprise.

Best Toast: Republique (Mid-city)

Avocado toast is still trending but I’m seeing more and more toast variations on brunch menus and LOVE the Ricotta Toast at Republique — sourdough toast, ricotta di finnisma, persimmons, pomegranate, pistachios and honey. I liked it so much that I went to the market and bought myself some thick wheat bread, some ricotta and some honey just to make my own variation at home (it’s not as great as theirs but it gets the job done). They also offer a beautiful Smoked Salmon Tartine with avocado, pickled persian cucumbers, onions, fresno, capers, dill and lemon. I love seeing this ingenuity because I can only take so much hipster avo toast.

Honorable Mention: Bellwether (Studio City) – That said, the avo toast at Bellwether is phenomenal and they too have a smoked salmon toast I love!

Best Bloody Mary: SOCA (Sherman Oaks)

Someone let me know when you go to SOCA and try their $145 “Baller Brunch” — a 32oz 30 Day Dry-Aged Prime Creekstone Tomahawk Ribeye, 1/2 Dozen Fried Eggs, Sautéed Onions & Arugula, Béarnaise. In the meantime, I’ll be happily sipping their Boneyard bacon Bloody Mary with Balsamic, Jalapeno, Salt and – what else? BACON. It’s got a rich, deep flavor I am addicted to.

Best Alt-Brunch/Best Newcomer: Kismet (Los Feliz area)

Some tips on newcomer Kismet — street parking in the area is a pain in the tush. The restaurant is small and presently at the height of its popularity so plan to wait and pray to get lucky. Do not come expecting to order bacon and eggs. But every moment spent searching for parking and waiting for a table is worth it for offerings like their Shakshuka (poached eggs in a tomato stew – my favorite!), Freekeh Polenta and/or the Kuku (a Persian Frittata). There are also some incredible, savory sides and I highly recommend the flaky breads.

Best Potato: Wolf (Mid-city)

So when I went to Wolf this year, I enjoyed their Tortilla Española which is like breakfast pie. They use a finely whipped egg, potato, onion, pimentón, and a chive aioli. It. is. exquisite. However looking at their website now, it’s not listed so I’m wondering if it was a special? But worry not, because the side of crispy potatoes could be a meal unto itself, too. It’s everything you could ever need from a potato in a heap of bright yellow aioli, an “aji amarillo aioli,” which is South American inspired. That aioli is everything.

Honorable Mention: Little Dom’s (Los Feliz) – Their fried potatoes are largely considered their signature daytime dish. A must-have.

Best MexiBrunch: Red O (Santa Monica)

Last year’s “Best Mexi-Brunch,” Mercado, is still way up there, but I was really taken with the discovery of Red O Santa Monica’s brunch. The setting, just across the street from the ocean, is stunning and vibrant. Everything we tried off the menu was delicious and there is no topping their desserts.

Best For Groups: Spring (Downtown)

I said it before and I’ll say it again, Spring is the perfect setting for groups. Stepping inside magically transports you to a simple, clean and pretty Bistro in the South of France. And in that setting, it’s hard to believe you’re actually on the corner of 3rd and Spring, at the base of the Douglas Building in the Historic District, a short walk from the iconic Last Bookstore.

Honorable Mentions: Market Provisions (Mid-city) is a small place but they handle groups well. With about 15 people in our party, we had a great time and the bottomless mimosas didn’t hurt. Similarly, The Raymond 1886 (Pasadena) is an intimate lodge-style setting that takes on groups with ease. I found it especially festive at the holidays.

Best Brunch Cocktail: Black Market Liquor Bar (Studio City)

The “Painkiller” at BMLB is one of those dangerously tasty cocktails you can put away a lot of because it doesn’t necessarily taste like booze. The tiki themed beverage is made up of rum, pineapple, orange, coconut cream and nutmeg. You can also take advanatge of their $32 “Make Your Own Mimosa” option. You get a bottle of Cava and your choice of two juices from prickly pear, peach, cranberry, grapefruit, orange, or p.o.g. They also have a cocktail called “No Es Importante” that is, if I may say, quite importante.

Best Patio: The Ponte (Mid-City)

R.I.P. Terrine (yeah, still not over it) but I do love The Ponte, which took its place. The patio remains the same, ever-charming and quaint — serene. I love their menu, too, so it may be earning a permanent residence in my heart this year. When you’re not near the beach, it’s shockingly hard to find a pleasant patio setting so this place is valuable.

Honorable Mention: Mohawk Bend (Echo Park) is unique because their patio is more of an indoor/outdoor patio. El Tejano (North Hollywood) is about as casual as a brunch is gonna get but their margaritas are as big as yer head and their patio is huge with the added benefit of some bar games. It’s a super fun spot and, believe it or not, great for kids.

Best Aesthetic: Faith & Flower (Downtown)

I’m not sure any restaurant in Los Angeles is as beautiful as Faith & Flower. It’s light and airy in the daytime but becomes chic and sophisticated at night. Either way, it’s packed with vintage, high-end charm all the way down to their green wine goblets, which I am pretty obsessed with. (Fun fact: At dinner service, they use converted bongs to aerate their wine.)

Best Makeover: Messhall Kitchen (Los Feliz)

The first time I went to Messhall, the service was atrocious and the food came out cold so I swore up and down I would never return. But when “Chef Foxxie” departed Churck Key in West Hollywood to become Messhall’s Executive Chef, I was suddenly wanting to give it further consideration…. And I’m so glad I did. Keep in mind these are really the only guys in town serving brunch SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, til 3 PM, with a large menu and a ton of incredible desserts to boot. you absolutely have to save room for the banana cream pie in a jar. Unbelievable.

Brunches I Need to Try in 2018

Ca Del Sole (North Hollywood)
Post & Beam (Baldwin Hills/Downtown LA)
Laurel Point (Studio City)
189 by Dominique Ansel (The Grove)
Baltaire (Brentwood)
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (West Hollywood)
The Henry (West Hollywood)

Brunches Other People Keep Telling me I Need to Try in 2018

Neighbor (Venice)
Square One Dining (East LA)
Ingo’s Tasty Diner (Santa Monica)
Topanga Table (Topanga Cyn)
Pedaler’s Fork (Calabasas)

Holiday Gift Guide: Brunch

November 30, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

Whilst brainstorming additional gift guide ideas, it suddenly clicked — “DUH.” I mean, other than puppies and Chris Evans, what do I love most on this Earth? So check out this Holiday Gift Guide: for the Brunch lover in your life!

BRUNCHING BEVERAGES

My favorite brunch beverage is a Bloody Mary and I’ve been known to make them at home, too. I totally love these kits from Uncommon Goods — a “Build Your Own” kit and their Diagram Glassware. Get creative and include it with a basket of fresh veggies and mix. If you need a good one to throw in, the Mr. and Mrs. T’s mixes they sell at most supermarkets is one of my faves — the “Bold & Spicy” is the best.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with gifting a beautiful bottle of champagne or Proseco, either. Mimosas are a brunch’s best friend.

Teas are also a really beautiful gift. Adagio is my favorite online tea shop — they have some lovely glassware, loose leaf teas, sachets and more. Harney & Sons “Paris” blend is one of my favorites as well — and they sell their teas in beautiful tins that present well for gifting.

BRUNCHING ATTIRE

Can we talk about how badly I want these “Brunch So Hard” socks? Socks are an underrated gift — I love to find cute socks that are personal to the recipient as gifts. Buy Me Brunch is perhaps the best online shop for brunch-themed gear, though, by virtue of their name alone, right? Whenever I wear my “The Brunch Life Chose Me” shirt from Tees in the Trap, I get stopped on the street.

Of course, when it comes to brunch attire, you’re nowhere without oversized, dark sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. Perhaps a cardigan or sweater for the cooler months with a chunky scarf.

And if anything else, find the best local brunch spot and hand over a gift certificate. No one will be dismayed when brunch is on someone else! But I also love to head to Etsy.com, and simply type the word “brunch” into the search bar to see what comes up!

Brunch at SPRING in Downtown LA

November 22, 2017 By AJ 1 Comment

A charming outdoor brunch setting actually inside

Having Brunch at Spring in Downtown LA is like removing yourself from actual LA. Stepping inside magically transports you to a simple, pretty Bistro in the South of France. And in that setting, it’s hard to believe you’re actually on the corner of 3rd and Spring, at the base of the Douglas Building in the Historic District, a short walk from the iconic Last Bookstore.

It helps that though it’s a clean and simple space, it is also clear that the owners paid attention to fine details like leather-bound menus, colorful florals, a trickling fountain (I found it so peaceful) and a sparkling atrium.

The Chef is respectful of his ingredients, using fresh, local products. This is most apparent in their absolutely perfect pastries – it’s a must-order plate that comes with croissant, pain au chocolat, baguette and delicious, seasonal house made preserves. (At the end of our meal, we happened by the prep area with plates and plates of these pastries. It took everything in me not to put some of them in my purse.)

The Lobster Benedict is also a fresh, savory meal — the lobster itself is just so yummy! They serve it up with Spinach, which is not my thing, so I’ll pass on that next time. All I need is that shellfish, that sauce and those English muffins. I would also advise to try the little side salad. It seems rather like a throw-away but in fact serves as a perfect counter-balance to the richness of the Benedict.

We couldn’t imagine ordering something else but it seemed a shame not to try some pancakes. They were simple, fluffy, buttermilk pancakes but we didn’t need more more than that after the heavy dishes. I don’t know that if I returned I could pass up all the other more unique options (for example, the Steak Benedict with Bearnaise sauce? YES.) on the menu to have pancakes, but if you’re the person who craves pancakes for breakfast, these will do, I promise.

The other thing high on my list to try next time I go? The smoked salmon tartine on country bread toast with horseradish spread, smoked salmon, capers, arugula, dill. And perhaps the croque madame, if only so I can compare it to the croque madame at The Church Key, which I am obsessed with, and see how it compares! And even though I am a brunch devotee, I am dying to go back to Spring for dinner because the menu looks absolutely incredible.

When we were there, my friend and I remarked that Spring is also a perfect “girls night out” restaurant. So if you’re a female friend and you’re reading this, you oughta drop me a hint, hint in the comments so I invite you when I plan this.

Before we part ways, one more tip. There are several public parking lots in the area and truthfully, it’s not a part of town I am comfortable walking around by myself in, so I snagged the first, closest lot I could. I would even challenge you to leave some extra time and find parking on Spring St. if you can. They did not have a valet when I was there but it may be something they’ve since added — and I would use it if you are able.

Brunch at Red O in Santa Monica

November 20, 2017 By AJ 1 Comment

All The Best Things About Mexican Brunch — Or Brunch in General

My most favorite brunch spots always meet the following requirements: They incorporate the outdoors in some way, there is a colorful setting, it’s an energetic spot but not overly noisy, they make an outstanding Bloody Mary, they serve appetizers (because dammit, I want to try more than one thing on the menu!) and usually great desserts, they have a lot of choices with a few not-found-elsewhere items and, most importantly, I can get a side of bacon if my meal doesn’t come with it. Because bacon. Because Brunch at Red O in Santa Monica from celeb chef Rick Bayless.

Outdoors? Colorful setting? Absolutely.

There is a patio at Red O but even if you sit inside, you get to enjoy light coming in from the big windows which, might I add, reflects off all their colorful glass and lighting fixtures. The front of the restaurant is all windows and when we went, they were open so we made the most of perfect weather and being right across the street from the ocean. It also brings all the crazy energy of Santa Monica to your experience. (Like, real crazy, y’all. Santa Monica gets pretty whacky.)

Top Notch Booze.

Mexican restaurants really know how to make a Bloody Mary. At Red O it’s a tiny bit spicy but it’s perfect. It remains my quintessential brunch cocktail. That said, if that’s not your thing, the Red O brunch cocktail choices are vast with Sangria, tons of Margaritas, a massive Tequila menu, beers, wines, hand crafted cocktails (I wanna go back and try the Horchata Colada), etc. They also have a very popular bottomless options and pitchers to choose from. So….. remember to take a Lyft, guys.

Classic Appetizers? For sure.

If a Mexican restaurant is gifting me pre-meal chips and salsa, that salsa better be delicious. Now granted, I’m picky on my salsas. I can’t do spicy but I don’t want to dip my chips in a bland marinara sauce either. And by the way, I’m also one of those annoying people who think cilantro tastes like soap (shut up, it totally does). I’m also a sucker for ordering queso fundido or guacamole and mixing it all up together. (Is that weird? I don’t care.) Anyway, they’re doing up their small plates right at Red O. Everything is packed with flavor, nothing is overpowering and I didn’t mind a tinge of spice here or there, nor a little cilantro in fact. And how about something off the beaten path with duck taquitos? They’re a perfect, savory bite.

Options and Specialties.

The words LOBSTER BENEDICT jumped off the menu and slapped us right in our taste buds so the only decision we had to make was what else to order — which wasn’t that easy. But ultimately we settled on something more traditional; the Chilaquiles. I know you’re not shocked that both dishes were wonderful. You’ve never tasted anything as rich as LOBSTER with HOLLANDAISE, guys. And I can never ever resist the lure of what are essentially “breakfast nachos.” Biting into a single chip with egg and cotija cheese and creme fraiche — it gives me life.

The Pièce de Résistance?

Brunch is naturally a pretty decadent meal in of itself so capping it off with dessert is not a necessity for me but when the Chef says he’s just gonna send over a few “small things” for you to sample, why would you say no? And you better believe my jaw dropped right onto the table when a platter complete with every. dessert. on. the. menu. arrived at our table. Plantain cake (think banana bread, but better), Passion fruit butter cake (has anything in the history of the world with “butter” in the title ever been bad?), a homemade churro with chocolate sauce, and a chocolate tart. As if that wasn’t enough, a bowl of their sorbets came out a moment later and I damn near pulled out the elastic in my waistband.

Check, Check and Check.

I love this restaurant and let me give you some additional tips. They have four locations but not all of them serve brunch so be sure and consult the website for details. In Santa Monica, parking is everywhere so you can either use one of the public lots for a few bucks or use the valet on Ocean Ave. And there’s so much in walking distance there, you may want to leave time for a stroll on the beach or on the Third Street Promenade afterward! Walk off those eats!

Make sure you’re following my Brunch adventures on INSTAGRAM!