Brunch Archives - Page 2 of 3

Brunch at Hyperion Public in Studio City

October 7, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

Brunch at Hyperion Public in Studio City is a welcome addition to the Eastside of the San Fernando Valley!

The building at 12969 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City has seen a few “rebirths” over the last few years. When I worked down the street from it, many years ago, it was kind of the place you went for business lunches with passable eats. Later, it was a pub with passable pub fare and loudness.

I am glad that something classy has finally turned the space around and I hope Hyperion Public stays in the hood for a long time! The brunch I had was wonderful.

Brunch at Hyperion Public in Studio City

Photo co. of Acuna-Hansen

We happened to be there for “Pancake Mayhem” which was both good and bad. Good because, well, DELICIOUS. Bad because, well, DECISIONS.

But you’d better believe that “Camp Counselor” made it’s way to our table. And even though I had to skip the nutella (allergies, y’all), it really ranked right up there as some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had. No joke. The pancakes themselves were soft and delicious but a little crispy around the edges, which was a nice touch that added texture. And while the toppings were obviously decadent, they weren’t piled on the dish in massive heaps so I never felt like I was heading to sugar coma-land, and that was much appreciated because I had more food to try!

Not too much chocolate, not too much anything — everything as it should be and perfect.

My friend and I shared the pancakes but we also wanted to sample some egg dishes. So we had the savory Chilaquiles — over easy eggs, black bean puree, pickled vegetables, queso fresco, sour cream and, of course, fresh corn tortilla chips. And also the rich Croque Madame — grilled rustic bread with dijon aioli, swiss cheese, black forest ham, thyme-pecorino mornay and two sunny-side up eggs.

If those photos make you wanna lick the screen, I wouldn’t blame you. I took them with my friend’s new iPhone 7. That camera is a food blogger’s best friend, I tell you. Of course, it helps that the food actually was that good.

Hot tip: Hyperion Public’s special sauce is worth the ask, daytime or nighttime. Get the “OMG Sauce.” Try subbing out your breakfast potatoes for fries and dip ’em. I’m also a big, big fan of their pretzel and dip appetizer. They make a GOOD pretzel, y’all.

The valley definitely has some good Brunch spots within it’s boundaries but the east end has been lacking in superstars lately. Hyperion Public is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and i look forward to returning many more times. Perhaps the next trip will be with a group as they have a great setup for that (something else also hard to find)!

Photo co. of Acuna-Hansen

Oh hey, did I mention a GREAT Bloody Mary and BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS?

So? Who’s coming with me?

Disclosure: This meal was hosted. The opinions are hosted in my own noggin’, though. You’re welcome.

To Au Fudge or Not to Au Fudge?

September 6, 2016 By AJ Leave a Comment

To Au Fudge or Not to Au Fudge? That is the question.

In the far and distant fairy tale land of West Hollywood lies a charming haven where the chic and hip can go for cocktails and childcare.

Au Fudge, founded by actress Jessica Biel, is a restaurant that presumably caters to children as well as adults. You enter through a rustic, country gift shop that also sells baked goods. To your left you’ll find a sunny patio with striped umbrellas and plaid throw pillows. Beyond, a delightful cafe setting adorned with pastels and rustic, art deco-inspired decor as well as tchotchkes to remind you that you are in a kid-friendly place. The hub of the restaurant is a pretty large “daycare.” They actually call it the “creative space.” It is enclosed, filled with craft tables, toys, and staffed. It is available for parents to drop their kids into at a pretty affordable rate ($15 for two hours) so they can dine…. in peace?

The thing is, plenty of people still bring their children into the Au Fudge restaurant as well, and that’s fine. Nothing about this place says “no” in any way, shape or form. In fact, Au Fudge basically screams out “AS YOU WISH” at every turn. Everyone is smiling and extremely accommodating. They have anticipated every parent need. There are crayons on the table, more things to play with, and even the cocktails look like they’re kid-friendly in this space. And there is certainly a kids menu although I think I paid like $14 for the grilled cheese sticks that were good. But only good.

For brunch I had a French Omelette that was truly delicious. It was light and fluffy and decadent.

The service was good; I’ll give them that. And it’s not a bad place by any means. So, to Au Fudge or not to Au Fudge? I don’t know. Maybe. If I was meeting up with friends with kids and was in an especially patient mood. Or if I was itching to have brunch outside and I was in that area. But then again, there are plenty of other appealing Brunch options in that area like Taste On Melrose that I’d sooner visit. I don’t mind sharing my table with babies and kids, but I think in the end, I see no shame in admitting that I do mind sharing space with dozens of them.

Critical pro-tip: This place gets CROWDED and on the narrow part of Melrose where it sits, that is bad news. The valet is over-burdened and often backed up. Not to mention a bit pricey. Have patience, have cash, or park somewhere else and walk over!

Don’t forget! If you love brunch as much as I do — or hell, even half as much as I do, you’ll want to put your email address into the newsletter subscription box in the top right corner! A new blast is coming soon!

Southern Brunch at Barrel and Ashes Studio City

May 16, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

I named Barrel and Ashes, Studio City, one of my favorite brunch spots after my first visit to the BBQ joint. The BBQ there is good, mind you, but not the best I’ve ever had and it’s really their brunch I prefer. And why not? Tim Hollingsworth, the chef there, brings the cred, having previously spent a dozen years working for Thomas Keller at the French Laundry and among many other credits, also has three Michelin stars to his name.

The space used to be a somewhat fancy restaurant (which I liked very much, for the record) with dim lighting and white linen tablecloths but now has been stripped down and redesigned to radiate Southern charm.

You can order their BBQ at brunch and there are a bevvy of hand crafted cocktails — they make a decent Bloody Mary — and you’ll even find traditional sweet tea there. But it’s really all about the unique food menu items.

Today someone said to me “Whatever, I can make Frito Pie at home.” And I replied “But you don’t and I certainly can’t.” It is delicious trailer-trash cuisine. Chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, onions, peppers served in the finest of vessels….

There is also a list of biscuit sandwiches on the menu. The simplest with just jam or the more decadent with sausage and gravy. There is also a pork biscuit but my money’s on the fried chicken and honey butter.

I’m also a humongous fan of their pork benedict and smoked salmon benedict (IT’S SO GOOD). Their Huevos Rancheors ranks up there because I love anything with Cotija cheese on it.

I’ve saved the best for last, though. There are four kinds of HOE CAKES on their brunch menu. One with bananas and chocolate and caramel that is either meant for dessert or the indulgent (no judgement from me) and two that are breakfasty with eggs, bacon and the like involved. All good choices, I say, but you’ll be just fine with the basis hoe cake. Of course, there’s nothing basic about it and I recommend ordering one to share with the whole table. One would satisfy three to four people and you can always order another.

What is hoe cake? Imagine a cornbread patty in sizzling butter, topped with green onions, served bubbling in a hot, hot skillet. They’re not proprietary about it — the LA Times even has the recipe — but I don’t think anyone can touch it.

Aside from the setting and food, two more key elements about B&A I must mention. They are open for brunch at 9:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. This is smart in a town that loves brunch but where most places don’t open til 11:00. And they also take reservations. Which is great because I’m a snob and I hate going to restaurants that don’t take reservations. Yup, I said that out loud.

P.S. (Sit in Clay’s section!)

Take Me To Church – A Holy Brunch Experience

April 29, 2016 By AJ 2 Comments

And so it was written (like, actually written on their website): “Every moment at The Church Key is an interactive experience. From our inventive menu with dim-sum style service, to canned and frozen cocktails, flaming desserts and even the server attire, we strive to constantly push the restaurant envelope. Chic enough for a celebratory evening yet approachable enough to be your neighborhood go-to, overall, we just want you to have fun and eat well.”

There you have it. A perfect summation. I absolutely love The Church Key. I’ve enjoyed a couple of fancy Hollywood events there and recently had the pleasure of trying their brunch. It was actually the first time I’d seen the place in daylight and it’s just so damned fabulous, I was glad to get in before it got crowded for quality Instagram opportunities. Because priorities.

As if it didn’t look so chic in wide view, there are also lots of unique, vintage touches that I absolutely love, too, when you start to really look. Be sure to walk around!

How badly do you want one of those airline drink carts for your home right now?

Probably almost as badly as you want something off this menu….

Their brunch menu offers more than just breakfast-like fare. You could have a burger or salad as easily as an egg dish, which is great. I know not everyone likes breakfast food. (But for reals, who are you and what’s your deal?) They also have bottomless mimosas — practically a brunch menu requirement here in Los Angeles, even though I don’t personally need it; I prefer a good Bloody Mary or even just tea. But if you want it, it’s there to give you life at $15. They also have a St. Germaine and champagne carafe for four for $25 that is probably pretty damned tasty.

We were a group of eight so we were able to try a lot of menu! Nothing really disappointed but I would say the “Gratin” fries were a little misleading. We ordered them to share and instead of “fries” we got this VERY fried few chunks of potato. It was a good bite but so buttery, I couldn’t imagine eating much more of it.

Can you see how it’s like thin, thin layers of potato refried together? Very unique but I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to potatoes. I also thought “gratin” meant creamy or cheesy.

But the main courses were all decadent, delicious works of art. In particular, to my left, some French Toast that was very nearly stolen. By me.

Those are dollops of sweetened whipped cream. In the cup? Strawberry syrup. DIVINE. It was DENSE toast and impossible to finish.

I ordered “Toad in the Hole” and basically had no idea what to expect. And then this:

I mean, COME ON. That’s just a big chunk of bread hollowed out and filled with gruyere, eggs and smoked bacon.

I regret nothing.

To conclude I would offer these tips:

Take an Uber. Not just so you can drink but because their valet seemed rather untrustworthy to me. What can I say? I function strongly off “vibes.” Also, valet parking in WeHo is never cheap.
It’s great for big groups. They have a lot of space. On a beautiful day, they open up the front and it’s l ike eating on a lovely patio.
Go for dinner, too. It’s equally as decadent and delicious. Also, the popcorn, believe it or not, is to die for. You’re just going to have to trust me on this and know I don’t even like popcorn that much.
Also, Monday nights they offer a fried chicken special.
Oh! And —- well, just go there. Okay? Just go.

For all the details, here’s their website.

Don’t forget! If you love brunch as much as I do — or hell, even half as much as I do, you’ll want to put your email address into the newsletter subscription box in the top right corner!

Very Exciting (BRUNCH) News!

March 3, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

AJ’s Hollywood Brunch Comes to Town

As many of you know (and if not, it’s in the website’s tagline up yonder), I am a fanatical lover of the brunch. My reputation for this has grown and now, truly, not a week goes by that someone doesn’t ask me for a brunch recommendation.

So while I don’t have time (yet!) to dedicate an entire website to the brunch life, I decided a monthly newsletter with an occasional ad-hoc edition would suffice for now. And thus, “AJ’s Hollywood Brunch,” my new e-newsletter is born.

Once a month, expect me to update you on my new brunch-related adventures, new openings, events, places I’ve loved in the past and would recommend, as well as links to other foodies on the web! I will be sure to include content exclusive to the newsletter every now and then so that you’ll find a benefit to your subscription; I promise, and it will be a living, breathing project, ever evolving – I am so excited!

It will definitely be Los Angeles-centric but I’ve certainly had brunch in other towns and hope to add some of those experiences in as well.

Help me spread the word! Please tell a friend. You will always be able to subscribe on this site in my sidebar, or if you’d like to subscribe right away, you can do so here:

Brunch at Market Provisions

March 2, 2016 By AJ 2 Comments

When a friend asked me if I was interested in joining her monthly brunch club I thought about it for a millisecond before shouting YES and doing a little jig.

On Sunday, a small group of us met up a Market Provisions, which just opened in December. Formerly Cooks County, the ownership is the same and the ambience is more casual. There’s a surprising amount of outdoor seating for being a sidewalk cafe, and it’s not bad for people watching on Beverly Blvd. But I’m a vampire and was relieved they sat our group indoors. It’s open, earthy and airy inside, accessorized on shelves with vintage kitchen trinkets like hand mixers, corkscrews and some kind of axe-looking thing we decided must have been a meat smasher thing in the sixties — because when you get a bunch of non-cooks together, that’s what you name things.

Presentation is everything and I loved my little red teapot.

Their menu makes it very hard to choose. I love that they have appetizers — their “small plates.” You could start off with a cup of greek yogurt or a croissant and some jam. It seemed rather delightful except I knew what I wanted for the main course — a rather rich dish. I skipped the small plates.

The “MP Benny” is prosciutto, burrata, two poached eggs and a spicy hollandaise sauce over a piece of thick, rustic sourdough bread.

A couple things: YES, it is every bit as delicious as it sounds. NO, it is not really spicy. I don’t even know why they say that it is. I am the biggest wimp around but let myself believe the waitress who assured me I could take it. Thank goodness she was right.

It was hard not to eyeball some of the other plates on the table.

The Market Scramble with mustard greens, roasted broccoli and truffled cheddar. AKA “I’ll try anything with the word TRUFFLE” in it:

This is called “Eggs in Purgatory” but nothing about this implies suffering to me. Creamy polenta, spicy tomato-roasted pepper sauce, poached eggs and parmesan cheese:

Another fantastic brunch find. Kudos to the Brunch Club.

P.S. Oh yeah — $5, all-you-can drink Mimosas. Get it.

Sangers And Joe in Pasadena

February 9, 2016 By AJ Leave a Comment

So what’s a “Sanger?” Well in Australia, it appears to be slang for sandwich, so I’m going with that.

I don’t frequent Pasadena enough, which is a shame because it’s not a bad drive from my home and it’s a rather charming city that hosts a wide array of restaurants. I am particularly fond of Old Town Pasadena, and not just because my favorite frozen yogurt shop is there.

At the end of last year, I discovered a lovely cafe in Old Town called Sangers & Joe. They opened their doors in October, serving up coffee, tea, pastries and delectable breakfast and lunch plates from award-winning Chef Claudio Dell’Anno. In November they added a weekend brunch menu from Chef Rouha Sadighi (The Rooster Breakfast Food Truck, Cutthroat Kitchen winner) with tasty scrambles, benedicts and crepes alongside some of Chef Sadighi’s signature specialties.

Rounding out this new menu are five classic brunch dishes, including a classic eggs benedict and, keeping the “sandwich” in Sanger, the “Breakfast Sanger” — an open-faced ciabatta bread delight topped with scrambled eggs, gouda and bacon. You cannot go wrong with the eggs benedict. I loved that the ham was sliced thin and it made the dish easier to cut into. Their hollandaise sauce is perfection. I enjoyed the Breakfast Sanger but I did feel like the bread could have been heavier — it was a little too flaky for my liking.

But surprisingly, my favorite thing we shared was the avocado toast. Made quite simply with a squeeze of lime over it, it was unbelievably good. You can add a poached egg to it if you like to make it more breakfasty, but it was really delicious as is and when I go back, that’s what I’m having.

And I’ll probably have it with a Chai Tea Latte because it was equally good. They have a massive coffee and tea selection but this is always my go-to to test the “waters.” It was lovely.

The place is really lovely, adjoined to a terrific, independent shop filled with unique vintage furniture items and home trinkets, perfectly positioned for you to take a stroll after you’ve eaten, with convenient street and public parking all around.

A fun touch? A community library! I was tempted to borrow something but I’ve got a stack of books to read already…. I will definitely bring some to donate next time I go, though.

For more information, including the entire, wonderful menu, visit their website.

Bella Julia Cooks With Love

December 23, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

If you’re any kind of foodie, you’ve probably heard how food cooked with love tastes better – yes? Well on a side-street in Hollywood, Chef Chaza Smith is cooking up a STORM of love at Bella Julia and it radiates out of the food as much as it does out of her very being when she greets you or tells you a little about herself. She is positively charming and has a joyous spirit — I was (obviously) really taken with her. In her kitchen she combines Italian and French influences to conjure up delicious, fresh and unique plates with seasonal ingredients that are sustainably grown and non-GMO.

But enough about my new girl-crush. I guess I ought to tell you about the food, yes?

My friend and I shared two dishes. My favorite was the Biscuit du Jour – a flakey biscuit, fried egg, cheddar, crispy bacon, arugula and roasted onion aioli. I only ordered it because the waiter said it was “wonderful savory heaven on a plate” and it turns out the man speaks the truth. It was so, so good – I immediately announced to no one in particular that I could eat it for every meal.

My other favorite (see what I did there?) was the Lemon Basil Pancake. We chose that because it just sounded so unusual! Served with scrambled eggs, Roma tomatoes, creamy rosemary butter and a perfect syrup (sweet, but not too sweet), it was definitely unusual but also shockingly good. While I may live with the regret of not trying the Brioche French Toast, I’m quite happy I took a chance on this menu item.

We also had a side of bacon. Because no brunch is complete without it. Rest assured it did not disappoint either.

While brunch is always my favorite meal, I do feel a little remorse because I so very much wanted to try more items off of Bella Julia’s menu. But oh well! I guess I’ll have to return soon! Luckily, Chef Chaza found a sweet way to treat me — when she saw me eyeing a neighboring table’s order of chicken wings, she brought us a sample! Not your typical wings, by the way — I don’t know how she fries them but OMG. And crusted with parmesan, I tell you. DELICIOUS. Not your typical dessert but it was a perfect ending to the meal.

As I began this post gushing with love for the Chef, let me just close by showing you this. The tattoo on her arm of a lemon, because it’s symbol to her of freshness and flavor and, in essence, life. She smiled as she told me about it. And so I left the restaurant full… and smiling as well.

Bella Julia is located at 6363 Yucca St. in Hollywood and not to worry, there is a ton of street parking available in the area.

A New Favorite Brunch – Girasol in Studio City

November 30, 2015 By AJ 1 Comment

Before I moved in the Fall of 2014, I lived just a few blocks away from 11334 Moorpark St., a restaurant space rather famous in our neighborhood for nothing lasting in it very long. Something would go in and we’d all start placing bets on how long the new dining establishment would last. And sure enough, it would be gone in a hurry — onto the next. Rinse. Repeat.

But I started to see Top Chef fan-favorite (and one of my Top Chef favorites!) CJ Jacobson around the neighborhood. I walked by him on the street once, I saw him in my local coffee shop… And I wondered if perhaps he was going to be next up in the seemingly doomed space and felt optimistic about it. Three years later, we still have Girasol in that no-longer-doomed space and I recently paid a visit to try their brunch menu.

CJ’s craft is best described as “rustic-refined” and revolves around a profound respect for the hyper-seasonal, local ingredients he brings into his kitchen at Girasol, which he conceptually collaborated on with Jorge Pultera, former manager at The Ivy, Koi and Red O. From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you know you’re in for something special because CJ and Jorge took the ambiance seriously. The entire space is really beautiful.

In fact, everything about Girasol is really beautiful — from the kind staff to the cocktails to the food. Everything is art there. Each day you can order from their craft cocktails or wine menu, or you can try whatever the bartender has customized for the day. We were treated to a minty, crisp, refreshing cocktail that I could perhaps relate to you by saying it’s like a moscow mule but better. And I wanted to try something non-alcoholic as well so I landed on a prickly pear (which is cactus)”soda.” It wasn’t as sweet as I thought it would be but still very good and refreshing. And again – artful in presentation. It almost glowed.

When it was time to eat we were more than happy to begin with their homemade bread, herb butter and jams. Absolutely delicious and could very well be a meal in of itself if you allow it…. But don’t. It’s delicious but save room for your meal. Trust me.

The unanimous staff recommendation seemed to mandate we also tried the Octopus Gazpacho starter. I’ve actually had octopus before — it’s quite good though I still can’t bring myself to eat the really squigly tentacle pieces. They served it up with cucumber, avocado, some mixed greens and tomatillo. Again, I could have had this as a meal. Apparently the dish was inspired by a salad on their regular menu — which I now need to return to try.

Look how green and fresh it looks! It tastes that good, too.

Instead of each having our own main courses, we shared two. I think if we asked they would have brought us everything on the menu but I selected two stand-outs. The Bread Pudding French Toast was basically dessert. I’ve never had French toast like that. And I don’t know what they do with the syrup but it’s the best damned syrup I ever had, I tell you. The Maine Lobster Benedict just blew my mind, though. Once I took a bite of that I was making proclamations of love and lust and declaring Girasol my new favorite brunch spot in all the land.

Here’s the thing I quickly realized as well. Despite all that we ate, we didn’t feel sick or stuffed. There wasn’t any of that heaviness that usually comes with eating really rich food. Everything we ate certainly seemed rich and decadent but I only felt satisfied and happy at the conclusion of the meal. I think that comes with all the wonderful, fresh, organic ingredients Girasol prides themselves on. Clearly everything we dined on was of the absolute best quality.

And I stand by my statement – it really is my new favorite brunch spot and I urge you all to try it. I hope it lasts years and years and years in that formerly-doomed building on Moorpark. When I drive or walk by there now, I certainly won’t think of it as doomed anymore. Much more likely I’ll have lobster benedict fantasies.

Brunch Doesn’t Need to be Fancy to be Delicious

September 8, 2015 By AJ 1 Comment

Delicious brunch need not be fancy, nor need it be expensive. Hear me out. Just because I am the Queen of Brunch does not mean I assign a price minimum or dress code requirement to the activity. Truth be told, I love me a good greasy spoon or diner. So here are a few I highly recommend.

NAT’S EARLY BITE – SHERMAN OAKS [website]

Set in a rather slummy strip mall on the edge of Sherman Oaks, Nat’s Early Bite (pictured above) offers nothing in decor but more than makes up for it with a huge menu, charming staff who’s probably treated like family by the owners, and great prices.

Eggs Benedict? $9.95. Two eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast? $9.25. And we’re talkin’ those good, O.G. hash browns. Not potatoes, not “home fries,” HASH BROWNS. French toast with eggs and bacon? $9.50.

Stop by and don’t let the outside scare you. It’s clean, it’s delicious, and it opens at 6 AM. Tell your brunch buddies you’ve found a real gem set aside from all the celebrity chefs trying to outdo one another with gluten-free Tahitian vanilla waffles with a light berry compote or housemade apple sausage over fennel with a lump crab egg whites scramble (and I did not make those dishes up, guys). Sometimes, dammit, you just want bacon and eggs and refillable coffee.

BEABEA’s – BURBANK [website]

Brace yourself. It’s pretty hard to go to BeaBea’s without waiting for a table. But you might try your luck at an “off hour” and see where that gets you. Regardless, it’s worth it because HOLY CRAP PANCAKES.

On the pancakes menu:

Apple Cobbler: Baked apples & almonds on buttermilk pancakes
Chocolate Tuxedo: Chocolate chips & brownie pieces topped with mascarpone cream, whipped cream & powdered sugar
S’mores Pancakes: Graham crackers, marshmallows & chocolate chip pancakes
House signature, golden pumpkin pancakes
Matcha green tea pancakes, green tea mascarpone, white chocolate chips & whipped cream

I’m just giving you a thorough tour but I promise you can’t go wrong here with just a plain stack of buttermilk pancakes. Nor can you go wrong with their french toast – just as many crazy choices here – or simply eggs, bacon, etc. Not quite the greasy spoon you’re looking at with Nat’s; it’s a little more well-kempt, but you’re not in Beverly Hills either – there is not an ounce of pretension in the place.

Pro-tip: Like I said, you’ll wait for a table and there’s not really anywhere to wait except outside, which trickles into the parking lot. If it’s hot, this could suck. Dress accordingly, bring sunscreen and sunglasses. I’m not even joking! I came home from BeaBea’s with a sunburn the first time I went. Of course, I’m also a pasty white broad who burns faster than toast. Also, if you don’t care where you sit (i.e. the makeshift outdoor seating or the counter), you’ll get seated a lot faster.

JINKY’S STUDIO CAFE – STUDIO CITY [website]

I’m not really sure what the history is here. Originally named just “Studio Cafe” but owned by the rather famous Jinky’s Cafe guys, maybe they were trying to establish a new brand? But I don’t think the place ever really drew a crowd til they threw “Jinky’s” up on the sign, changed the umbrellas and then BOOM.

You’ll wait here as well and what’s more, be warned that parking BLOWS. Find a street spot in the nearby neighborhoods and walk there. Thank me later.

So you’re basically getting a BeaBea’s redux here — lots of crazy pancake dishes to choose from, including the amazing, decadent red velvet pancakes that lead Jinky’s to breakfast fame — but with some added bonuses. For starters, TATER TOTS. And if you prefer, sweet potato tater tots. (I’m the only person in Los Angeles that hates sweet potatoes but I know that’s weird.)

Studio Cafe also has a proper patio. And even though you’re on a busy corner, it manages to be kind of private, intimate and quiet. They also discourage cell phone use, which I kinda dig, even though it gives me the shakes. But nothing cures the shakes more than a good mimosa, and of all the places mentioned here, Studio Cafe is the only one with a FULL BAR, so that’s a terrific perk! They also have TVs in case there’s a major sporting event you don’t want to miss and they’re open late (10 PM, 11 PM Thursday – Sunday) in case you get a late night breakfast craving, because it’s served all day and night!

(Note: They do post signs discouraging cell phones but I also found out they offer free WiFi so your guess is as good as mine, kids.)

SO WHAT’S MISSING?

I kept this list to my neighborhood but there are plenty of other, similar spots across town like Cici’s in Tarzana or even Du-par’s, which has a few locations – even one in Las Vegas (they’re only ok but they’re open 24 hours which probably serves them well in a town where very little else is). If you’ve got a great diner in mind that I should add to my bookmarks, please share it in the comments! I love to expand my brunch database!