Foodie Archives - Page 2 of 4

The Cannibal in Culver City is Ridiculous

February 21, 2017 By AJ 1 Comment

Ridiculously GOOD, that is. Obscene.

One of the reasons I love brunch so much is that it always feels like a treat. I mean, when you think about it, brunch is actually doing you a favor. In combining breakfast and lunch, you probably get to sleep a little later and you’re only consuming one meal instead of two.

That said, I wouldn’t really call brunch a calorie-saver. This is very true for The Cannibal Beer & Butcher in Culver City. Come hungry.

The brunch menu at Cannibal is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, I promise. And I’ll warn you up front that you’ll have to go more than once because whatever your order, you’ll wish you had ordered something else. But everything’s a win. Take, for example, their rather famous “Double Down Sandwich.” Egg, bacon, sausage, cheese and an avocado pesto served on hash brown patties instead of bread.

Need a close up on that? Allow me:

The Cannibal takes a lot of pride in their “weird” menu, in fact. On their starters, you’ll find a pop tart, but not just any pop tart — it’s a pop tart with bacon icing. And their eggs benedict is far from traditional with steak tartare and Bernaise sauce. (They actually call it the “Cannibal Benedict.”)

I like the idea of brunch starters. You see it more and more on brunch menus and it’s like the restaurant giving you permission to try more than one dish without the guilt. For example, we didn’t feel guilty at all starting with the warm butter biscuit that came with sea salt caramel and uncured butter.

First and foremost, Cannibal is a butcher shop. It’s a spinoff of a popular spot in New York and vegetarians should beware. No one is interested in a Kale bowl here but you might find yourself going home with some really appetizing meats and spreads. And if you’re a beer fan, definitely check it out — they have 200 to choose from. The patio is small but lovely and worth putting in an ask for when you make a reservation. If you’re too hungover and wanna hang inside, you’ll likely enjoy the rustic vibe.

They are metro-convenient and have their own parking garage so you’re good to go. Grab yer stretchy pants!

P.S. (Google what their Tater Tots look like. You’re welcome.)

P.P.S. (They also have a great happy hour and produce a wonderful Charcuterie board!)

Please don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, @HollywoodBrunch, and sign up for the newsletter!

More to come.

The 2016 BRUNCHIES

December 22, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

The Best Brunch in Los Angeles in 2016

Happy holidays, fellow foodies and welcome to the 2016 Brunchies, recognizing the best brunch in Los Angeles in 2016.

In Los Angeles, Brunch is a part of our culture. It’s oversized sunglasses and purposefully tousled ponytails, three-day-old beards, and whatever wasn’t already in the laundry when you got dressed. It’s bottomless mimosas and craft Bloody Marys. Brunch is a celebration of all things — the end of a fabulous (or not fabulous) weekend! Our fabulous lives! Our abysmal lives! A day that ends in ‘y’! Whatever. It’s delicious. Who cares.

In 2014, when I was freelancing for The Bold Italic’s short-lived Los Angeles bureau, I was charged with giving out a series of Brunch awards, which I lovingly named “The Brunchies.” Alas, they are a defunct bureau yet my love of Brunch lives on in infinitum. So I decided to resurrect the honors and let you all in on the biggest hits of my 2016 brunch life.

Best View

The Penthouse (Santa Monica)

I’ve cited this one before but you just can’t beat their view. The food is good — you’ll find traditional items like Benedict and baked eggs but you’ll also find a killer rigatoni and pan seared Branzino. Make sure you save some room and your calories so you can start the meal with their cinnamon rolls or enjoy some dessert afterward. You get 360 degree views there but ladies, make a stop in the bathroom, too. The view from the last stall is something patrons wait in line for!

Honorable Mention: The Castaway (Burbank) — and complimentary champagne is included in their brunch buffet!

Best Avocado Toast

Flower Child (Santa Monica)

I don’t know what these magical wizards do over there but this simple combination of avocado, a soft egg, black sesame and a little white cheddar on their dense, whole grain toast is so good that you may actually order two pieces. And by the way, it’s only $6 and 360 calories so in addition to being utterly delicious, it’s guilt-free.

I’m pretty obsessed with this place, by the way. It’s worth mentioning that their whole menu is delicious and I’m gutted that it’s not closer to where I live.

Honorable Mention: BLD (Mid-city).

BLD’s Avocado Toast puts a unique spin on the trendy menu item. They bake poached eggs, chorizo, manchego cheese, smoked paprika right into the avocado and serve thick, lightly-toasted sourdough on the side. The chorizo really elevates the flavor.

Best Group Brunch

The Church Key (West Hollywood)

I love The Church Key’s sprawling space that can open up in the front to the street so that you can enjoy the indoor/outdoor dining West Hollywood Brunches are meant for. With all their space and vintage charm, a lot of their big tables are like their own tableaus and what’s more, they have many tables set up with large groups in mind. The first time I enjoyed brunch there with a large group, we sat around a big, round table, which is always ideal to me so that no one feels cast away to the end of a row and is unable to chat with the folks at the other end. Also clutch for any group brunch? They take reservations.

Best Mexi-Brunch

Mercado (locations in Santa Monica, Mid-City and on the Cahuenga Pass)

Everything at Mercado arrives on your table looking and tasting fresh. As a second honor, I might also reward them with “Best Breakfast Burrito” — the massive wrap is stuffed with scrambled eggs, nueske bacon, mexican rice, frijoles negros, roasted potatoes, pico de gallo and oaxaca cheese. Their “Chilaquiles Rojos con Huevos” is a true winner as well but you must add the carnitas to it because the way they prepare their carnitas alone is unbelievably delicious.

Got room for an appetizer? Their chips are just as fresh as anything else on the menu, made in house. The queso will leave you wishing the portion was bigger but only after you’ve also polished off their guacamole, topped with spicy pepitas.

Best Bloody Mary

Hyperion Public (Locations in Studio City and Silver Lake)

Even though they may be best known best for their “f yeah” fries and their “omg dip,” their simple, classic Bloody Mary leaves a mark. The mix is made on site and though you won’t find it bacon infused or loaded with a slider-on-a-stick, there is nothing flawed about it. Now that they’ve opened their second location in Studio City, there are two locations to enjoy it at. (P.S. They also started offering bottomless mimosas this year and lord-have-mercy do they make a great stack of pancakes!)

Best Brunch That’s Not For Me

Au Fudge (West Hollywood)

Founded by Jessica Biel, the cleverly named Au Fudge is a restaurant that caters to children first. You enter through a rustic, country gift shop that sells baked goods along with tchotchkes and toys. Beyond, a bubbly cafe setting adorned with marble, pastels and plenty of kitschy kid-friendly space. (Even the bathrooms have kid-friendly sinks and toilets!) The hub of the restaurant is a large creative space that runs the whole length of the restaurant. It is enclosed, filled with craft tables, toys, and staffed. It is available for parents to drop their kids into at a rate of $15 for two hours so they can dine “in peace” though plenty of patrons bring their kids to the table where a rather indulgent kids menu and crayons await. It is a super-energetic space where you seldom hear the word “no” among the noise and clutter of it all. My meal was delicious, my company was lovely, but it’s never going to be my first choice because I’m quite the snobby bruncher.

Best Patio

Eveleigh (West Hollywood)

Eveleigh may be located in the heart of WeHo but once you walk through the restaurant and out to their rear patio, it’s like being transported to an chic, rustic tree-house escape. The one thing I’ll caution is that the breathtaking setting might leave you with rose-colored glasses. The food is good, but not great. The service is adequate though the servers are all modelesque and not particularly warm. And the prices are a bit high. So it’s up to you how badly you want to dine in this setting!

Honorable Mention: Terrine (Mid-City)

Best Brunch Nachos

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (West Hills)

Jimmy’s “Totchos” are tater tots, cheese sauce, sour cream, bacon and salsa and they. are. everything. It’s not a fancy spot, set in the new outdoor half of Westfield Topanga, but it’s comfortable and the staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating. Jimmy’s puts their own spin on American classics with everything prepared by hand in small batches with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The result is super flavorful, elevated pub food that will have you passing your fork around the table for a bite of everything. And the Totchos. Definitely have the Totchos. (Pictured below with the sour cream on the side because someone at our table doesn’t like the stuff. Insanity.)

Best Non-Traditional Brunch

Barrel and Ashes (Studio City)

The South comes to the San Fernando Valley with a Brunch that includes BBQ, small plates, craft cocktails and a boatload of charm. They’s also doing a good service by opening for brunch at 10:30 in a town where most places open their doors at 11. I’ve narrowed my favorite menu items to two: The Frito Pie and the Hoe Cake. The first is essentially white trash nachos — a Fritos bag popped open on it’s side and loaded up with goodies like chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, peppers and onions. The latter is a cornmeal flatbread loaded with maple butter and green onion, served on a sizzling skillet. They have some hoe cakes with toppings on the menu but all I’ve ever needed is the “regular.”

Best Sleeper Brunch

Cannibal (Culver City)

Why wasn’t this place more crowded when I went? Was it an off day? Are people intimidated by menu items like the “Double Down” – a sandwich with bacon, ham, sausage, cheese, two eggs and avocado pesto served on bread that is actually hash brown patties? Cannibal, which doubles as a hip butcher shop, is an indulgent experience but if you can shove your guilt way down deep, it’s so freakin’ delicious. Surely it must be on it’s way to being one of the most popular brunch spots in Los Angeles.

Honorable Mention: Ledlow (Downtown)

* * *

So what is, OVERALL, the best brunch in Los Angeles in 2016? It’s just too hard to say and there are still so many I need to try! So I just refuse to answer that question. When someone asks me for a recommendation, I always respond by asking what area they want to be in, what kind of setting they’r seeking, what they want to spend… It’s impossible to name the best brunch in Los Angeles, but I think that’s a GREAT idea of how much the city has to offer! Thank you, 2016, for some amazing Sunday meals with friends! And now…

Brunches I Need to Try in 2017

Post & Beam (Baldwin Hills)
Spear Steak & Seafood (Downtown LA)
Odys + Penelope (Mid-City)
Magnolia House (Pasadena)
Sonoma Wine Garden (Santa Monica)
Sunny Spot (Venice)
Wolf (Mid-City)

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 to receive reviews and exclusive content. 2017 will be a whole new year of brunch adventures!

Brunch at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern

November 26, 2016 By AJ Leave a Comment

Even a mall chain restaurant can turn out to be a brunch gem.

Brunch at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern was a total win. From the Diet Pepsi with a side of more Diet Pepsi, all the way to the incredible “Totchos.” It’s not really fancy or in a trendy part of town; set in Woodland Hills on the first floor of the newish outdoor Westfield Village Mall. It’s not intimate — it’s basically a nicer, oversized sports bar — but it’s comfortable. And you’re not going to find kale, quinoa or cold pressed juices here, but that’s fine with me. (They do find ways to be healthy, though. Read on.)

You’re seeing the traditional “Totchos” here. You can also opt for the white truffle and parmesan tots. For my meal, I went with a breakfast flatbread that was unbelievable with applewood smoked bacon, sausage, eggs, Fontina cheese, potatoes and chives.

Jimmy’s flavors are at maximum, putting their own spin on American classics — an ‘Artisanal’ point of view with everything prepared by hand in small batches with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The result is elevated pub food that will have you – like it had me – passing your fork around the table for a bite of everything. There are also more subtle touches I didn’t identify right away — like their use of sustainable non-food products, like recycled paper, energy efficient appliances, and their composting practices.

One fork pass to the right got me a nibble of “The ‘Bubba,” a biscuit filled with fried chicken, cheddar, bacon, sausage gravy and an egg.

I noticed what was on the menu above this by the way: Buttermilk fried chicken and malted ale waffles with thyme gravy, applewood smoked bacon and maple syrup. You’ll certainly find more traditional choices like a Denver Omelette or Benedict. They are even inclusive of lunch options with salads, burgers and the like making appearances. I suspect this is the kind of place where anything you order will just taste amazing. Scope out the entire Brunch menu here.

Oh yes, they do Bottomless Mimosas for $15. But my money’s on their Bloody Mary choices. The “Famous Mary” with Absolut Peppar, Blue Cheese Olive, Pepperoni, Jack Cheese, Pepperoncini and a Ballast Point Longfin Lager Chaser or the “Meal Mary” with Absolut Peppar, Bacon, Blue Cheese Olive, Chilled Shrimp, Pepperoni, Jack Cheese, Pepperoncini & a Jalapeño Bedeviled Egg. They are $12 and $15 respectively and that’s when you should be especially thankful to be in Woodland Hills; in Beverly Hills, those drinks would be $25.

I’m so happy we walked into Jimmy’s and took a chance. Again, I declare Brunch at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern a total win. I can’t wait to go back for more!

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!

Hollywood Burger Solves Your Pantages Problem

April 7, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

If you live here in Los Angeles and have ever been to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, you’ll likely agree with me about one persistent, frustrating issue.

There is nothing to eat over there.

It’s improved, mind you. There used to be absolutely nothing. An over-the-counter sandwich shop maybe. Now there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts and there’s that bar a block down that serves good bar food and has only-okay service. But every time you go to The Pantages and want to grab a quick bite before the show, where do you end up? (And don’t say Katsu-ya. No one gets out of that place quickly and not for less than $100.)

But the problem has been solved. Hollywood Burger has moved in across the street! (And even if The Pantages isn’t on your calendar, make a trip out. It’s delicious.)

In addition to gourmet burgers, other menu favorites include all-natural/hormone free chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie burgers, classic and sweet potato fries, tater tots, salads, milkshakes, secret sauces made with perfectly blended herbs and spices and more. For me it was the VIP Burger all the way with Applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, red onion, tomato, lettuce and Hollywood Secret Sauce. And YUM. Their burger is kind of down-and-dirty. It’s not a fat patty or perfectly round. It is hand crafted, made fresh, and 100% delicious.

We also wanted to sample a non-burger so we got a bite of The BLVD sandwich: crispy fried chicken, spicy slaw, dill pickles & Chipotle-Honey Sauce. I must confess I loved this as much as, if not more than, the burger.

Of course, we weren’t getting out of there without some fries and chili cheese tots. BECAUSE REASONS.

And we could have stopped there, mind you. They had totally earned me as a repeat customer like three bites in. But the Manager hinted he makes a mean milkshake. He wasn’t lying.

And before you point a finger and argue with me “But AJ, I want to have a cocktail or five before I see a show!” Well then to you I say, “Shut it. Hollywood Burger serves beer and wine. All problems solved.” It elevates the place to more than just fast food. TVs on the premises allow you catch the game, and everyone who works there is delightful.

See? No excuses. Problems solved. You’re welcome, everybody. Enjoy!

And one final note on parking — it’s available via several public cash lots in the area or the garage in their building which you can enter from around the corner. They are also very convenient to the Los Angeles Metro. Visit their website here.

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.