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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?)

2019 Brunchies

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

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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)! 

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies 2019 Brunchies


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. 

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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.

2019 Brunchies

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. 

2019 Brunchies

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? 

2019 Brunchies

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:

  • Five Leaves
  • Preux and Proper
  • Ingo’s Tasty Diner 
  • Madera Kitchen
  • The Smoke House

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!

 

2019 Brunchies

Filed Under: Brunch, Foodie Tagged With: 2019 Brunchies, AJ Feuerman, Akasha, Alice Restaurant, Black Market Liquor Bar, Bondi Harvest, Eleven City, Five Leaves, Hamptons 818, Hollywood Brunch, Ma’am Sir, Preux & Proper, Rossoblu, Santurai, The Smoke House

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….! 

2018 BRUNCHIES

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.

2018 BRUNCHIES

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.

2018 BRUNCHIES

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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A post shared by Hollywood Brunch (@hollywoodbrunch)

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.

2018 BRUNCHIES

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.

2018 BRUNCHIES

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!

2018 BRUNCHIES

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.

2018 BRUNCHIES
2018 BRUNCHIES

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!

2018 Brunchies

Filed Under: Brunch Tagged With: 189 by Dominique Ansel, 2018 Brunchies, Aeirloom Bakery, Baltaire, Bellwether, Black Market Liquor Bar, Brunch, Chef Ludo, Cronut, Granville, Los Angeles Brunch, Manhattan Beach Brunch, Petite Trois, Sherman Oaks Brunch, Studio City Brunch, The Henry, The Nomad, The Ponte, The Strand House

"Today I will be classy and elegant. Or, I will spill on my shirt and trip over things."

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