AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

  • Home
  • About
    • Portfolio
    • Affiliations
  • New Business
  • Pro Tips
  • Foodie
    • Brunch Is My Favorite
  • Tech
  • Pop Culture
  • Around LA

New to Toluca Lake: The Continental

March 6, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

You would not know coming into the warm, elegant setting at The Continental in Toluca Lake that when the building opened in 1958, it was, in fact, an IHOP.

The Continental Toluca Lake

It has been many things since, but yes, it started as the International House of Pancakes. (And let’s all be thankful because I have a long, storied relationship with IHOP myself and if I never enter one again it will be too soon. But I digress. Stories for another time and after certain family members are dead.)

Onto the cocktails, though. OMIGOD. My favorite was the Christopher Oaxacan, a cocktail that is both fun to say (even though I can’t actually say it) and even more fun to drink. In addition to pineapple juice, lime juice and agave nectar, it has mezcal in it; which I recently learned the hard way is not Tequila.

The Continental Toluca Lake  - Christopher Oaxacan

Beer and wine have a presence on the menu but my money’s remains on all of the amazing cocktails. When someone puts that much effort into a craft cocktail offering, you almost have to honor their art. They even got me to try a Bourbon cocktail – something I never do. Bourbon sets my nose-hairs on fire. (You’re welcome for that imagery.)

May I recommend the patio for enjoying some cocktails? It was my favorite part of the renovated interior.

The Continental Toluca Lake  - Patio

The new menu includes decadent, complex flavors in choices such as Thai Seafood Bouillabaisse, a stew of fresh shrimp, scallops, calamari and vegetables, cooked in a creamy coconut, lemongrass and kaffir lime broth. I had a tiny bite — it was not nearly enough. However my favorite amuse-bouche was the slider version of their Continental Burger, served with prime Angus beef, crispy pancetta, tempura-fried dill pickles and white cheddar cheese. I’m a giant sucker for white cheddar.

The Continental Toluca Lake

As a whole the menu is quite diverse and even changes things up for lunch. Some of the dishes manage to be both French and Thai inspired. They even manage Jewish-Vietnamese somehow as they feature their slow-roasted brisket in a Vietnamese Style Banh Mi. You’ll find salmon, chicken, vegetarian options, salads, sandwiches. I’ve said it before — the worst part about writing these posts is that they make me hungry and that’s never been more true than now.

The Continental Toluca Lake

You know, I could eat Brussels Sprouts every day. True story.

When the awesome staffers were not hugging me hello or introducing themselves, I stepped aside to admire the centerpiece of Continental’s décor, a new, five-panel/35-foot wide mural depicting Toluca Lake that wraps around the walls throughout the front rooms.

The Continental Toluca Lake

It’s a nice tribute to the history of the establishment and if you look closely at it, you will spot a tiny flag with a Mo’s logo — Mo’s was the most recent and rather cherished tenant of the space. The owner remains the same, though — so I am able to make peace with the transition.

Also because it is delicious. 😉

More:

  •     Official website
  •     All of the socials – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  •     Street parking available,, which I would recommend first. The valet lot in the back is tiny.

P.S. (Congrats to them on landing on Eater LA’s “Hottest New Restaurants” list.)

Filed Under: Foodie Tagged With: Angus Burger, Banh Mi, Bouillabaisse, Burbank, Burger, New restaurant, Restaurant, Thai food, The Continental, Toluca Lake

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

SUBSCRIBE


AJ's Hollywood Brunch: An exclusive e-newsletter about my favorite subject! E-mail address:

Reach Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Tweets

Most Recent Posts

  • AN OLD PERSON’S GUIDE TO SLANG: VOLUME 5
  • Happy Holidays!
  • LA Quarantine Life Delivery Hacks
  • Quarantine Has Made Me Greedy
  • Friday Favorites in Quarantine Life
  • Why I am Voting Yes on Prop 22

On Instagram – @AJFEUERMAN

This is my curated “book” of inspiration. I ke This is my curated “book” of inspiration. I keep these quotes or odes in my favorite photos folder in my phone and oftentimes, at least one of these little cards brings me a lot of comfort. If any of all of them do that for you, I am happy to share them. Scroll through, read, and let these ideas sink in. #mentalhealth #quarantinelife #selflove #selfcare #inspo #instaquote #instaquotes #instagood #friendship
I was talking with some friends today about teache I was talking with some friends today about teachers. And it made me think about my most favorite teachers. At U of A, Professor Bernardi recognized my talent for writing and inspired me to wish for bigger things. He helped me see, at a very tough time, that I could still achieve great things. But I never would have found such a love for writing were it not for Mr. Perry, my English teacher in my senior year of high school, who taught me that every word should have a purpose. And in high school, there was also Mr. Thomas, who instilled in me a deep love of history. I also thought about my beloved elementary school teachers - there were a few at my school I adored. Among them, Mrs. Borin who was just a cool, cool lady. She was a forward-thinker and I was lucky that after my fourth grade year, she moved up to sixth grade so I got to have her again. And pictured with me here is Mrs. Klepetar, who happens to be my friend's Mom (something we did not even put together until we'd been friends for a few years), who recognized a seven year old who flat out resented math but got her to take a little more pride in it with customized extra credit assignments -- she gave me an audience to show my work and that was pretty clever. THANK YOUR TEACHERS, friends. ESPECIALLY NOW. They help shape the adults we become. #teachersrule #Thankyouteachers #TBT
There’s been quite a surge of puppies at the dog There’s been quite a surge of puppies at the dog park lately and I’m here for it. 🐾❤️🐾❤️ #puppies #quarantinepuppy #doggos #rescuedogs #dogpark
Listen. If making Ted Cruz look stupid is what fin Listen. If making Ted Cruz look stupid is what finally makes me go viral, I would be incredibly happy. (Not that he hasn’t made himself look stupid repeatedly all on his own.) Template co. of @scottperry on the last slide. #tedcruz #cancuncruz #cancunted
Hint: This is a #GIVEAWAY POST! I was catching som Hint: This is a #GIVEAWAY POST! I was catching some good light while I cleaned my apartment today so why not a #cosplay #maskselfie? @myshieldmask is actually a client now but was my favorite mask brand before that happened, I swear. They’re soft and comfortable and come out great when I wash them. Also, loads of colors and patterns to choose from, sizes, etc. Basically I can’t gush enough about them. (10 Points for Gryffindor!!!) AND if you are a RAVENCLAW, I have a mask for you, too. (See: Next slide.) Drop a comment if you want to be in the raffle. #wearamask #quarantinelife #harrypotter #ravenclaw #gryffindor
My baby turns THREE today! My attempt to recreate My baby turns THREE today! My attempt to recreate the first photo was hysterical. 😂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEVILLE! We will celebrate with lots of treats, belly rubs, and dog park time (which is how he lives daily anyway - his life is pretty great).
I can’t shake the feeling I’m being watched. 👀 #somebodyswatchingme #privateeyes
Happy SEVENTY FIRST (71 YEARS!!!!!) anniversary to Happy SEVENTY FIRST (71 YEARS!!!!!) anniversary to my grandparents. We have no idea what this photo is from but I just love it. #TBT
Load More... Follow on Instagram

ADS


Categories

Archives

PRIVACY | TERMS & CONDITIONS

COPYRIGHT © 2018 · AJ FEUERMAN

AJ@AJFEUERMAN.COM