Brunch Archives - AJ Feuerman

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!

Friday Favorites: Falling Into Fall

September 29, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

Do you ever talk out loud while you type? I find that when I am alone at home, working on this stuff, sometimes I speak what I am typing out loud. It’s an old-lady type trait that at first angered me but now kind of makes me laugh. Anyway, just know that as I am typing this, I am saying it out loud to myself. Also, know I am super happy it’s Fall; I can’t wait for the weather to change. Mostly because the heat in Los Angeles lasts til October and my office doesn’t have air conditioning. But I digress!

WHAT I READ

As it is Fall, it is time for Gourds. This article about them from 2009 is HYSTERICAL. Side note: I made the mistake of covertly reading it during a meeting. And then I died laughing. (Luckily it was a casual group.)
When her employees go on vacation, Arianna Huffington DELETES THEIR WORK EMAILS. WOW. Who has the balls to do that? Well, I guess she does.
This great list of brunch spots in Santa Monica which made me think I need to do my own “Best Brunches in ________________” lists!
Looks like Obama’s chillin’ with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. You know what those guys are thinking, right? “Not my monkeys, not my circus.”

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

A Cookie Named Desire’s recipe for Brown Butter Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting. Because REASONS.
I’m super into protein pancakes, believe it or not. I love Beyond Frosting’s Banana Walnut Protein Pancake recipe — although for me, I’d have to omit the walnuts.
And since I seem to be on this random, massive banana kick here, how about this amazing looking chocolate chip banana bread from What’s Gaby Cooking?

EARLIER THIS WEEK

I wrote a review of Hollywood’s 800 Degrees Pizzeria. It’s delicious! And I’m giving away a $25 gift card!
The Valley Film Festival let me talk to a room full of filmmakers about “The Fine Art of PR for Indie Film.” I don’t know what they were thinking. But if you want to listen to me talk too much and name drop, click here.
Megyn Kelly’s daytime talk show launched on NBC. Jane Fonda had a rather compelling reaction when Kelly asked her about her plastic surgery….

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

I can’t say I know anything about Ugandan politics but boy does their Parliament throw down. An all-out brawl broke out — click to 2:30 if you don’t want to wait, but the crescendo’s not bad either.

HBO has scheduled the Spielberg documentary for October. I’m pretty excited. What’s your favorite Steven Spielberg movie?

Friday Favorites on a Saturday Afternoon

July 8, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

I know, I know. Friday Favorites on a Saturday afternoon?! What gives?

Well, all day yesterday I tried to carve out 30 minutes to draft my “favorites” of the week for you but I failed. I guess it’s only fair that during the waking hours my job comes first. The day of work lead into an evening at home doing more work, lead into packing, going to bed early and then ultimately, getting p early today to attend a blogging conference in Temecula. (Oh. By the way. Greetings from BLOGGY BOOTCAMP!)

WHAT I READ

Science is doing me a solid — it has confirmed I am a genius. Find out why.
I have not seen Baby Driver yet, but I really want to. I was tickled when prestigious entertainment Editor Peter Bart analyzed the film’s musicality against the backdrop of my company’s documentary, SCORE.
Cheesecake Factory has unveiled…. WAIT FOR IT…. A FUNFETTI CHEESECAKE.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

I had never heard of the website, The Grommet. Am I the last to know? Someone spoke about it at the conference this morning. I WANT TO BUY ALL THE THINGS.
Carolyn’s husband’s late Uncle was one of the most prominent theme park designers and she uncovered an old interview of his — it was fascinating!
Jen discusses the fine line between getting attention and being called to attention.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

I had an absolutely exquisite, savory brunch at Kismet.

USA Today premiered the trailer for California Typewriter, a new documentary I am working on. You might recognize some of the up and coming talent….
Doug Fernandez of KOAT 7 in Albuquerque gave up. Watch:

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

At a Green Day concert in Europe, before the show began, the crowd sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” in unison and it’s rather stunning:

This dog just needs a break. I feel you, dude.

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!

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