Gjusta | Venice, CA

If you live in L.A., you've probably heard of Gjusta. If you're a foodie, and you don't live in L.A., you've also probably heard of Gjusta. If you're a foodie, and you are lucky enough to live in L.A., you are most likely at least a little bit obsessed with Gjusta. 

This is one of those places that has a reputation that precedes it. Little sister to the nearly-legendary Gjelina (the ultimate West Side food-scene hotspot, and unwitting poster child for the gentrification of Abbot Kinney), Gjusta opened in late 2014 as a bakery with elements of a take-away restaurant, an East Coast-style deli, and a juice and coffee bar. It was immediately hugely popular; attracting techies, hipsters, foodies, bloggers, and tourists in droves. Unfortunately, it hasn't been so popular with some of the locals (see: passionate accounts of how Gjusta is "a nuisance" and a famous face objecting to the restaurant's application for a liquor license), but most worthwhile things come with a little controversy. What's not-so-controversial? The excellence of the food. Foodies and critics agree that no matter what you choose, you are in for a real treat. 

To get to Gjusta, you'll have to stray from the beaten path a bit, past a busy Gold's Gym and down a residential street. It's unmarked and very low profile, the surest sign that you've made it are the crowds of well-dressed, hungry people confusedly looking for the entrance. Inside, the space is vast and completely overwhelming. Every nook and cranny of the huge room seems to be occupied by something delicious; you're likely to experience some overstimulation before even reaching the deli-style numbered ticket dispenser. The choices seem endless: Gjusta is part bakery, part pizzeria, part deli, part smokehouse, part juice bar, part coffeehouse. And the list goes on. And absolutely everything looks mouth-wateringly delicious. 

The ordering and seating situation can cause some befuddlement; if you're not aware that there are no lines and that instead you need to draw a number, you could end up standing around confused for a very long time. Then, upon actually drawing a number, the wait time to place your order can be lengthy - I've read accounts of people waiting almost an hour, though my personal experience was closer to five minutes. Finally, you wander out to the back patio to find a seat, which even at an off-time on a weekday was fairly packed. Sharing tables with other parties is expected, so it's best to leave your personal space bubble at home (my table-mates were actually a delight - we enjoyed a lively discussion about our favorite foodie spots in Portland). When your food is up, a staff member comes out back and yells out your name. It's all very confusing, and it's probably quite frustrating to some, but it's a price that must be paid to partake in some of L.A.'s most popular and delicious food. 

As a foodie with a serious FOMO problem, you can imagine the distress I felt between the moment when I pulled a number and the moment when my number was called. I read the menu over and over again; I wanted everything. A decision was alluding me. So, when it was my turn to order, I succumbed to the overwhelm and asked the staff member for a recommendation. I was expecting him to suggest a deli classic like the Bialy Egg & Cheese Sandwich or a Lox plate, Instead I was offered a curve ball: the Gjusta Huevos Rancheros. 

Curve ball or no, I was absolutely not led astray. This dish was fresh, vibrant, and not at all heavy. I loved the addition of the kale, which added a wonderful, toothsome texture and made it feel a little bit healthier (let's be real - kale has that "miracle food" reputation that might lead you to believe that kale cookies are healthy... side note, kale cookies sound awful). The flavors throughout the dish were excellent - in particular, the tangy bean stew and the smoky tomato sauce on top were standouts that worked together harmoniously. And finally, the variety of textures was delightful - it was crunchy, soft, chewy, and crispy all at once. Truly, there were no complaints to be had about this satisfying dish. 

And because I'm the type who won't be satisfied to sample just one dish, I got a "side" of one of the deli salads: the curry roasted carrots. I put "side" in quotations because, well, this was an enormous serving. Trust me, I am not complaining - I am a sucker for perfectly roasted carrots, and while this is a difficult vegetable to treat perfectly, Gjusta nailed it. They had a touch of char on the ends and were soft in the middle without being overdone. The seasoning was wonderfully spicy and earthy, and the tangy yogurt added a creamy decadence. With those powers combined, this was veggie heaven. 

Choosing a drink at Gjusta is another difficult task. Between the smoothies, coffee, shrubs, lemonades, and juices, it's easy to be sent into another tailspin of indecision. I was already a bit hopped-up on caffeine on the day of my visit, so it was easy to eliminate at least one category (however delicious those Cortados may have looked). I went with the daily juice, because when in Venice... right? Again, I was not disappointed: the apple, beet, lemon, and ginger concoction was tangy and bright. I'd say it was downright zippy. 

As wonderful as my entire meal at Gjusta was, I left feeling a little bit dissatisfied - my inner FOMO monster had been awakened, and all I could think about were the possibilities of meals not chosen. But what about the famous baklava croissants - were they already sold out, or did I just miss them? Should I have tried a homemade bagel or bialy? And crap, I never got to taste the famous bread everyone's been talking about! Or the famous fish that they get at the farmers markets and smoke in-house! With so many incredible brunch and breakfast options throughout this diverse city of ours, it's sometimes hard to say "I'm coming back here" and actually mean it. With Gjusta, I mean it. 

Gjusta - 320 Sunset Avenue, Venice, CA 90291

C+M Cafe | Los Angeles, CA

Living in Los Angeles, "foodies" constantly struggle with a double edged sword: so many excellent restaurants! We fall in love with tasty eateries and want to go back all the time, but there are countless new places to visit. What's a girl to do?! I say, keep experimenting and sampling all of the foods LA has to offer, but don't abandon the classic places that are always delicious and dependable.

C+M Cafe (Chicken and Monkey) is one of those places. When it first opened in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles a couple years ago, it quickly became a regular spot for my boyfriend and I since it was a 5 minute walk from our apartment. I can't count the number of times we have woken up on a Sunday morning, and one of us has suggested "C+M?", almost embarrassingly because we go so often. (Side bar - we once were called out by an employee at Millions of Milkshakes in West Hollywood for visiting so frequently one month. "Do you come here like, everyday?" "No... No! YOU do!" *pays and rushes out to cry in the car*. You get the picture... Ever since, we've tried to maintain anonymity at restaurants to hold on to some amount of personal dignity). 

C+M recently became so popular that it relocated to a new, bigger spot a few blocks away, but still within walking distance for us, thank goodness. If you're a fan of the Westside ice cream hot spot "Scoops", it's right next-door in the same plaza. A double dose of awesomeness if you ask me.

Group enjoying breakfast under the chicken

Kitchen tool art wall

Our staple order always includes the "Basic Eggsential Breakfast Sandwich". It's a simple, yet completely satisfying breakfast sandwich. You can add bacon, sausage, ham or avocado, and it's topped with an over-easy egg and havarti cheese all on fresh sourdough bread. We always pick bacon, and usually split this along with another item because neither one of us can enter C+M without a bite of that perfect gift between bread. Dare I say, it's my favorite breakfast sandwich in LA?

Basic Eggsential Breakfast Sandwich w/bacon

The must have side item is the "Sweeties" potatoes. I honestly don't remember how we got hooked on them because they're not officially on the menu, but we always have to have them. They're perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they're served with a tangy and slightly spicy chili aioli for dipping.

Sweeties potatoes

 "The Melting Pot" is the item to choose if you just want a warm, homey rice bowl. It's a Hungarian-style fried rice bowl, with smoked paprika, pork belly, brown rice, kale, spinach, and topped with over easy egg, pesto, and farmers cheese. Your belly is filled with the warm spices and fatty pork, and c'mon, is there really anything more comforting than a hearty breakfast bowl?

The Melting Pot

 If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend the "Money Maker", a perfect bread pudding with lemon and rosemary and topped with an over easy egg, all sitting in a sticky, sweet, bath of caramel. Each bite starts with a satisfying crunch from the crispy edges, but finishes with a soft sweetness and subtle rosemary flavor, which prevents the dish from being TOO sweet. So good. I'm full just thinking about it. 

The Money Maker

But what's a good brunch joint without coffee? C+M doesn't short-change you there either. They brew up delicious cold brew and espresso standards, and there are multiple coffee and juice concoctions and kombucha to-go. We always grab a drink for the walk home!

While the food is oh-so-tasty, and never lets you down, my favorite thing about C+M Cafe is its neighborhood feel. Sure, there is tons of exceptional food in LA, but not every place feels like home on a Sunday morning. There's something comforting about always seeing the same people working behind the counter and little kids stuffing their faces with their parents by their side. About eating your meal next to a couple enjoying their morning routine, or even the Crossfitters who visit after a hard workout. C+M is a place where all of these families are welcome, and I enjoy spending my Sunday morning with all of them. 

-Johnna

Pitchoun! | Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles reminds me of a patchwork quilt: a vast collection of different neighborhoods sewn together to make up one impressive and beautiful design. The contrasts between neighborhoods can be striking, each one wildly different from the next, their differences making the pattern of the quilt that much more beautiful. One of the most unique and constantly changing areas of our great city is the Downtown area. Once a bustling city center, later a dilapidated shadow of what it once was, it is now home to what some call a “renaissance” (and what others might call gentrification). No matter your opinion on the changes that have occurred in recent years, it is refreshing to see the city streets bustling once again like they did in its heyday. And we Brunchographers can certainly appreciate the fabulous foodie scene that has sprung up here - between Grand Central Market’s mouthwatering food stands and upscale brunches with jaw-dropping views at places like Perch, it’s a bit like a food-lover’s playground. 

The busy counter at Pitchoun!, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Somewhere between Downtown L.A.’s casual food stands and upscale reservation-only restaurants lies Pitchoun!, a charming French bakery and café. Coming across this sweet place in the midst of miles of concrete and stone is a warm and welcome surprise, its orange tables lined up on the sidewalk transport you to a place where life is a little bit slower and poets linger all morning over espresso and a croissant. I like to imagine that Pitchoun! is a little bit like a French version of Narnia; the locals wander in all business and seriousness, and come out cheerful and relaxed, bicycling away with a basketful of croissants and perhaps even a beret. 

Irresistible treats and seating area at Pitchoun!, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

This wonderfully authentic French feel is undoubtedly a result of its authentically French owners, Frédéric and Fabienne Souliès. Their café is a direct reflection of their upbringings in food-centered families; their respect for food and craft is clear in Pitchoun’s artful and mouthwatering offerings. Each day at 5 am, the Pitchoun! staff begins preparation of their fresh baked breads and pastries using all natural, organic ingredients and fresh, sustainable produce - ensuring fresh goodies no matter what day of the week you pop by.

Pastries at Pitchoun!, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

Pastries at Pitchoun!, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

Inside, Pitchoun! is cozy and unfussy, its warm brick walls and rustic decor beckoning you to order a warm drink and stay awhile. Behind glass are stacks upon stacks of arrestingly beautiful pastries, cakes, and breads, and lovingly packaged cookies and other takeaway treats are lined up on shelves. Teams of bakers and servers buzz around the space, offering smiles and sweets to hungry customers (most of whom appear to be in a state of complete overwhelm, unsure of which indulgence to choose). The café space is equipped with plenty of tables, some cozied up alongside the fireplace, others tucked in a little garden nook outside. There’s enough room to find a seat even at Sunday brunch, though you may need to get creative to arrange a spot if you have a large group.

When it comes to sweets and treats, we’re weak (you know this already), so we started our brunch with their famously delicious Kouign-Amann. This cousin to a croissant was a perfect accompaniment to our coffee and tea while we waited for our entrees to come. It was light, flaky, buttery, and slightly sweet, and with a hint of toastiness at the bottom - I love it when a flaky pastry gets a little brown and toasted. 

For our main dishes, I chose a simple classic: the Parisian Omelette. This dish was exactly what I needed - filling without being heavy, with a lovely balance between the rich Swiss cheese and light, fluffy eggs. And bonus points for the side of fresh greens (f you’re a repeat visitor to this blog, you’ll know we love to have some greens with our brunch), dressed with an absolutely perfect French-style vinaigrette. 

Johnna opted for the Country Tartine - a slice of house-made country bread topped with ham, brie, cornichons, and unsalted butter. This was another simple, hearty dish that managed that balance between comfortably filling and richness.  

Finally, because every good brunch ends with a little something sweet, we shared a gorgeous fig tart. Its crust was perfectly buttery and crumbly, and it was filled with a velvety-smooth cream. On top, perfect fresh figs and the cutest little chocolate coin stamped with the Pitchoun! logo. We’re a sucker for little details like this - and Pitchoun! has details in spades. 

If you can manage, step out of that long line at Eggslut or walk away from that fancy brunch buffet at The Standard. Instead, take a respite from your claustrophobic city day and enjoy the comforts of France, whether for a long lunch or just a short stop for bread. Your blood pressure and your stomach will thank you. 

Pitchoun!

545 S Olive Street  •  Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ingo's Tasty Diner | Santa Monica, CA

I have a really soft spot in my heart for diners, most likely a result of how much time I spent in them growing up. On weekends when I was a kid, my parents and I would go to the Aster Diner with some other families from the neighborhood and feast on pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and scrapple (ok, only my dad ordered the scrapple - the thought of it still makes my stomach churn). We kids loved picking songs from the mini-jukeboxes in each booth, or trying our luck at winning toys from the machine in the vestibule, or absconding the sugar packets when our parents ordered coffee (I'm still unclear on why we thought that last bit was fun). The parents probably enjoyed not having to cook - I recall that they had a variety of unpleasant nicknames for the diner ("Geezerville" and "The Aster Disaster" were among them), so I guess they weren't huge fans of the food. But it's not usually the quality of the food that draws people to diners, is it? Folks come for the atmosphere, for a cozy place to spend some time with friends and drink bottomless cups of coffee, all without breaking the bank. 

As an adult with a strong interest in food (read: I have watched all of those Netflix food documentaries, and they were terrifying), I am now much more particular about the quality of the food I eat and where that food is sourced from. While it's easy now to find responsibly sourced, natural foods in grocery stores across the U.S., finding a restaurant that serves that type of food is a rare treat. 

Menu at Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

So, knowing all this, you can probably guess that I am all about the concept behind Ingo's Tasty Diner. Take one neighborhood diner, dress it up all pretty, and serve awesome farm-to-table ingredients like organic eggs and Mary's chicken - sign me up! Ingo's has been on my must-try list for a while now, and a few weeks ago I finally had the opportunity to visit with some friends from out of town. 

Lemonade and The Greyhound, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

Ingo's Tasty Diner is located in a 70-year-old Santa Monica historical landmark on Wilshire, formerly home to a diner called Callahan's. The diner's bones are still clearly visible here in the curved countertop bar and the cozy booth seats, but it's been given a modern makeover with vibrant art, elegantly simple light fixtures, and a huge chalkboard menu. It's managed to retain that cozy diner atmosphere, but with added polish and flair. Delightfully, on a late Saturday morning, we were seated immediately - a fact that did strike us as a bit surprising given how popular Ingo's seems to be on Instagram and Yelp. But hey, I'm not complaining. 

The Greyhound, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

We began our brunch with some beverages - a lemonade for my friend, and a cocktail for me. The lemonade took us by (pleasant) surprise, shaken with egg white for a light layer of foam on top, and perfectly tart and refreshing. I chose "The Greyhound" cocktail, a lively mix of Ford's gin, fresh grapefruit, lemon, and mint. Refreshing, light, and vibrant, it was a perfect brunch accompaniment. 

The brunch menu at Ingo's boasts a hearty selection of breakfast items, as well as a larger lunch-like offering than you'll find on most brunch menus including salads, soups, and burgers. We gravitated toward the breakfast section, lured in by their takes on classic dishes. 

Farmer's Market Scramble, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

The Farmer's Market Scramble highlighted the fresh, local vegetables that the restaurant sources from Santa Monica Farmer's Market vendors. The dish was simple and (dare I say it?) tasty, featuring delicata squash, goat cheese, and swiss chard. And we can always appreciate a meal that includes some leafy greens. 

Crispy Chicken and Crepes, Ingo's Tasty Diner. Santa Monica, CA

As a sucker for the sweet vs. savory dichotomy, I couldn't help but be drawn to the Crispy Chicken and Crepes, and it did not disappoint. The fried Jidori chicken was perfectly cooked, crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and not at all oily. The crepes were delightfully moist and eggy, providing a pleasantly soft texture contrast to the crispy chicken. Seasonal persimmons and berries graced the top of this pile of deliciousness, and a drizzle of local honey added a touch of sweetness to each bite. 

Shakshuka, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

Shakshuka is always an appealing brunch option, especially as we're approaching "winter" here in L.A. Ingo's version of this spiced tomato-and-egg dish includes harissa and lebni, as well as optional merguez sausage. Served with crispy toast to soak up the delightfully spicy tomato gravy and the runny braised eggs, this dish was hearty and offered a pleasant balance of flavors and textures.

Hash Browns, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

At our server's suggestion, we also ordered a side of hash browns to share, which was absolutely a good move. Baked and served in a small skillet and garnished with sour cream and chives, these were crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. Basically, perfect. Seriously, order them. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies at the door, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

Oh, and are you one of those people who loves a dessert after brunch, but forgets to leave room because you're too busy tucking into your delicious egg-stravaganza? I hear you. And so did Ingo's! On the way out, you can cruise by the plate of salted chocolate chip cookies for the perfect bite of a little something sweet. 

Friends, Ingo's Tasty Diner pulled at my heart strings. Between that familiar diner feel and the thoughtful, feel-good food, they knew exactly how to win me over. It may not serve scrapple (again, ew) or have a toy machine and little jukeboxes in the booths, but Ingo's is helping to fill that little hole in my heart that appeared when the Aster closed up shop. 

Ingo's Tasty Diner

1213 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica

Claudine Artisan Kitchen and Bakeshop | Encino, CA

It's the weekend, you're hungry for brunch, and you're in Encino: what do you do?

A few years ago, that question may have been answered with either a promise of a really long line (I still love you, The Nook, I just really hate lines), defaulting to a chain restaurant (gasp, not IHOP!), or a trek over the hill. Luckily, a shift in the culinary landscape is taking place, and it's worked its way over to Encino. 

Founded by locals Lea Newton and Anthony Jacquet, Claudine is an effort to offer excellent food that reflects the diverse community that they hail from. The founders aim to tell a story with their food, and a part of that effort is to ensure that their ingredients have a story, too - which they accomplish by sourcing seasonal and sustainable produce from local suppliers. Claudine offers up three meals a day, including that rarest of birds, weekday breakfast, as well as family picnic boxes to go. They've got a killer beverage selection that includes boozy brunch options, craft beer and wine on tap, and locally roasted Verve coffee. 

Inside Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

Like so many places in the Valley, Claudine is tucked in a strip mall on a busy street. There's plenty of parking below grounds in their parking garage, with a surprising number of spots reserved for restaurant patrons only - complete with little signs that build anticipation for your meal ("you're one step closer to sweets and eats!"). The restaurant space is charming and bright, with a large open kitchen and bakery that allows you to watch the masters at work as they create gorgeous cakes and pastries. The back wall is adorned with a colorful cake stand collection, and the counters are covered in plates of tempting baked goods from cinnamon rolls and homemade pop tarts to cakes, cookies, and scones. 

Inside Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

The brunch menu is substantial and diverse, offering twists on the classes like malted milk pancakes or the Breakfast "Naan-za," as well as healthy choices like Lea's Lightened Quiche and Mexican-inspired dishes like Chilaquiles. We struggled to choose as we waited in the short line to order, especially with all those gorgeous pastries staring us in the face, begging us to skip real food and binge on sweets.

Malted Milk Pancakes at Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

The malted milk pancakes are a generous size, offered with a side of bacon, salted honey butter, and maple syrup, and topped with cinnamon-berry compote to offer some extra sweetness. Fluffy and creamy, these are a must-try for any pancake fan. 

Chilaquiles at Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

The Chilaquiles were definitely a winner, especially if you're a fan of an especially tangy salsa verde like I am. The chips were soaked in sauce (quite generously so) but still a bit crisp, and the egg on top was perfectly cooked. I especially enjoyed the addition of the stewed chicken, and the cotija cheese and crema drizzled on top were a perfect finishing touch.

Avocado Toast at Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

Since avocado toast is all the rage of 2016, we were not surprised to find it on the menu here as well. Claudine's "Avocado Toast, Nikki's Way" did not disappoint, and in fact was a piquant and unique take on the dish. The crunchy baguette was topped with Serrano Ham, a perfectly fried egg, cayenne pepper, and a flavorful chimichurri sauce that really helped to set this dish apart. 

Breakfast Tacos at Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

We also enjoyed the breakfast tacos, a hearty and satisfying dish with scrambled eggs, turkey chorizo, black beans, and avocado. The tacos were tasty, but the potato wedges they were served with really stole the show - they were fantastic: super crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. You should definitely try these. 

Chocolate Pot de Creme, Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

And of course, because no self-respecting brunch would leave out dessert, we tried a few of those tempting sweets from the bakeshop as well. The chocolate pot de creme lived up to its good looks; it was creamy, rich, and flavorful without being overly sweet. 

Pumpkin Donut at Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

Christmas season hadn't yet set in when we visited Claudine, so many autumnal treats were still available to us, including a deliciously moist and dense pumpkin cake donut that paired perfectly with their robust Verve coffee. 

Pumpkin Donut at Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

We even took a box of goodies home with us to give to friends, including those squirrel sugar cookies that were absolutely too cute to resist. By around two in the afternoon when we left, we realized we weren't the only ones who couldn't resist their treats - many of the pretty trays of baked goods were nearly empty!

Adorable Thanksgiving cookies at Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop, Encino, CA

Between the delicious food, great coffee, comfortable environment, and friendly atmosphere, this was certainly some of the best brunch we've had in the Valley. The entire experience was pleasant, with plenty of seating for everyone, inside and out, with enough space for large groups and families with kids. We love how comfortable and community-centered Claudine feels; even after almost two hours of relaxing and enjoying each others' company, we didn't feel rushed to leave or give up our table. And the icing on the proverbial (artisanal) cake? Not having to wait in line for hours to get a table on a Sunday morning. 

Claudine Artisan Kitchen + Bakeshop; 16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436