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

The Assembly | West Hollywood, CA

It's way too early in the Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project to start calling favorites. I know this. But it's really hard not to positively gush over how much I loved The Assembly.

Outside The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA (yeah, I'm making a cameo)

The master at work, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

If you didn't know what you were looking for, you could easily walk right by The Assembly. The simple, beautiful painted signage and the light grey and white tones reflect the cafe's minimalist vibe perfectly. The inside is decked out in pastels and blonde wood, while large windows flood the sparsely decorated space with natural light and lend an airy feel. Metal and wood shelves house boutique gift items and beautifully designed bags of Counter Culture coffee beans. There was plenty of seating on a Saturday afternoon; on a small bench in the front, at a table in the back, or on the adorable outdoor patio. 

Back patio, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

The patio, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

In a place like this, you might expect the staff to be unapproachable or pretentious, but the folks here are anything but. Everyone I spoke to seemed genuinely excited to be there; both enthusiastic about making good coffee and happy to be interacting with the customers. The barista told me all about the beans they use from Counter Culture, which offers sustainable, fair-trade coffee that also happens to be really, really good. 

The Menu, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

It appears that every detail has been carefully considered at The Assembly. The food served from the Larder is created with organic, high-quality ingredients, while leftovers are donated daily to the Chefs End Hunger Program. Drinks are served in handmade ceramics sourced from West River Field Lab in Orange County. Tea selections come from Uncommon Tea, striving "to make tea modern, beautiful and pleasurable." 

The best poem. The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

Counter Culture beans, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

But let's get on to the most important point... that cappuccino. 

Looks-wise, this one was a winner. Served in a beautiful green mug with a wooden plate for a saucer, it boasted some seriously beautiful latte art. The temperature was perfect, and the texture was velvety - but the real standout characteristic of this cappuccino was its exceptional flavor. 

Cappuccino, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

It can be hard to describe the flavors detected in coffee, kind of like when people think they're tasting chocolate or tobacco in wine, so bear with me while I attempt to describe this wonderful beverage. It had a warmth of flavor, evoking autumn flavors like caramel or sage,  or like that feeling you get when you're in a warm library full of leather-bound books. The flavor was bold, strong, and earthy, and somewhat straightforward - I wouldn't call it complex, rather, simple and confident. There was a perfect balance between bitterness and creamy sweetness, and it left behind the most lovely aftertaste. 

Cappuccino, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

From beginning to end, The Assembly offers an exceptional experience. Come for a chat, or for a rest, or for a snack. But definitely give their coffee a try, and sip it slowly (and try to write down a few words that come to mind. It will be a fun challenge!). These folks know what they're doing, and they're doing it well. 

The Assembly

634 N. Robertson Blvd, 
West Hollywood, CA 90069

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 

Coffee Commissary | Los Angeles, CA

When it comes to the new wave of artisanal coffee shops in LA, there are a few key establishments that define the movement, standing out for their popularity and undeniable excellence. Coffee Commissary is one of those places. Here, all of the artisanal coffee shop boxes have been checked: Industrial chic decor with poured concrete floors and chalkboard menu, check. Hoppin’ “mainstream indie” playlist, check. Hordes of millennials wearing plaid flannel (it’s fall after all, y’all) and working on their laptops, check and check. [Side note: I was wearing plaid flannel the day I visited Coffee Commissary, and I have never felt so basic. It might be time for a new wardrobe.]

Entrance to Coffee Commissary, Los Angeles, CA

If you’re a Los Angeles-based coffee enthusiast (and chances are good if you’ve made it to this blog, unless of course you’re part of the large portion of our readership that hails from Pennsylvania... AKA my parents), you have almost certainly come across a Coffee Commissary before, as there are currently four locations across our great city: West Hollywood, Hollywood, Burbank, and Culver City. The wind took us to the West Hollywood establishment first, though having read the enticing menu for the cafe at the Burbank location, it won’t be long until we make our way over there, too.

Cappuccino (behind), Cubano (front), Coffee Commissary, Los Angeles, CA

Coffee Commissary’s motto, “in pursuit of the perfect cup,” is reflected in the variety of excellent beans they offer. Included in their lineup are popular indie roasteries like Coava, Madcap, and one of my absolute favorites from Sacramento, Temple Coffee. The menu here is simple, offering the classic espresso staples including a Cubano, as well as pour over and cold brew options (even an iced pour over for those of us who aren’t cold brew fanatics). At the West Hollywood location, a short handmade food menu is also available, including some beautiful pastries and turnovers.

Cappuccino, Coffee Commissary, Los Angeles, CA

I ordered my usual cappuccino, and it did not disappoint. Served in a beautiful mug with a little wooden saucer, this cuppa warm cozy goodness boasted some solid latte art. The flavor was bold and strikingly bitter, pleasantly so, while its texture was rich, creamy, and almost decadent. Overall, this was a robust cappuccino, delightful in its complex flavor profile and smoothness.

Cappuccino (left), Cubano (right), Coffee Commissary, Los Angeles, CA

My friend tried the Cubano, which was also very good. It was sharply sweet, but lacked that uncomfortable aftertaste that often accompanies a sweetened drink. That touch of sugar also complemented the bold espresso flavor very nicely. Even I, who cannot stand sweetened coffee, could see the merits of this lovely concoction.

Coffee Commissary is probably one of the more popular locations on our list, and we can understand why. By offering up excellent coffee in their four beautiful locations, they’re helping to make an elevated coffee experience easily accessible on a daily basis - just one of the many things to be thankful for about living in LA! 

Coffee Commissary - 801 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Destroyer | Culver City, CA

LA food nerds, hang onto your butts. Something really exciting happened to the Brunchographers...

We ate at the same restaurant as Jonathan Gold. At the same exact time. At the very next table. Before he wrote his review.

Two things about this, before I tell you all about Destroyer. One, you know you’re on the cutting edge of restaurant choices when you wind up dining at the same restaurant as the infamous Pulitzer Prize-winning LA Times food critic that the internet loves to call simply, “J Gold.” Two, I’d like to tell you we didn’t geek out in front of him and bumble over our words, saying things like “it’s an honor… to… eat next to you.” Well, I actually can tell you that, because that embarrassing bit wasn’t so much a “we” thing as it was a “me” thing. Johnna kept her cool.  

Outdoor seating at Destroyer, Culver City, CA

It’s appropriate that Destroyer would be the place where we’d run into J Gold, because out of all our brunches in this town, this was certainly one of the most peculiar as well as one of the most delicious. I was tipped off early that this would be an unusual experience when I visited the futuristic, space-themed website featuring a video game which seems to pay homage to the Atari classic Asteroids (appropriate, as I read that the restaurant’s name refers to a meteor).

Destroyer is located in an unlikely part of Culver City: Hayden Tract, a quiet part of town with an industrial feel that shuts down on evenings and weekends when the tech companies and creative offices close up shop. And yet, Jordan Kahn, whose previous restaurant venture was the well-regarded (if controversial) Red Medicine, chose it as the home for his new breakfast-and-lunch-only café. Now, all those creative and tech geniuses can enjoy his masterful, creative, and inventive cuisine on their lunch breaks. Lucky.        

Inside Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Inside, the café is sparse and bright, light streaming through the huge industrial windows and bouncing around the stark white walls. The furnishings are sleek and minimal, and it’s evident that every item in the place was thoughtfully chosen. In a way, it feels like we’ve entered someone’s home kitchen: there are shelves full of preserved food and a big batch of creme fraîche fermenting in the sun, while Kahn and his team work in a beautiful open kitchen that looks like it leapt off the cover of a Scandinavian design magazine.

Jars upon jars of delicious things, Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Creme Fraiche in the making at Destroyer, Culver City, CA

I’ve heard that the menu here changes frequently, so in a way it makes sense that they’ve projected haiku-like descriptions of their food offerings onto one of the open white walls. Our brunching hour this day was close to noon, so our selections came from the lunch menu (but you know we’ll be back soon to sample their breakfast). Per our usual, we ordered a few items to share, which was a good move here as the dishes run on the small side.

baby lettuces, fresh cheese, pistachio, sprouted grains. Destroyer, Culver City, CA

First up was “baby lettuces, fresh cheese, pistachio, sprouted grains.” Out of all the dishes, this one looked most like it belonged in an art gallery rather than a cafe. Served in a beautiful matte pottery bowl with high walls, this salad looks a bit like a zen garden with fresh foraged greens peeking out the top of the bowl. You have to play a little hide-and-seek to get to the good stuff; beneath the lettuce garden lies the lusciously creamy fresh cheese sprinkled with crunchy pistachios.

baby potatoes, lemon, brown butter, lovage. Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Next was “baby potatoes, lemon, brown butter, lovage,” a bowl full of adorably tiny potatoes engulfed in a snowdrift of thick, creamy sauce, and dusted with a vibrant green powder (which I assumed to be lovage, though I admit I had to Google that). And beneath all that beauty, a flavorful brown butter sauce was waiting to harmoniously tie all the flavors together. I must say, these were such a treat.

Front: chicken confit, romaine, burnt onion, hazelnuts, yogurt. Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Our final pick was one of only two meat protein options on the menu that day: “chicken confit, romaine, burnt onion, hazelnuts, yogurt.” Again we played hide-and-seek with our lunch, this time the main event was concealed beneath perfect leaves of romaine and the delicate seaweed-like fronds of another green we weren’t familiar with. This chicken was decadent and remarkably flavorful (so much so that we were tempted to leap over the counter and ask Kahn just how they did it), and when paired with tangy yogurt, crunchy hazelnuts, and a drizzle of vinaigrette, it was perfection.

Almond Milk Cappuccino, Destroyer, Culver City, CA 

As I often do, I also sampled an almond milk cappuccino with my meal, which came in the coziest hand-thrown mug, which seemed to be made specifically for wrapping both your hands around it. The coffee was delicious, and complimented the meal nicely.

The only shame about Destroyer is that it's not open more often - as much as I'd like to take my husband here for dinner or plan a weekend brunch with friends, with Destroyer's limited hours, that's just not an option. But perhaps that's part of its charm; an elusiveness that makes it that much more special. If you can get to Destroyer during the week, go now. This food is expertly crafted, thoughtful, fun, and undeniably delicious, all at an accessible price point. For that one-hour break, Destroyer will transport you to a place where food meets art and expectations are challenged, and more importantly, where your usual lunch experience will be destroyed. 

Destroyer

3583 Hayden Ave
Culver City, CA 90232