The Cannibal Beer & Butcher | Culver City, CA

In a city that runs mainly on green smoothies, kombucha, açai bowls, and turmeric lattes, The Cannibal doesn't quite fit in. And that's really not a bad thing. Located in the hip new Platform complex, The Cannibal is paradise for those who like their meals a bit meatier, who prefer beer over 'booch, and who aren't afraid to come face-to-face with their dinner. Literally. 

The Cannibal is the West Coast outpost of a popular New York City eatery by the same name, founded by Christian Pappanicholas and Cory Lane, with executive chef Francis Derby. The space is comprised of two separate sections: on one side, a sit-down restaurant, and on the other, a casual sandwich and butcher shop. Described as "a butcher's restaurant," The Cannibal offers creative dishes designed to highlight the wonders of meat in all its forms. In fact, the team embraces the head-to-tail approach, utilizing the entire animal whenever possible - you can even arrange a feast for a large group, featuring an entire pig or lamb. 

At a restaurant with a dinner menu featuring massive hunks of steak, an entire pig's head, and hundreds of different beers, you may not expect to find a brunch menu at all - let alone one with any redeeming qualities. And yet, Cannibal offers us a pleasant surprise by offering a brunch menu full of delicious options ranging from riffs on the classics to almost hilariously over-the-top concoctions (see: the "Double Down," a breakfast sandwich stuffed with three kinds of meat, in which the bread has been replaced with bricks of hashbrowns - unfortunately none of my group were daring enough to order it). The menu is compact, but not without variety - from the German Breakfast (essentially a charcuterie plate) to the Gruyere Omelette to the Fruit & Granola, there's actually something for everyone. I daresay you could bring a vegetarian along, and he'd be pleased as punch. 

I was lucky enough to come for brunch with a sizable group, so we were able to cover a healthy portion of the brunch menu. There are a number of tempting starters available (including the famous Everything Pretzel, which I'll need to come back on another day to try), and we chose to start the meal off with a bit of sweet: the Cinnamon Bun and the Warm Butter Biscuit. 

The Cinnamon Bun was a well-executed version of the classic - puffed and yeasty with a bread-like texture, and accented with a generous helping of cream cheese frosting. This was light, subtle, and not too sweet. 

With the Warm Butter Biscuit, things were turned up a bit. While the biscuit is obviously another classic treat, Cannibal's version raised the bar - it was incredibly flaky and buttery, and was perfectly baked. And when you smear that sea salt caramel on top, it's absolute salty-sweet heaven. It's large enough to share, but you might not want to. Order it. Seriously.

Now, on to the mains. Luckily, there are plenty of brunch selections that allow you to take full advantage the chef's meat-cooking prowess. Most obviously, the Steak & Eggs - offered in the form of hanger steak, New York strip, or aged ribeye. The steak was cooked to absolute perfection, and it was accompanied by a delicious carrot-walnut romesco sauce. 

For the brunch purists of the world, there's a Two Eggs Any Style, served with ultra-crispy, fully rendered bacon. On the side were potatoes, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and a little bit spicy.

The Baby Gems Salad was a favorite at our table. It's easily customizable with the addition of hanger steak, grilled chicken, or even an egg and some bacon if you're feeling creative. The standout component was the champagne dressing; flavorful, tart, sweet, and applied generously. 

The Sweet & Spicy Chicken Biscuit is like a fun take on chicken n' waffles, and with that aforementioned flaky biscuit as the base, it's got a lot going for it. Flavor-wise, this is on the mellow side - we expected it to be a bit more punchy based on its description, but the flavors were really good and the fried chicken was perfectly cooked. The shredded lettuce added some nice freshness, and that biscuit was, well, perfection.

And because every brunch needs a good indulgence item, there's the Stuffed French Toast. This beauty is made of buttery brioche and is stuffed with rich Nutella filling, then is topped with a mound of whipped cream and tons of crunchy toasted hazelnuts. It's decadently delicious, and it is not on your Whole 30. It should, without a doubt, be a dessert. And because it's on a brunch menu as a main course, you should eat dessert for brunch. It's the right thing to do. 

Prices here do run a touch higher than your average brunch, but there's so much going right: between the gorgeous industrial-meets-modern-cabin interior, the fantastic and incredibly friendly staff, the impressive cocktail list, and even outdoor seating on a spacious patio, it's worth every penny. So, when you finally grow tired of green smoothies and whatever it is that people make with Sun Potion, know that there is some delicious, decadent brunch waiting for you at The Cannibal. 

The Cannibal Beer & Butcher
8850 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Paramount Coffee Project | Los Angeles, CA

If there is one thing I have learned recently about the Aussies (and the Kiwis, for that matter), it's that they take their brunch and coffee very seriously. Their café culture is quite unlike ours - and in all the right ways. They don't rush things, they don't stand in line, they prefer independent coffee shops over chains, and they tend to actually interact with other humans when they visit their favorite café. And, they serve healthy, delicious food, presented in jaw-droppingly gorgeous fashion (remember Bondi Harvest? So pretty). Luckily, a some of that Aussie magic is slowly working its way to our shores - and it's strongly evidenced in the charming Paramount Coffee Project (a.k.a. "PCPLA") on Fairfax. 

Inside, PCPLA is modern and beautiful, decorated in bright greens and fresh foliage, with a wonderful indoor-outdoor vibe happening on the adorable little back patio. It's just a stone's throw from several other well-regarded coffee shops, but that doesn't seem to deter its popularity. The thoughtfully designed café attracts hordes of creative types, coffee enthusiasts, and foodies, all of whom seem to have nothing but good things to say about it - in fact I overheard more than one group discussing just how much they "loooove this place." 

PCPLA was founded by three Aussies with impressive coffee backgrounds: Jin Ng of Paramount House, Mark Dundon of Seven Seeds, and Russell Beard of Reuben Hills. The trio teamed up to open the original PCP location in Sydney in 2013, and after it proved successful, they opened their L.A. outpost on Fairfax in 2015. The same philosophies that worked so well in Sydney run true in L.A.: the team emphasizes experimentation and education in coffee roasting and brewing, focuses on creating the most delicious food and coffee possible, and strives to provide top-notch customer service. The coffee offerings are varied and unique - their beans come from around the world, many from roastaries we Angelenos haven't likely come across before. 

I stopped in PCPLA recently on a weekday just after the lunch rush, and was pleased to find that it wasn't too crowded. I was surprised at first by the unusual ordering system - indeed, you do not need to wait in line here if you plan to dine in. Instead I was instructed to take a seat, and informed that someone would come by to take my order (side note: why does table service feel like such a luxury these days? Is this a dying concept?). I got cozy on the back patio, a comfortable indoor-outdoor space with a large communal table as well as several small tables. They've also extended the space into the parking lot a bit, adding some wooden picnic tables and plenty of lush greenery (ensuring it feels more like a garden and less like a parking lot). My order was taken quickly, and the coffee came out before I could bat an eye. The service was truly top-notch - every staff member I spoke to was friendly, welcoming, and conversational. 

My cappuccino was served up in a simple-yet-satisfying matte ceramic mug - the kind you just want to wrap your hands around on a rainy L.A. day. The espresso's flavor pleasantly mild, and tasted nutty and creamy, and a bit like cocoa. It was beautifully smooth, and sipping it was almost like enjoying a decadent dessert. 

As it was past the lunch hour, and the menu was oh-so-tempting, I also decided to order up some food. This menu was absolute torture - just about everything sounded delicious. Since I've craving grain bowls lately (or as Jonathan Gold might say, "Things in a Bowl"), I chose the Superfood Bowl - quinoa, candy beets, roasted carrots, sunflower, cocoa, blueberry, lebni, and two poached eggs. If that description sounds a bit like a mishmash of things that don't really go together, you're not wrong - and yet, somehow, the magicians at PCPLA made it all work harmoniously. Imagine that! Eggs and blueberries in the same dish? Strange, yet so wonderful. The juxtaposition of textures in this dish was a delight, and each of the flavors complimented one another nicely - especially the tangy lebni with the sweet roasted carrots and the strong spice mixture sprinkled on top (which I assume to be dukkah). A little unusual, so satisfying, and so delicious. 

Truthfully, I cannot wait to come back and try more of the treats on this menu and enjoy the relaxed vibe that this team has created. And that's saying something - because there are a lot of good coffee shops in this city. Maybe even enough that you could keep trying a new one each week without repeating for the rest of your life. But there's something so genuinely appealing about PCPLA - their creative cuisine, their commitment to excellent coffee, and their sincere friendliness - that makes it worthy of a repeat visit. 

Paramount Coffee Project
456 N Fairfax Ave
LA 90036

Chicken + Waffle Skewers

Looking for an easy crowd pleaser for your Super Bowl party but want to stick to your usual brunch theme? We've got you covered! Try whipping up these chicken and waffle skewers! 

1. Prepare your favorite waffle recipe or prepared waffle mix and let stand in a bowl. Make enough for 4 large waffles. We made one serving of this waffle mix which we picked up at our local Sprouts (we believe in taking some shortcuts when serving a crowd!).
2. Chop up 1 lb. chicken breast into 1 inch pieces.
3. Put 1 cup flour into bowl and add in 1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix to combine.
4. Fill cast-iron or large non-stick pan with about 1/2 inch of a light non-flavored oil like canola oil. Put burner on medium and heat oil until little bubbles form when you put a wooden spoon in the oil. Don't let oil get too hot!
5. Dust chicken in the flour and put pieces in the hot oil one by one. Don't dump all the chicken in quickly, or the oil temperature will drop quickly.
6. Cook chicken 7-8 minutes until golden and delicious! 
7. Heat up waffle maker and spray with cooking spray.
8. Cook waffles as directed by your waffle maker. You'll want them to have a bit of crunch for best results.
9. Take waffles off the waffle maker and chop into similarly-sized 1 inch pieces.
10. Place one piece of chicken and one piece of waffle on a skewer and put on a platter.
11. Mix 1 tsp of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce and 1 cup of maple syrup up and set aside in a jar for your guests.
12. Sprinkle all the skewers with some chives for garnish and serve alongside syrup in an easy-to-hold plastic up. 
13. Watch your team win the big game! 

Makes about 20-25 skewers.

Go Get Em Tiger | Los Angeles, CA

If G&B Coffee in Grand Central Market is the posh, outspoken, sexy, sophisticated sister, then Go Get Em Tiger on Larchmont is the mellow, down-to-earth, quietly beautiful one who, if you're lucky, might also invite you over for an incredible home-cooked meal. The second brainchild of Los Angeles coffee powerhouses Charles Babinski and Kyle Granville, "GGET" both compliments and contrasts their first permanent coffee shop with its more relaxed, comfortable vibe. While G&B is like a sleek, neon beacon amidst the chaos of the market around it, GGET is a calm, minimalist retreat snuggled into one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. It fits into the Larchmont neighborhood well, its beautifully designed space and expertly crafted offerings are exactly what you'd hope to find on this dreamy, tree-lined street. 

It's clear that this place is very popular, but even when it's buzzing with people, there's still room to sit down and relax or lean up against the bar and chat with a fellow coffee enthusiast. The crowd is mixed; there are film industry types, students, hippies, moms, and plenty of Instagrammers, but it doesn't feel so much like a place where locals hang out. Instead, you get the feeling that this is a destination, and that the mobs of people are here because they've heard just how good (and hip) it is. That floating astronaut painted on the wall behind the bar does make for a rather compelling photo for the 'gram, you must admit. 

GGET utilizes many of the same concepts that were set forth by Granville and Babinski at G&B, including the bar-style ordering system, rotating coffee selections based on frequent blind tastings, and an emphasis on consistency in their coffee through automation - a concept that is not embraced in most coffee shops. Rather than having a barista grind each espresso shot individually and then determine when to stop extraction by eye, things here are broken down like an assembly line: espresso shots are ground ten at a time to a precise measurement, then an automated machine cuts off each shot at the exact spot for ideal quality and flavor. This streamlined operation allows for optimal speed and efficiency, getting customers their excellently crafted coffees in record time. 

My cappuccino lived up to the high standards set at G&B; the flavorful 49th Parallel espresso shone through and the foamed milk was perfectly smooth. The espresso's flavor was bold, reminding me of charcoal and dark cherry. The drink was presented beautifully in the same glass cups used at G&B, showcasing the gorgeous line where foam meets coffee as well as some impeccable latte art on top. 

I also indulged in some of GGET's food offerings, as my visit fortunately occurred within acceptable brunching hours. When I visited G&B a few weeks ago, the smell of the malted waffles being made right in front of me was so tempting that it was permanently seared into my brain - so you know I had to start there. But since a waffle does not a balanced meal make, I also ordered a salad. 

This waffle was delightfully unique. I can't say I've had too many yeast-raised waffles in my day (despite my being an avid waffle-lover, so shame on me), so perhaps this is exactly what a yeast-raised waffle should be - no matter, it's delicious. Mine was served warm, with a big dollop of ricotta cheese in the center, a generous sprinkling of fresh berries, and the most delicate drizzle of honey on top. The flavor combination was just right; the malty, almost beer-like flavor of the waffle was light and just barely sweet (sounds weird, but it's so good), and it paired so nicely with the creamy ricotta, tart berries, and the light touch of honey. For the purists out there, for a dollar less you can also enjoy this waffle with butter and maple syrup, which I'm sure is also mouthwateringly delicious. 

In nearly any brunching situation, when a waffle is paired with a salad, you're going to expect the salad to be sad and boring in comparison - there's no way it can live up to the delicious decadence of a waffle, right? So, so wrong. I went for the Chopped Salad, comprised of Napa cabbage, seasonal vegetables, black sesame, and samal-miso vinaigrette, with an addition of shredded chicken - this was such a delicious and satisfying meal, that I'm still dreaming about it days later. The textures were varied and balanced - there was a satisfying crunch from the cabbage, thinly sliced radish, sesame seeds, and crisped rice. The chicken and the seasonal vegetables, which were roasted carrots and potatoes, were perfectly tender. And to round everything out, the mix was topped with the flavorful samal-miso dressing, which was decadently creamy, and offered a sharp kick of ginger. 

There are a lot of opinions out there about whether or not Go Get Em Tiger lives up to its hype, and for me, it does. This is a triple (maybe quadruple?)-threat that fits perfectly into the utopian Larchmont Village, offering excellent coffee and food, in a beautiful environment, with excellent service. So let's embrace this place for what it is: eat something fun and flavorful, post your photo of that astronaut on the wall to Instagram, and go get yourself some delicious coffee. 

Go Get Em Tiger - 230 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Haute Cakes Caffe | Newport Beach, CA

When it comes to brunch, Los Angeles is bursting at the seams with options. It feels like there are new restaurants opening every week, each offering food more delicious than the ones that came before. Honestly, it's difficult to keep up. So why would you ever venture outside of county lines to have your Sunday mid-morning feast? Because, friends, the O.C. knows how to brunch, too. A quick Yelp search will reveal that cities like Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Irvine are absolutely packed with delicious brunch options, some of which even give L.A. a run for its money with their creative, scrumptious fare. My husband and I find ourselves in Orange County quite a bit visiting family, and have managed to sample some really delicious and satisfying brunches. One recent such trip took us to the lovely Haute Cakes Caffe in Huntington Beach. 

Tucked away inside a rather nondescript shopping center you'll find a sweet little garden dining area, as well as an inevitable line spilling out the café doors. Each weekend, OC residents flock to Haute Cakes, lining up for baked goods, egg sandwiches and scrambles, and inarguably delicious pancakes. Luckily, the line moves fast, and there's plenty of seating available both inside and out. This operation is a well-oiled one - which comes as no surprise when you realize that this restaurant is coming into their 27th year of business. 

Both the interior and the patio are absolutely charming, it's clear that the owners strive to keep the place looking fresh and modern and that everything here is done with a lot of love (maybe it's the adorable hearts hiding everywhere that tipped me off?). Outside, locals linger over their treats with their families and pets - dogs are more than welcome on the lovely garden patio. Inside, the pastry case is packed with beautiful sweets from homemade pop tarts to shiny croissants and tempting cupcakes. There's a rumor going around that the cinnamon rolls are unmissable, but as they typically sell out of these within an hour or two of opening, I can neither confirm nor deny. The coffee is taken quite seriously, too; they're brewing up delicious Stumptown coffee in both drip and espresso form. 

Our table sampled plates both sweet and savory, since every good bruncher knows that variety is the spice of life. First, an almond croissant that was flaky, buttery, and light - just exactly what a croissant should be. 

Then, the "Hello & Good Morning" Sandwich: two fried eggs sandwiched between a buttery brioche bun, with crispy bacon, avocado, tomato, greens, sharp cheddar, and onion-jalapeño jam, served with a side of oven roasted potatoes. This was a hearty, satisfying meal with a wonderful kick from the jam. 

Next, the All American Scramble, a perfect choice for those looking for a more classic breakfast. With crispy smoked bacon, avocado and tomato, toast, jam and oven-roasted potatoes, this was another really filling breakfast choice. Normally, this dish is also served with cheddar, but ours was without - my poor husband who ordered it sadly is allergic to dairy products (awful, I know). 

Of course, I am a sucker for some avocado toast, so when it pops up on a menu I'm rarely able to resist. Haute Cake's version comes with smashed avocado, heirloom tomatoes, rosemary sea salt and soft herbs on sourdough toast. I opted to have my eggs sunny side up, because I do love a runny yolk. On the side, some seasonal fruit, which to my delight was a heaping pile of fresh, tart berries. Now that is the way to do a side of fruit (none of this honeydew melon nonsense, thankyouverymuch). 

And because I couldn't in good conscience come to Haute Cakes Caffe and walk away without having tried some 'cakes, we ordered a side of the Orange Ricotta Haute Cakes. The menu warns that these take a bit longer than usual to cook, but ours were out only moments after the rest of our food arrived. Topped with juicy berries and served with a side of maple syrup, these pancakes actually melt in your mouth. Creamy, soft, and perfectly cooked, these were definitely a winner. 

To you Angelenos: next time you have the occasion to venture south of our lovely city, consider doing so on a weekend morning so you can indulge in some Orange County brunch as well! There are many delicious treats to be found, including some really wonderful pancakes. 

Haute Cakes Caffe

1807 Westcliff Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660