Brunchographers

Lovingly documenting our favorite weekend ritual over coffee, cocktails, and compelling conversation.

Brunchographers: Lovingly documenting our favorite weekend ritual over coffee, cocktails, and compelling conversation.

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Outside The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Outside The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller | Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller
May 13, 2017 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Restaurants

Every summer, residents of East Coast inland towns participate in a mass migration to the water. Packed minivans arrive in droves to little beach towns along the coast, their inhabitants eager to embrace the simple pleasures of summer vacation. The little towns are quaint but lively; people in bathing suits ride bicycles to the corner store to pick up some sunscreen, dinner is a shared Mac & Manco’s pizza eaten straight from the box on the boardwalk, and each day ends with a big, melty ice cream cone. Kids play past their bedtimes and parents laugh together over cold beers on the porch. Here, it’s all about fun, food, and family. 

The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

In Los Angeles, summer isn’t as much of an event. It’s really not so different than any other time of year; the only sure identifiers of summer are thick layers of June Gloom clouds and marginally improved traffic flow once school lets out. But a nostalgic East-Coaster is not without hope; that small beach town magic can be found here if you know where to look - a great place to start is Manhattan Beach. A day spent here can recall that slow, relaxed feelings of summers past - meander through the boutiques and shops, play a game of volleyball on the sand, wander down to the end of the pier, grab a cone at Manhattan Beach Creamery, and of course, indulge in some delicious brunch. You’ll be in summer vacation mode before you know it. 

Inside The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Inside The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Mimosas at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Mimosas at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

On that leisurely stroll through Manhattan Beach's charming downtown area, you may stumble upon The Rockefeller, a lively, modern-industrial gastropub on Highland Avenue which will undoubtedly be packed with happy diners sharing a laugh over a round of technicolor mimosas. Huge open windows allow the gastropub's festive atmosphere to spill out onto the sidewalk, offering passersby a taste of all the fun they could be having - and a glimpse at the ever-so-tempting plates of delicious food. To further seal the deal, the Rockefeller serves brunch not just two days a week, but three. That's right, you can indulge in bottomless mimosas on a Friday. If that doesn't scream summer vacation, I don't know what does. 

Guava Mimosas at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Guava Mimosas at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller's brunch menu is broad and eclectic, offering modern takes on brunch classics to Mexican-inspired breakfast fare and creative, vacation-worthy seafood dishes. And of course, plenty of indulgent bar food to pair with the alcohol you're bound to indulge in. Speaking of alcohol, during brunch, there's a rainbow of bottomless mimosas at your fingertips: with flavors like guava, watermelon, peach, and classic orange, you can sip your fizzy cocktail all brunch long and never get bored (drunk, yes, but bored, no). 

Donut Holes at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Donut Holes at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Our recent brunch began with a little something to nosh on - when we visited, the sweet starter of choice was a perfect share-sized portion of donut holes. They were crisp and deep golden brown on the outside, soft and piping-hot on the inside, and just sweet enough that they paired perfectly with a bit of brightly flavored raspberry jam dipping sauce. With a very recent menu update, the donut holes were replaced by a shiny-new menu item: house-made butternut beignets with caramel sauce. If the donut holes were any indication, these folks can make a good donut, and those beignets are probably wonderful (don't worry, we'll be back ASAP to try those, too). 

Donut Holes at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Donut Holes at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chilaquiles and Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chilaquiles and Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

For entrees, we were feeling the call of the Mexican-inspired dishes, so we opted for Chilaquiles and the Chicken & Avocado Burrito. The Chilaquiles came loaded with sauce and toppings, the chips were saturated in creamy, spicy sauce and the egg was perfectly soft and yolky. The chorizo added a nice spicy kick that was balanced out by the lime crema and cheese. 

Chilaquiles at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chilaquiles at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

We opted to have the Chicken & Avocado Burrito served wet (which is the correct choice, because why on earth wouldn't you want your burrito smothered in tangy, flavorful sauce and melted cheese?). Inside, it was stuffed with scrambled egg whites, chicken chorizo, black beans, avocado, and bell peppers. Both the burrito and the Chilaquiles were rich and delicious, and would satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chicken & Avocado Burrito, Chilaquiles, and French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chicken & Avocado Burrito, Chilaquiles, and French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

A classic French toast was next on the roster: eggy brioche bread and macerated berries dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled in maple syrup. This was a spot-on version of a quintessential brunch dish that was pleasing on both the eyes and the palate. And hey, there's some fruit on it, so it's at least a little bit healthy, right? 

French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Rainbow of Mimosas at at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Rainbow of Mimosas at at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The food at The Rockefeller is sure to please no matter what you choose (and for the record, next time we're planning to try that lobster-stuffed avocado), and its lively and welcoming atmosphere will lull you into a state of summertime bliss. So grab your friends or family, kick back with a cocktail, and take in that cool ocean air - you deserve a vacation. 

The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller
1209 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

 

May 13, 2017 /Veronica Kablan
Manhattan Beach, Restaurants in South Bay, Bottomless Mimosas, French Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Donuts
Los Angeles Restaurants
Comment
Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Rose Park Roasters | Long Beach, CA

May 03, 2017 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Coffee Shops

There are a lot of things to love about the third-wave coffee movement. For one, it upended the way many people thought about their favorite morning ritual, from considering where those magic beans come from to how best to give them a hot bath. After my own third-wave inspired coffee epiphany, I packed up my Mr. Coffee in favor of methods like pour-over and french press, which offered not just a more flavorful brew, but a chance to slow down and enjoy the process each morning. This eventually led to brazen experimentation, mixing and matching brewing equipment in attempts to overcome the little issues I was facing. I wondered, can I brew two cups at once? If so, how do I keep the second cup warm? And is there a surefire way to keep coffee grounds out of my cup? My Bill Nye-worthy exploration was exciting, but at the same time panic-inducing - what would those third-wave coffee pioneers think if they saw all this brewing blasphemy? It was my own private shame - I was silently breaking all the rules, brazenly ignoring their advice, and brewing my coffee how I wanted to. I kept it to myself, worried that I'd be found out, like a thirteen-year-old desperate to keep her love of Star Trek a secret from her cool friends (oh, is that not everyone's experience?). Then one day, I stumbled upon the liberating Rose Park Roasters manifesto:

"We believe that the ideal cup of coffee is brewed at home- inexact science, improvised brewing equipment, lack of formal barista training, and less than ideal water composition can not diminish the quintessential coffee experience of daily ritual."

So you're saying... I'm not doing it wrong? I can do whatever I want in my own kitchen, and it's nobody's damn business? All right. I liked the way these Rose Park people think. So naturally, a trip to their Long Beach café was soon in order. 

Goodies to take home at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Goodies to take home at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Blueberry Donut and Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Blueberry Donut and Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Interestingly, a café was not originally in the plan for Rose Park Roasters founders Andrew Phillips and Nathan Tourtellotte. Instead, they'd envisioned their business as a coffee roasting operation that would supply expertly roasted, ethically sourced coffee beans to coffee shops and consumers throughout Long Beach, delivered via bicycle. But while the free local bicycle delivery option still exists, the scope of the project changed over time - and when the opportunity to open a coffee bar came about in 2014, Phillips and Tourtellotte seized it. 

Pastries at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Pastries at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

The concept of a specialty coffee shop is rather new for Long Beach, a city that despite its rich background in coffee (it was once the home to the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the US Coffee Championships), lagged behind in adopting the trend. It wasn't until very recently that shops like Rose Park started to appear, but a culture has already grown around them and it's already spreading quickly.

Beans to take home atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Beans to take home atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

The shop itself is open and airy, with a beautifully designed minimalist aesthetic. On a grey wall on one side of the shop, huge letters pronounce, "welcome to the process," while original hand-painted Spanish tiles offer a sense of time and place (this is Southern California, after all) and some mid-century furniture adds modern detail.  It all combines into an elegant balance of old-meets-new that feels like a breath of fresh air in a town like Long Beach. When we visited on a Saturday afternoon, the shop was filled with customers quietly working, some on laptops, others on paper, all contributing to a calm, tranquil vibe. 

Tasty Treats at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Tasty Treats at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Blueberry Donut, Iced Tea, Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Blueberry Donut, Iced Tea, Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

We sampled a cappuccino, an iced herbal tea, and a blueberry cake donut (because sometimes, we really can't resist a sweet treat). The tea was light and refreshing, perfect for a sunny summer afternoon, and the donut was light and flavorful, delightfully sweet with bright fruit flavor. 

Blueberry Donut at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Blueberry Donut at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

As far as cappuccinos go (I mean, I'm fairly sure I can be considered an expert now), this one held its own. The latte art was delicate, and the layer of foam on top was thin and velvety. Upon first sip, the espresso's bitterness was robust and prominent, reminiscent of toasted walnuts. As the flavor settled a bit, the subtleties shone through - bright hits of lemon, sweet toasted meringue, a bit of warm hazelnut. It was a delicious, well-made cup of coffee with really good milk, served at the perfect temperature. All in all, a winner. 

Cappuccino at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Cappuccino at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

For a company that believes that the best cups of coffee are brewed at home, the gang at Rose Park Roasters sure know how to provide a wonderful coffee bar experience, and a cappuccino that is leagues better than what I could make myself. But perhaps the lesson is that there should be room in life for both - some days require a beautiful, expertly-crafted cup of coffee, while others call for a make-a-mess-in-the-kitchen, experimental brew. Coffee is a ritual that can be both personal and communal, and that's a wonderful thing. 

Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Rose Park Roasters Coffee Bar
3044 E 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814

May 03, 2017 /Veronica Kablan
The Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project, Long Beach, Coffee Shops in South Bay, coffee
Los Angeles Coffee Shops
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Patio Seating at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Patio Seating at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed | Beverly Hills, CA

April 28, 2017 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Restaurants

Los Angeles is undeniably a cultural melting pot; a place that welcomes people from all over the world with open arms, asking one small gesture in return - that they share their culinary traditions with the hordes of hungry Angelenos. As a result, the city is bursting with eateries serving up delicious food from just about every culture imaginable, each placed haphazardly beside the next. On a short walk down Venice Boulevard in Culver City, you will pass a Himalayan restaurant, a taco stand, an Indian grocery, a Brazilian barbecue, and a Filipino deli (not to mention a whole slew of Thai take-out joints). And with all this incredible variety in a city that takes its breakfast and brunch very seriously, you'd think we'd be eating brunch around the world just about every weekend - but unfortunately, finding such a thing is few and far between. Luckily, if a mini-trip to the Mediterranean is what you're in the mood for, Momed's got you covered. 

Inside at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Inside at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Desserts at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Desserts at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Offering a modern take on foods from the Levant region, Momed is perhaps best known for its amazing duck shawarma, a dish that has been praised by food critics and Yelpers alike. But on weekends, the beautiful, minimal restaurant with locations in Beverly Hills and Atwater Village serves up its delicious Mediterranean fare with a brunchy twist. On the menu you'll find dishes ranging from the traditional (Turkish pide flatbreads) to the creative (Hangover Meatballs) - not to mention some delicious cocktails. 

Med Breeze Cocktail at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Med Breeze Cocktail at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Brunch Mezze at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Brunch Mezze at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate with Eggplant Ikra, Avocado Hummus, and Muhammara at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate with Eggplant Ikra, Avocado Hummus, and Muhammara at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

On a recent lazy Saturday, we took advantage of the beautiful L.A. weather and set up camp on the cozy outdoor patio at Momed's Beverly Hills location (which is thankfully just far enough South to be safe from the busloads of tourists). We started with cocktails - a blood orange mimosa and a "Med Breeze," made with elderflower, prosecco, and lemon - and a generous spread of mezze to start. First, the Momed Plate, with avocado hummus, muhammara, and eggplant ikra, all delicious and acceptable for my dairy-allergic husband. With the spreads came a basket full of pita bread, piping hot and fresh from the oven. Then, the Momo Chips: thick-cut slices of potato lightly fried and served with garlic aioli. These are a must-try, and are also delicious when paired with the dips. (Pro tip: be sure to check Yelp if you come by - when we visited, the Momo Chips were free with a simple check-in.) 

Momed Plate and Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate and Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide and Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide and Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

For main dishes, our table sampled two large plates and a pide. The Short Rib Fricassée was a hearty bowl of goodness, with braised short rib, roasted fingerling potatoes, smoked cheddar, arugula, sunny side up eggs, and toasted ciabatta. It was delicious and incredibly satisfying, though certainly on the rich side - it's not for the faint of heart. 

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Hangover Meatballs at Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Hangover Meatballs at Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Because we couldn't resist, we also went for the Hangover Meatballs - Greek-style lamb meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce with poached eggs, micro greens, and chopped dates. This was another hearty, stick-to-your ribs sort of dish, that would leave even those with the healthiest of appetites satisfied. We loved the unexpected addition of chopped dates - that little hint of sweetness complimented the savory flavors perfectly. 

Hangover Meatballs at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Hangover Meatballs at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide, at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide, at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Finally, we ordered a pide - a Turkish flatbread that is one of my favorite breakfast treats. It's like a football-shaped pizza, but with a slightly fluffier dough, spread with a variety of fillings. We opted for the fig and arugula pide, which was spread generously with akawi cheese and caramelized onions, and was sprinkled with dukkah and balsamic vinegar. While we enjoyed the salty and sweet flavor combination, it was the bread itself that was the star of the show - it's made fresh in-house, is crispy on the edges, soft on the inside, and oh-so-delicious. 

Fig and Arugula Pide at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Los Angeles' brunch scene is dominated by American classics - which, while delicious, can become repetitive over time (just how many slices of avocado toast can one Angeleno really enjoy?). So, on days when a plain ol' stack of pancakes just won't fit the bill, it's refreshing to find spots like Momed that are mixing things up and offering tastes of other regions. We can't wait to come back to try that Duck Shawarma, and a few pieces of baklava, too. 

Appreciating the graphic design at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Appreciating the graphic design at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Outside Momed, Beverly HIlls, CA - Brunchographers

Outside Momed, Beverly HIlls, CA - Brunchographers

Momed
233 S Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

April 28, 2017 /Veronica Kablan
Eggs, Mediterranean, Restaurants in Beverly Hills, Cocktails, Beverly Hills
Los Angeles Restaurants
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Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Lodge Bread Co. | Culver City, CA

April 21, 2017 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Restaurants

Bread is a beautiful thing. It's arguably one of humankind’s greatest inventions. Whether it’s soft and fluffy, thin and flexible, or hard and crusty, it’s really hard to argue with a good loaf of bread. And who would want to? That said, there is "good bread" and then there is good bread. The latter is something truly special; a loaf so perfectly baked and so full of flavor and texture that it puts all your past bread choices to shame. The bread at Lodge Bread Co. is without a doubt the second type: it's some really good bread. 

Indoor Seating Area at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Indoor Seating Area at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Loaves of Bread at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Loaves of Bread at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

If the simple fact that Lodge Bread is home to some of the best good bread in the city isn't enough reason for you to fall in love, fear not - there are endearing qualities abound. For one, its backstory is a classic example of the American Dream: two young chefs, fed up with the rigid, high-stress professional kitchen environment set out on their own to nurture a passion project - baking bread. They set up shop in a carport (seriously), where they experimented with heritage grains and created their own wild-fermented sourdough starter. Before long, word got out about their incredible bread, and they began selling loaves at farmers' markets and restaurants. A bakery of their own was the natural next step, and after only two years in business, it was already time to expand into a larger space. 

Behind the Counter at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Behind the Counter at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Alexander Phaneuf and Or Amsalam at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Alexander Phaneuf and Or Amsalam at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Need another reason to like Lodge? Those young chefs, Or Amsalam and Alexander Phaneuf, are legitimately really nice guys. They're at the bakery most days, working hard alongside their equally affable staff, shaping perfect loaves of bread and stretching dough for their well-loved pizzas. The bakery's beautiful, light-filled space buzzes with a friendly optimism; perhaps a product of people working hard at something they truly love. 

Pastries Galore at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Pastries Galore at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Outdoor Seating at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Outdoor Seating at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Lodge's recent expansion has doubled the size of its operation, allowing ample space for a new pizza oven on one side, a bread and pastry kitchen on the other, and seating in between. During the week, people gather here for business meetings or to tuck into a good book, while the staff works busily away in their open kitchens, just inches from the dining area. As you'd expect, weekends are significantly more busy, though with a little patience, finding a table isn't too difficult. 

Menu at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Menu at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Cappuccino at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Cappuccino at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Four Barrel Coffee and De La Paz at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Four Barrel Coffee and De La Paz at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

The menu is short and sweet; handwritten on huge paper rolls on the wall behind the counter. Offered are a tempting array of pizzas, expertly cooked veggies and salads, and a multitude of ways to enjoy some of that famously good bread - in the form of simple toasts, more complex toasts, or melted sandwiches. A glass case by the register houses beautiful baked goods, including a sourdough cinnamon roll that's roughly the size of your head. There's a blue glowing Elektra machine that churns out delicious espresso, or you can enjoy a cup of drip coffee in a mug that's charmingly emblazoned with the f-word. Word on the street is that Amsalam and Paneuf are devoted coffee lovers, so the carefully arranged bags of beans from top-notch coffee roasters like Four Barrel and De La Paz come as no surprise. 

Almond Butter Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Almond Butter Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Almond Butter Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Almond Butter Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

As a lover of almond butter, honey, and sourdough, I could not help but order the almond butter toast on my recent weekday morning visit - and I have been dreaming about it ever since. With its thick slice of sourdough bread, incredibly generous spread of house-made fresh almond butter, and delicate lace-like drizzle of honey on top, this is a hearty meal in itself. The flavor combination is a delight; the sourness of the bread comes as such a pleasant surprise, especially when married with the creamy almond butter, the sweet and floral honey, and a sprinkling of salt. This is undoubtedly one of the best things I've eaten this year, and I can't wait to come back for another slice. 

Almond Butter Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Almond Butter Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Almond Butter Toast, Roasted Beets, Cappuccino, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Almond Butter Toast, Roasted Beets, Cappuccino, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Because every meal deserves a good vegetable, I also ordered the roasted beets - a vibrant salad with bright flavors and a satisfying variety of textures. The beets were perfectly cooked, then were tossed with orange slices, almonds, and fresh herbs in a light vinaigrette, and topped with a dusting of fresh horseradish. The horseradish is an unexpected but delightful addition, offering a sharp bite and a complex depth of flavor. 

Roasted Beets, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Roasted Beets, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Cauliflower with Tahini and Lots of Herbs, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Cauliflower with Tahini and Lots of Herbs, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

At a recent brunch with friends on a weekend, I was able to sample a few more dishes - the cauliflower with tahini and "tons of herbs," the shakshuka, the cinnamon sugar toast, and the avo toast. True to form, the cauliflower was expertly prepared - roasted until charred, smothered in tahini and oil, and tossed with golden raisins and (indeed) a ton of herbs. It was flavorful, satisfying, and so delicious. 

Cauliflower with Tahini and Lots of Herbs, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Cauliflower with Tahini and Lots of Herbs, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

The shakshuka was just what you would hope it would be - a delicious, saucy, eggy mess served with thick slices of bread to soak it all up. The bell peppers were a nice addition, and were cooked just until firm, adding a nice texture to the dish. 

Shakshuka, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Shakshuka, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Avo Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Avo Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

A treat for the eyes as much it was a treat for the tongue, the avocado toast was another perfect vehicle for showing off just how good artisan bread can be. The creamy avocado and thinly sliced radishes were delicate in flavor enough to allow the bread's character to shine through, and we loved the big flakes of coarse salt sprinkled on top. 

Cinnamon Sugar Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Cinnamon Sugar Toast, Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

And for those hoping for a bit of childhood nostalgia, there is the cinnamon sugar toast - such a simple, perfect combination, paired with plenty of butter and a big slice of good bread. This served as proof of concept that the best things in life are those that are simple, yet well executed. 

Alexander Phaneuf at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Alexander Phaneuf at Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

For a food lover, this fine city of ours is bursting with possibility; every weekend marks a new restaurant opening or a new absurd food trend. Even with significant effort, eating at all the best restaurants in town would be an impossible feat, so for many, flailing from one restaurant to the next without a repeat is the norm - but a place like Lodge is capable of changing all that. You'll feel at home here - be it in the morning for toast and coffee, at lunch for perfectly cooked vegetables, or in the evening for their famous pizzas and a cold beer - and you'll never want to leave. So let's agree to start a not-so-new, not-so-absurd food trend: finding a place that serves food you love, in an environment that you love, that you can visit every week. Mine'll be Lodge. 

Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Lodge Bread Co., Culver City, CA

Lodge Bread Co.
11918 Washington Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90066

 

April 21, 2017 /Veronica Kablan
Los Angeles, West Side, Culver City, Restaurants in Culver City, Bakeries, Bread, Toast, Avocado Toast, Coffee
Los Angeles Restaurants
1 Comment
The Cheeseburger with freshly squeezed orange juice, and the Sausage, Egg and Cheese in the background

The Cheeseburger with freshly squeezed orange juice, and the Sausage, Egg and Cheese in the background

Eggslut | Venice, CA

Eggslut
April 14, 2017 by Johnna Todesco in Los Angeles Restaurants

I'm late to the game. I admit it. Eggslut has been serving up yolky-goodness since 2011, and I've only just visited. The lines rounding the corners of the original brick and mortar spot in Grand Central Market have always been daunting, and I admittedly have passed them by for other food stands. I thought "it can't be THAT good", and since there are so many wonderful restaurants in the market, I just never waited patiently for one of those glorious egg sammies. 

But I'm happy to announce, this Brunchographer has finally joined Team Eggslut, and I'm hooked!

The newish location in Venice drew me in. It popped up on my Yelp app one day when I was looking for a casual brunch spot in my Westside neighborhood, and I figured since I had no agenda that morning, I could finally check it out. My boyfriend and I mentally prepared for the line and potential chaos, and we drove over to Venice. Luckily we found parking right across the street from the restaurant, but that also allowed us to clearly see the 20 person line ahead of us. We both hesitated, but eventually soldiered on. Now was the time! 

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We hopped in line and were immediately greeted by a warm, charming employee who handed us menus and provided us with an estimate of our time in line. "From this spot, it's usually 20 minutes until you'll get to the counter, and your food will be ready 10 minutes after that!" he informed us. Ok, thanks guy! We appreciated the up front info. The estimate ended up being pretty spot on, too.

The interior is simple and slightly industrial with pops of bright yellow decor mimicking Eggslut's famous runny egg. It's a bit chaotic, though. The line is organized well, but after you order, you wait in a sea of hungry Venice folk who are eyeing tables freeing up and listening anxiously for their names to be called. But eventually you get your seat and your gorgeous tray of food, and you become oh-so-happy.

We started with "The Slut". A staple menu item for Eggslut, it sounds a little odd upon first read,  but once you pierce through that perfectly coddled egg atop a potato puree and the bright orange yolk spills out, you know you're in for something special (#yolkporn to the max). We spread some of the eggy potato goodness over a piece of toast and with a bit of chunky salt and a touch of chive on top, it was a singular divine bite. Order this up for an brunch appetizer, and you'll start your meal right.

The Slut

The Slut

For our main sandwiches, I ordered the "Sausage, Egg and Cheese" and Jeff ordered the "Cheeseburger". I can't turn down honey mustard, and Jeff can't say no to cheeseburgers with eggs, so both sandwiches were matches made in heaven for us.

The "Sausage, Egg and Cheese" was a simpler combo. It's the type of sandwich you hope you get every time you order a breakfast sandwich, but so rarely actually arrives on your plate. I've been burned too many times by a disappointing breakfast sandwich, but this one was simply done well. The ratio of sausage to egg to cheese was perfect, and the honey mustard aioli shone through brightly with an acidic pop in every bite. The sausage was spiced nicely and the runny yolk was sopped up perfectly by the spongy brioche bun.

The Sausage, Egg and Cheese

The Sausage, Egg and Cheese

The "Cheeseburger" was a heartier sandwich. The angus beef patty holds a perfectly over-medium egg and a melted slice of cheddar cheese, and sits atop a power-trio bed of bacon, dijonnaise, and bread and butter pickles. We were both weary of the pickles (neither of us are fans of the bread and butter variety), but with each bite, we were more convinced that they belonged. They added a tangy crunch factor, and with the salty bacon and flavorful dijonnaise, this brunch burger was accessorized just right.

The Cheeseburger

The Cheeseburger

To round it out, we got an iced coffee and a super refreshing cup of freshly-squeezed orange juice, and neither of those disappointed either. At the very least, get some OJ with your meal to add to the aesthetic factor. How pretty is this table with another punch of orange, right?! 

All in all, our trip to Eggslut was a success. Yes, the line can be intimidating, but sometimes it's fun visiting a place that is so sought after. Part of the fun of the food scene is LA is sharing your experience with other people who are just as excited as you are, and that's what Eggslut is all about. Their mission is to not just serve high quality food and provide great service. They want your meal to be an experience, and that's just what they deliver. So get yourself a brunch-venturer friend and get in line. You won't regret it! 

 

Eggslut - Venice Location

1611 Pacific Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90291

Other locations: Downtown LA / Glendale, CA / Las Vegas, NV / New York, NY

April 14, 2017 /Johnna Todesco
Breakfast, Eggs, Breakfast Sandwich
Los Angeles Restaurants
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