food Archives - Page 48 of 51

May 3, 2018

Soccer Star Opens Restaurant in Beverly Grove

A modern Italian restaurant called N. 10 recently opened on W. 3rd Street just east of La Cienega Blvd. The new neighborhood addition is a charming date night spot, with lots of handsome leather seating and a street-facing raised patio with a fireplace. It also boasts a world famous athlete as a key backer.

N. 10 takes its name for one of its owners, former Italian professional soccer star and 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero was born in Conegliano, Italy. At just 18, he began playing for Juventus, where he remained for 19 seasons. He wore the number 10 on his jersey throughout his career, which is where the restaurant derives its name.

“Aside from football, opening a restaurant has always been my dream. Living in Los Angeles, I got inspired by the amazing hospitality industry and atmosphere and finally worked hard to make that dream a reality,” Del Piero said. “We found the perfect spot in a great neighborhood full of restaurant life; we couldn’t be happier with the location and venue.”

This particular area of 3rd has seen plenty of new life lately, including Farmhouse across the street and Israeli restaurant Jaffa several blocks east.

American chef Nick Parker and Italian-born chef Fabio Ugoletti run the the N. 10 kitchen. The two combine Ugoletti’s knowledge of old-school Italian food with Parker’s contemporary style. Guests might share a pizza and charcuterie, or delve into the pasta menu for Gnocchi with sausage and back truffles or ravioli stuffed with kale, artichoke and pumpkin seed pesto. Heartier entrees include a sizable and flaky Mediterranean sea bass cartoccio, meaning its cooked in plastic with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and olives. A favorite entree is the brick chicken, served with a bright salsa verde.

Ugoletti, who grew up in Parma, and says his menu is imbued with both professional and personal experiences.

“More than a contribution from my hometown, there is the desire to convey the love for the quality of food and for the ‘conviviality’ that is perceived in Italy and that I have breathed all my life,” Ugoletti said. “‘Gnocco fritto e salumi (fried dumplings and sausage) is from my childhood in the family; carne cruda is how I like to accompany a good glass of Tuscan wine before starting the meal. Lasagna, freshly baked, has the aroma of my Italian Sundays. Potato gnocchi with mushrooms and truffles has the taste of the walks in the woods. Cartoccio brings me back to the Mediterranean sea breeze on a terrace.”

Behind the bar is a selection of wines—including several Italian wines, but also a fair amount of domestic offerings—and cocktails. Swap the traditional post-meal espresso for the signature No. 10, made with vodka, Bailey’s, vanilla liqueur and chocolate bitters over espresso ice if you’re looking to transition from dinner to cocktails.

N. 10 is located 8436 W 3rd St, Los Angeles. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

May 2, 2018

Fun Things To Do This May

Need stuff to do this month in Los Angeles? We looked ahead on our calendar to focus in on some of the best events happening in May around Los Angeles that you should probably have on your radar. After all, better to get your tickets now than wait till the last minute and find out your favorite event is sold out.

May 2018 event highlights include Free Comic Book Day, Fiesta Hermosa, Whedon Con, LA Times Food Bowl Night Market, the California Strawberry Festival, a Bug Fair at NHM, Lebowski Fest, and much more.

The complete rundown starts after the jump. Enjoy!

1. VRLA Expo (May 4-5)

A New Reality: VRLA comes to the Los Angeles Convention Center’s South Hall on May 4-5 for the ultimate experience with the next generation of immersive and transformative technology. -> More information

2. Free Comic Book Day Returns! (May 5)

Free Comic Book Day is back on May 5! Occurring every year on the first Saturday of May, it’s an international comic book celebration during which comic book shops give away comic books absolutely FREE to anyone who visits their shops. -> More information

3. The 13th Annual Freestyle Festival at The Queen Mary (May 5)

Performers at the 13th Annual Freestyle Festival on May 5 at The Queen Mary include MC Hammer, Jody Watley, The Jets, The Sugarhill Gang and many more with genres including R&B, hip-hop, rap and ska. -> More information – Discount tickets

4. Grand Butterfly Celebration at Kidspace Museum (May 5-6)

Bid farewell to Kidspace Museum’s butterfly season during its Grand Butterfly Celebration on May 5-6. Learn about butterflies and how support their life cycle, mold a butterfly puddler out of clay, paint butterfly scenes en plain air and make a butterfly stick kite that you can wave at the 2 p.m. show with a live DJ. -> More information

5. Masters of Taste Food Festival at the Pasadena Rose Bowl (May 6)

Prepare your forks, spoons, and straws! The Masters of Taste food and drink festival is returning to the Pasadena Rose Bowl on May 6 for the ultimate spread of delicious food and drink, and all for a great cause. Note that you can get $15 off tickets to Masters of Taste tickets using promo code WELIKELA18 -> More information

6. Springtime in the Village Wine & Jazz Festival and Street Faire (May 6)

The Springtime in the Village Wine & Jazz Festival and Street Faire comes to Vitello’s on Tujunga Avenue on May 6 for an opportunity to taste over 100 wines and goodies in the sunshine. -> More information

7. Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Celebration at Universal Studios (May 11-12)

Immerse yourself in a day (or two!) of all things Jurassic Park during Universal Studios’ 25th anniversary celebration of the dinosaur blockbuster on May 11-12. Enjoy special exhibits, interactive photo ops, a fan costume show, a screening of the film and more. -> More information

8. Echo Park Craft Fair’s Spring Edition at Mack Sennett Studios (May 11-13)

The Echo Park Craft Fair, an eclectic two-day craft fair, features over 120 artists with various ceramic, jewelry, clothing, woodworking and textile design booths. -> More information

9. RuPaul’s DragCon Los Angeles 2018 (May 11-13)

RuPaul’s DragCon offers three days of art, pop culture and all things drag when returns to Los Angeles from May 11-13! Hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center, visitors can check out vendors, panel discussions, screenings, autograph and photo ops, lip sync contests, and make-up and styling workshops for men and women. -> More information

10. East LA Comicbook, Art and Pop-Culture Expo (May 12)

Piggybacking off the success of last year’s East LA Comic-Con, the newly renamed East L.A. Comicbook, Art and Pop-Culture Expo is a free event featuring collectibles, comic creators, cosplay, and more.-> More information

11. Pop-Up Magazine’s Spring Edition at The Theatre at Ace Hotel (May 12)

Stop by Pop-Up Magazine’s Spring Edition at The Theatre at Ace Hotel for a night of jaw-dropping, scandalous, funny and sometimes endearing stories during this unique storytelling experience. -> More information

12. LA Times Food Bowl Night Market (May 16-20)

Night Market, part of the LA Times Food Bowl, features dozens of restaurants and food trucks selling food for purchase, plus an assortment of DJ’d music and entertainment, taking place in Downtown Los Angeles’ Grand Park. -> More information

13. Uncorked Wine Festival: LA Vintner’s Market at the Skirball Center (May 18-20)

Visit the Skirball Center on May 18 for Uncorked Wine Festival, an evening of wine, food and live music. Sample more than 50 wines from family-owned and operated wineries from top wine regions around the world. Enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres and appetizers to pair with your wines. -> More information

14. A Night of Electronic Music at Union Station (May 18)

A FREE Night of Electronic Music at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles featuring Rival Consoles, underground mainstay John Tejada (Kompakt) and Tottie (Dublab) in collaboration with Decibel Festival. -> More information

15. WhedonCon 2018, May 18-20 at Warner Center in Woodland Hills (May 18-20)

Highlights for the 3-day Joss Whedon-inspired convention, WhedonCon in Woodland Hills, include Fan Friday, Supernatural Saturday and Super Sunday. -> More information

16. L.A. LIVE Block Party (May 19)

The L.A. LIVE Block Party will feature a pop-up marketplace with over 40 local vendors plus live music and food and drink specials from participating restaurants. -> More information

17. 35th Annual California Strawberry Festival (May 19-20)

The 35th Annual California Strawberry Festival returns to Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard on May 19-20 for a weekend-long event packed with everything a strawberry lover could want. -> More information

18. The Bug Fair at the Natural History Museum (May 19-20)

Come greet your bug-eyed friends during the Bug Fair at NHMLA. Highlights include exotic bug collections, bug-created products, bug chefs and nature walks. -> More information

19. LitFest Pasadena (May 19-20)

7th Annual LitFest Pasadena, hosted within the Pasadena Playhouse District, is a literary-focused festival that’s FREE for all ages. The event features workshops, panels, readings and more! -> More information

20. Six L.A. Museums Will Be Free on ‘Museums of The Arroyo Day’ 2018 (May 20)

On May 21 six area museums and historical homes will open their doors free of charge for Museums of the Arroyo Day. The list includes the Gamble House, Heritage Square, the Los Angeles Police Museum, the Lummis Home and Garden, the Pasadena Museum of History, and The Autry’s Historic Southwest Museum Mt. Washington Campus. -> More information

21. Cuban American Music Festival 2018 at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes (May 20)

Enjoy a day of Cuban culture when La Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts the Cuban American Music Festival on May 20, with four musical acts, dancing, local Cuban artists, and Cuban food and drink, takes place at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown L.A. -> More information

22. L.A. Mag’s Burgers, Bourbon + Beer in Santa Monica (May 23)

Los Angeles magazine’s Burgers, Bourbon + Beer promises a sophisticated yet delicious, evening at The Victorian, featuring guessed it, juicy burgers and aged bourbons. -> More information

23. The 7th Annual Taste of Boyle Heights (May 24)

The 7th Annual Taste of Boyle Heights, an annual community fundraiser, features live music and cuisine from local East L.A. establishments, vendors and more. -> More information

24. Lebowski Fest Los Angeles 2018 at The Wiltern & Fountain Bowl (May 25-26)

Lebowski Fest celebrates the iconic Coen Brothers movie with live performances, special guests, themed parties, a screening of the film and more. There will be a movie screening at The Wiltern on May 25 plus a bowling part at Fountain Bowl on May 26 for Leboswki Fest 2018! -> More information

25. 45th Annual Topanga Days Country Fair From (May 26-28)

The 45th Annual Topanga Days Country Fair from May 26-2 will feature various country fair games and competitions, live entertainment, food, and more for guests of all ages. -> More information

26. Fiesta Hermosa is Back (May 26-28)

Fiesta Hermosa, a FREE annual event, will feature local vendors, 18 different food offerings, beer gardens, games and live music in Downtown Hermosa Beach. -> More information

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

May 2, 2018

Saved by The Bell Diner Extends Its Los Angeles Run

Saved By The Bell fans have been waiting patiently and this week Saved by the Max made its Los Angeles debut. Set to resemble The Max, a local hangout in the show, the menu will serve up heavily themed eats like the Kelly Kapowski Monte Cristo, A.C. Sliders, the Bayside Burger, the Preppy BLT and Mac & Screech. As Saved by the Max was a big success in Chicago, reservations are highly encouraged and walk-ups will be limited.

With most (all?) of the reservations filled up, word is out that Saved by the Max will offer a ‘Second Semester’ of seating reservations through September 2019. Those tickets go on sale ($40 a person) this Friday starting at noon.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

April 25, 2018

New Belgian Brewpub Comes To The Valley

Belgian brewpub Bluebird Brasserie is a stunning addition to a busy stretch of Ventura in Sherman Oaks. Apart from the glass doors, the space is completely unrecognizable from its previous iteration as an Italian restaurant, redone with gorgeous brick arches that’ll make you feel like you’re in Bruges.

Exactly Bruges, perhaps. Restauranteur Tony Yanow of Artisanal Brewers Collective (ABC) was apparently inspired by a trip to La Trappiste, a beer cafe in Bruges, and its very similar brick arches. So similar, in fact, that if you translate this article from Dutch to English (or are a Dutch speaker yourself), you’ll find that La Trappiste manager Regnier De Muynck is a little miffed that no one told him about the homage in advance, but not surprised someone would seek to replicate those sweet medieval vaults. Imitation, flattery, etc.

Yet Bluebird Brasserie is more than its photogenic ceilings. Belgian-style beer is brewed on-site and helmed by former Pizza Port brewer Noah Ragnery. Options include the dark and rich Double Dutch and the amber Chapeau du Jour. The pub also serves about 10 beers from outside breweries like The Lost Abbey and Orange County’s The Bruery. If beer isn’t your thing, they’ve got a selection of wine, absinthe, and cocktails. Biting onto the put-CBD-oil-in-everything trend, they offer the gin-based Gentle Monk, a fresh and earthy cocktail with foamy aquafaba. Others pull from the classics, like the mezcal negroni and the boozy Nutty Old Fashioned.

Moules Marinieres Photo courtesy of Bluebird Brasserie

The menu consists of a variety of Belgian dishes, including a gooey beer cheese croquette and meatballs made with either beef or vegan Impossible Foods meat, served with potatoes and leeks. One standout is the steak frites, an 8 oz flat iron steak prepared with either melted butter or green peppercorn sauce, and served with fries. They’ve got moules-frites (or, mussels and fries), too, in a variety of styles including a coconut curry. Should you like, you can swap the fries for crusty bread. For dessert, it’s obviously the Belgian waffles, topped with a hearty scoop vegan ice cream. A fair amount of options exist for vegetarians and vegans, including a cassoulet made with Impossible meat.

Waffles with vegan ice cream Photo: Juliet Bennett Rylah

Vibe-wise, expect a neighborhood feel before sundown, with lots of natural light coming in via the street-facing windows. At night things get a bit sultry as candlelight flickers across brick and oak panels to set the stage for dates—or whisper-scheming over the Iron Throne with a goatee-wearing friend.

Bluebird Brasserie is located at 13730 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. Current hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

April 6, 2018

Weekend Events: April 6 – 8

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.

Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend in L.A. (April 6 to April 8) includes Sleepless, SoCal Corgi Beach Day, Rooftop Cinema Club, L.A. Beer Festival, Dosshaus “Paper-Thin Hotel” installation, Foodie Con, Brewery Art Walk, Queens of the New Age Festival, Roaring Twenties Street Jam and much more.

Enjoy!

Friday April 6th, 2018

1. Sleepless, The Music Center’s beloved late-night event, returns on April 6-7 for two evenings of art, dancing, and music! This year’s theme is Disco Lives. Guests will dance, roller boogie, watch film clips of the era, and much more.

2. Rooftop Cinema Club returns to the rooftop of The Montalban in Hollywood with a screening of The Big Lebowski. Other screenings this weekend include Back to the Future, The Shape of Water and more.

3. First Fridays return to the Natural History Museum this Friday. The event will explore the L.A. Backstory with NHMLA History Department and live music from Chelsea Jade and Jamila Woods.

4. From Trail to Table in the 21st Century comes to The Autry this Friday and The event will feature a discussion with modern cowboys on how to raise cattle, food stations serving natural grass-fed beef creations, access to the galleries and garden of The Autry, and presentations by chefs and food history experts.

5. The Griffith Observatory hosts a monthly forum where some of the most amazing phenomena in the known universe are explained and discussed. It’s called All Space Considered and it takes place on the first Friday of every month. FREE

6. Dwell on Design a design and architecture convention that runs April 5-7 will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will feature speakers, panels and consultations by acclaimed architects, interior designers and design visionaries. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. Candytopia brings its immersive, oh-so-sweet Insta-friendly experience to Santa Monica, where it will remain till July 4.

8. Check out Butterfly Season at Kidspace Children’s Museum now through May 4. Activities include daily butterfly exploration in the Stone Hollow Amphitheater.

9. Hangout at the Aquarium of the Pacific at night and see sharks, jellyfish and more in a different light! Happening multiple times this week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

10. Descanso Gardens is hosting another edition of Tomatomania this Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tomato fans and gardeners will have a chance to purchase tomato seedlings and listen to tomato lectures.

11. Since its the first Friday of the month check out all the cool events happening around town including block parties and art walks for First Fridays.

12. 260LA will host an Equinox sample sale event April 3-8 in Beverly Hills with brands like nike, Rhone, lululemon, Spiritual Gangster and more at a steep discount.

13. Museum of Selfies opens on April 1 and will run till May 31 with 10 interactive exhibits that welcomes visitors to take a closer look into the cultural phenomenon. The curators of the Glendale musueum have also collected an array of Instagram-inspired art as well as an Iron Throne made of selfie sticks for guests to enjoy. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. See the Hermosa Hitigrls battle the Redondo Riots in a Kentucky Derby themed all female roller derby this Friday!

15. Lauren Conrad’s fashion line Paper Crown is having a sample sale April 5-6 with up to 70% off on dresses, blouses, bottoms, outerwear and the bridesmaid collection.

16. Decompress at Mystic Journey Crystals in Venice with a crystal sound bath that combines original compositions and performances with crystal singing bowls.

17. The Rachel Pally Warehouse Sale will run April 6-8 with 60% to 75% off retail prices on contemporary, maternity and plus lines. There’s even discount racks starting at just $10, restocked each day.

18. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

19. Beauty Park’s one day sample sale will feature the best Korean beauty and skincare products at 50% to 80% off.

20. Step inside The Museum of Illusions in Hollywood and find yourself in a classic painting, part of a cartoon, part of current events, inside movies and much more. Highlights include watching the Titanic go down, “climbing” a sheer cliff and other eye popping visuals. Happening all week. (DISCOUNTED)via Goldstar

21. Dogeared is having a jewelry sample sale in Culver City this Friday, everything will be priced $5 to $20.

22. Free admission at: Norton Simon Museum (5 to 8 p.m.), Pasadena Museum of California Art (noon to 5 pm) and Long Beach Museum of Art (11 a.m to 5 p.m.)

Saturday April 7th, 2018

23. Get ready to paw-ty, because SoCal Corgi Beach Day returns with more than 1,000 Corgis expected to attend. Happening at Huntington Dog Beach, lively events include cutest cardigan Corgi contest, a tiki-themed Corgi costume contest, Starboy Iggy and his Corgi Hula Hoop Show, and a Corgi coconut pie-eating contest. FREE

24. Hosted at The Reef in Downtown L.A., Foodie Con April 7-8 will feature shopping, book signings, cooking product demos, food court vendors from local restaurants and chefs, plus beer, wine and spirits for sampling. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

25. The 9th Annual L.A. Beer Fest returns this Saturday to the Los Angeles Center Studios in Downtown L.A. for an afternoon of showcasing 80 breweries serving up 200 beers.

26. Art duo Dosshaus will transform the Corey Helford Gallery into a flop-house hotel from the 60’s made entirely of recycled cardboard hand painted to look like black & white illustrations. The exhibit will house hundreds of individual pieces including a “Paper-Thin Hotel” with several life size rooms. FREE

27. Mickey’s marks 65 years of business on April 7, to celebrate they will offer the first 65 people who come into the shop that day their choice of a free Mickey’s Combo, Sauce Sandwich or slice of pizza. Each customer thereafter that will be able to purchase those three items for only $0.65 each. The special runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

28. The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire is back at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale for another year of fun every Saturday and Sunday from April 7 through May 20. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

29. A Current Affair is a pop-up vintage marketplace with a highly curated list of vendors from all over the state is taking over the Cooper Design Space in DTLA April 7-8.

30. Celebrate the 4th birthday of Redondo Beach’s King Harbor Brewing this Saturday. The party will include copious amounts of beer (30+), snow cones, music, games and more.

31. The Brewery Art Walk returns April 7-8 with over 100 artist in residence opening their studios to the public allowing people to view art, get to know local artists, support their work and more. FREE

32. There’s a Free Yoga Class Hosted by OLIVERS Apparel at One Down Dog in Silver Lake this Saturday. RSVP here. FREE

33. The Museum of Failure has a new location on Hollywood and Highland with new exhibits and products that include Juicero, Facebook Gifts, RCA SelectaVision, Pets.com, and Google Wave. There’s also an entire section dedicated to Hollywood with some of the industry’s biggest fails. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

34. The SkyFlow Festival, at The Row in DTLA will feature six different yoga and meditation classes on two rooftops, a Festival Season Fashion Market, aura photography, a sunset dance party, and more.

35. The VOID’s virtual reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is now open in the Glendale Galleria. The “hyper-reality” experience puts players in a 360 virtual world allowing them to touch, smell, and sensing their surroundings.

36. The NERO48 Pop-up of Mexican Contemporary Design comes to Vinz on Fairfax April 7-8 for a weekend of shopping, food, wine, music, and fun that features handpicked products designed by some of Mexico’s most talented makers. There will also be workshops and lectures presented by international artists and designers.

37. Stash House, a new escape room in L.A. will allow you and your friends to get actively involved in a crime drama — with zero chance of going to prison. Happening all week.

38. Downward Grog presents Brewery Yoga this Saturday in Boyle Heights at Indie Brewing Company.

39. 23rd Annual Uptown Whittier Spring Antique Street Faire will have dozens of vendors selling collectibles, jewelry, art, furniture, glassware, and more.

40. Greenbar Distillery has teamed up with The Burrito Project and a select list of local bars and restaurants, to provide thousands of burritos to those in need in the Los Angeles area. Simply go to a bar on the list and order a CITY Bright gin cocktail from there Greenbar Distillery will donate a burrito to The Burrito Project. Get more info here.

Sunday April 8th, 2018

41. The 5th Annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest will feature a wide range of breweries that include Wolf Creek Brewery, Hilltop Homebrewers, Bottle Logic Brewing and Hangar 24. In addition to beers there will be food samples, lawn games and photo booths.

42. Queens of the New Age: Festival of Extraordinary Women at CAAM (California African American Museum) celebrates extraordinary women through a day of family fun, featuring DJs, live performances, food trucks, a powerful discussion with top female artists and producers, and workshops. FREE

43. Roaring Twenties Street Jam returns to the historic Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round for a Gatsby themed lawn party by day and merry-go-round dance party by night. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

44. Support local artists and teachers during the Barnsdall Art & Craft Fair. The free event will feature handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, cards, prints, paintings and more by art students and teachers for sale. Proceeds from the event will support the programming at Barnsdall Art Center. FREE

45. The 23rd Annual Tokyo City Cup and Japan Family Day returns to Santa Anita Race Track for SoCal’s biggest Japanese cultural and food festival, along with a horse-racing event.

46. Le Salon de Musiques presents a stage free chamber musical experience with champagne and high tea to follow at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion this Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

47. Metro Art Presents “The North Patio” spring concert series, in the historic Union Station’s tranquil North Patio every Sunday from April 8-22. The concerts kicks off with Mary Lattimore. FREE

48. The Wallis in Beverly Hills will host “Dance Sundays” with famed actress/dancer/choreographer Debbie Allen. Suitable for the whole family, each month will feature a special dance theme, this month it’s Salsa. FREE

49. Visit Virtual Room in Hollywood for a group VR adventure in which you’ll go back in time to ensure a better future.

50. Same Same, Silver Lake’s Thai wine bar, will celebrate its second anniversary this Sunday. At 6 p.m. they’ll host a party with blessings, Thai decorations, music and dancers, and a complimentary snack for all guests.

51. Free admission at: Museum of Latin American Art ,Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can) and USC Pacific Asian Museum (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

March 27, 2018

Easter Brunch Options in Los Angeles

Sunday brunch is always a good idea. But when it’s Easter Sunday you know you’ll want it to be extra special. Thankfully there are plenty of restaurants across Los Angeles offering delightful springtime-y dishes in honor of the upcoming holiday.

Soft scrambled egg topped with vodka whipped cream and caviar nestled in pastel egg shells? A Viennese table laden with pastries? Detox (yoga) before you retox (imbibe)? Truffle-chive deviled eggs? Pork belly and quail egg? Check, check, check, check, and check. All this and much more — including Easter egg hunts — can be found on our list below. Happy Easter!

2018 Easter Brunch Options in L.A.

1. Champagne Brunch Aboard an Art Deco Ocean Liner. Long Beach’s fabled Queen Mary ship is offering a lavish Easter brunch with champagne and gourmet dishes from around the globe. While you’re there, join the egg hunt, visit bunnies, chickens, and a mini pig in the petting zoo, enjoy a bunny face paint, and more. ($69.95/$24.95 for children 4-11) -> More information

2. Poolside brunch with an Italian accent and New Orleans-style jazz. At Mr. C in Beverly Hills, enjoy live music from the acclaimed Mudbug Brass Band, along with a carving station featuring leg of lamb, chicken, and salmon; a crudo raw bar station; European cheese and charcuterie station; a gelato stand; and much more. Optional add-ons include $30 Bottomless Bellinnis or Belvedere Bloody Marys. ($105/$45 for kids 4-12/Free for kiddos under 4) -> More information

3. Eat and sip at West Hollywood’s newest hotspot. Newly opened (in mid-March,) the Henry, in the Robertson Boulevard space once home to The Newsroom, offers a truly special brunch, with dishes like short rib and English pea ravioli, caramel apple French toast, vegan sausage and potato hash, and not-too-sweet baked goods like the brown butter salted caramel roll. Don’t forget to summon the bloody mary and mimosa cart to your table. (A la carte; prices vary) -> More information

4. Pre-Brunch Yoga in Marina del Rey. Brennan’s Irish pub, an MDR fave since 1972, is offering pre-brunch yoga on the patio at 9 a.m. on Easter. The class, along with a post-yoga beverage of your choice, is $15. Brunch options include breakfast pizza and almond ricotta toast. Don’t miss the adult Easter egg hunt at noon. (A la carte; brunch entrees from $6-16) -> More information

5. Fish-meets-field glamour in Santa Monica. At beach-chic restaurant Herringbone, savor Easter brunch options like lobster quiche, crab and bacon omelet, or soft baked eggs, in addition to the eatery’s regular brunch menu favorites. Get comfortably numb with endless rose or bottomless mimosas or bloody marys. (A la carte; prices vary) -> More information

6. Decadent brunch in a beautiful, modern steakhouse. At Bourbon Steak in Glendale, Easter brunch focuses on a luxurious three-course menu. Start with an elevated version of bacon and eggs (pork belly and quail egg shakshuka) or Alaskan king crab louie. Mains include lobster eggs benedict with poached eggs, meyer lemon hollandaise, and caviar; Elvis French toast with bananas and foie gras; 8 oz. filet mignon with scallion potato cake, or 7-minute egg and mushroom chasseur. Finish your meal with ricotta doughnuts with red ribbon sorrel or espresso coffee cake with white chocolate bourbon caramel. ($65) -> More information

7. Sushi, lobster tails, crab, and smoked salmon in DTLA. Merging Japanese and French influences, CHAYA Downtown’s Easter brunch offers a bounty of seafood, wasabi deviled eggs, a carving station, eggs benedict, maple sriracha bacon, and much more. $60 (or $70 with bottomless mimosas). -> More information

8. Caviar, eggs and vodka in WeHo. Petrossian, the famed West Hollywood purveyor of sumptuous caviar dishes, will offer an Easter special — egg royale, merging soft scrambled egg, vodka whipped cream and caviar, served inside pastel colored egg shells — for $16, in addition to their regular brunch menu. (A la carte; prices vary) -> More information

9. Three-course French-inspired brunch in Beverly Hills. At Avec Nous at the Viceroy L’Ermitage, take in the St. Tropez vibe as you savor smoked salmon crostini, rack of lamb, crab Eggs Benedict, ceviche, macarons, and much more. ($68/$58 for children under 12) -> More information

10. Smoked salmon schmear platter & more at an artisanal bakery in Santa Monica. At Huckleberry Santa Monica, savor fare like roasted asparagus with herbed lemon dijon sauce, a market veggie and goat cheese quiche, gluten-free carrot tea cake, and much more on their brunch menu. (A la carte; prices vary) -> More information

11. Oceanfront luxury in Palos Verdes Peninsula. Terranea Resort is offering several brunch options, including an expansive Easter Sunday champagne brunch at its PV Ballroom. Check out the omelet and egg station, Hawaiian French toast, pasta and risotto station, carving station, salad bar, seafood station, charcuterie and cheese, kids’ buffet, dessert station, and more. Little ones won’t want to miss the Easter Eggstravaganza, with an egg hunt, petting zoo, crafts and more. ($105; Children 5-10 $58; under 5 year old are free) -> More information

12. Truffle-chive deviled eggs and prime rib at a sophisticated Santa Monica steakhouse. Del Frisco’s Grille, recognized for its extensive wine list and elevated grill fare, offers crab cake Benedict, chicken and waffles, red velvet French toast, six-layer lemon Doberge cake and more on Easter. (A la carte; prices vary) -> More information

13. Heritage-grain baked goods and crab quiche in Thai Town. At the always-buzzing Friends & Family, a bakery and restaurant in Hollywood, beef short rib hash topped with an egg, spinach breakfast galette, and bacon-leek quiche are just a few of the notable brunch dishes. Don’t miss the spicy yet smooth-as-silk chai latte. (A la carte; prices vary) -> More information

14. Hollywood gastropub brunch with a free mimosa or bloody mary. Farm-to-fork gastropub The Pikey is offering three Easter brunch specials: crab cake eggs Benedict, Old Bay-marinated shrimp and grits, or apricot-glazed baked ham. Each dish ($18-26) comes with a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa. In case one drink just isn’t enough, bottomless Bloody Marys or mimosas are $15 per person. -> More information

15. Soak up the sun in Manhattan Beach. At zinc@Shade at the Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, indulge in a lavish brunch buffet (cabernet braised Black Angus short rib, crab cakes with Cajun aioli, a gourmet cheese display, a passel of pastries, and much more). ($60/$25 for kids under 10) -> More information

16. Champagne, quail and fiddle head ferns in Beverly Hills. Let the champagne flow at The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills as you brunch on dishes like English spring pea toast with crème fraiche, pea tendrils and radish; fennel sausage stuffed quail with spring mushrooms and cipollini; or Mediterranean sea bass with shaved white asparagus and fiddle head ferns. ($138 includes free-flowing Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne/$65 for kids under 12) -> More information

17. Live jazz, lavish pastries, and food stations galore at a Brentwood luxury hotel. A jazz trio, a visit from the Easter bunny, build-your-own Bloody Marys, a dessert-laden Viennese table, batter and omelet stations, and an antipasto display (sushi, seafood, homemade gravlax) make brunch at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel special. ($68/$33 for kids under 12) -> More information

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

February 14, 2018

The Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Santa Monica used to be the redheaded stepchild of the Los Angeles culinary scene — sure, there were some good eats in the neighborhood, but restaurateurs focused their efforts on Downtown, Hollywood, and elsewhere, probably figuring our proximity to the beach was a decent enough deal. But no longer! Now we get fancy tasting menus, imported Bolognese pastas, and a sweet ocean breeze: these 30 restaurants — some old, some brand-new, all very delicious — are proof that Santa Monica has something for everyone.

Belcampo Meat Co.

Organic, grass-fed meats for the conscious carnivore
West Hollywood has Animal, but the Westside has Belcampo, where you go to binge on meat-centric dishes like grilled beef heart, goat tartare, and tallow chips. It’s an ethical carnivore’s dream, too, since Belcampo prides itself on humane practices and high-quality, 100% organic cuts.

Estate Restaurant + Bar

Craft cocktails and farm-to-table food in an elegant setting
Estate’s good-looking downstairs bar and lounge has SaMo’s best non-basic happy hour, which takes place seven days a week from 5-7pm. While other places are content to ply us with greasy sliders, fried mozzarella sticks, and spinach artichoke dips, Estate supplies an eclectic selection of crisp, panko-breaded shrimp, filet mignon skewers, and grilled salmon salad. And then there are the well-priced (and stiff) drinks — like $5 draft beer, $7 glasses of wine, and $8 mixologist-approved cocktails.

Bay Cities

Gourmet Italian deli beloved for its substantial sandwiches
It’s easy to forget that this OG Italian deli makes over 20 different kinds of sandwiches, because most people only talk about its famed Godmother — and we can’t blame ‘em. That salty, satisfying stack of Genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, and prosciutto tucked into a chewy Italian sub is hard to beat, and well worth the trek west.

Mélisse

Michelin-starred restaurant serving fancy French food
This contemporary French spot does things the old-school way; after all, it boasts two Michelin stars, 10-course tasting menus, and the kind of service that includes folding your napkin every time you leave the table. Bring mom and dad here for the egg caviar and foie gras.

Swingers

Late-night diner with a ‘60s vibe and massive menu
Many an inebriated Westsider has stumbled through the doors of Swingers, which stays open until 3am Thursday through Saturday. This ‘60s-style diner serves alcohol, too, but it’s better-known for classic late-night fare to help sop up all those tequila shots.

Milo & Olive

Warm, welcoming pizzeria/bakery with wood-burning ovens
Milo & Olive serves as the bread-making epicenter for Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan’s Rustic Canyon group of standout SM restaurants — which include Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry Cafe, Cassia, Esters, and more. The bread baked in its wood-burning ovens may sneak onto other menus, but the crust is the focal point here at this perpetually busy pizzeria. And if you judge your pizza by its crust (who doesn’t?), you’ll appreciate M&O’s crisp, thin-crust artisanal pies made from Nathan’s 48-hour, whole-wheat dough and topped with seasonal Californian ingredients.

Tacos Por Favor

Tasty, quick, street-style tacos for cheap
If you’re looking for an authentic taqueria on the Westside, this cheap, no-frills joint is it. Go for the street-style tacos — made with corn tortillas, fresh toppings, and salsa that’s legitimately spicy — and massive burritos.

Herringbone

Seafood-focused menu in a stunning atmosphere
To be fair, there aren’t enough oyster happy hours anywhere (a discussion for another day) — but Herringbone’s, which runs daily from 4-7pm, is still exceptional. For just a buck each, load up on as many juicy, fresh-shucked West Coast oysters as you can handle, in addition to $6 wines, $5 beers, and more substantial fare like shrimp louie toast and three-cheese arancini balls.

Pono Burger

Charming Hawaiian-inspired burger joint with craft beers and wines
Pono has perfected the art of the creative burger. After locking down the base — patties made from organic, grass-fed, locally sourced beef and cooked over an oak-fire grill — chef Makani focused on dressing each one up with Hawaiian-fusion-inspired extras. The popular Kuawa Crunch oozes spicy guava rum sauce, the Paniolo (which is also stacked with onion rings and smoked cheddar) is decked out with Kona coffee bourbon BBQ sauce, and the Sassy Wahine includes wasabi mayo and sesame ponzu dressing.

Cassia

Reservations-needed Asian fusion spot with al fresco seating
This Southeast Asian fusion spot — which has been lauded a dozen times over by critics from all over the country — has much more to offer than seafood, but Angelenos know that Cassia boasts the city’s most stunning seafood tower. The other chilled seafood options are equally delectable, like Vietnamese prawns, raw scallops in chili oil, and snow crab claws accompanied by grilled country bread. As for the mains, you can’t go wrong with either a delicate black cod bathed in clear, light broth or the perfectly seasoned whole grilled sea bass. Pro tip: If the weather’s nice, dine alfresco; with exposed lights strung up overhead and plenty of heat lamps, the patio’s a looker.

The OP Café

Family-owned restaurant with consistently good eats
From its owner (a third-generation SM resident) to the surf-inspired décor and hearty breakfast dishes featuring fresh farmers market ingredients, this Ocean Park café is a neighborhood institution. Even better, the prices are budget-friendly with all entrees under $15.

Inotheke

Contemporary Greek eatery for modern palates
The name’s a mouthful, which is fitting since the modern Hellenic food here is meant to be ordered en masse. There’s no Greek mother to ensure you leave with a full stomach, but between the scallops saganaki, moussaka, and spanakopita, you’ll do a fine job by yourself.

Air Food

Experimental, beautifully plated French-inspired fare
This four-month-old gem is the brainchild of two Parisians with a love of good food and sweet sneakers. The latter might seem irrelevant, but this duo’s passion for design is all over the food, from edible egg-white filigrees decorating your mashed potatoes to artfully arranged rows of pickled veggies. There’s an unmistakable French stamp on everything, but the menu culls influences from Japan (tempura escargot), the US (fatty foie gras-topped burger), and other countries. Every ingredient — even dressings and mayo — are made in-house, but the 55 various still and sparkling waters are imported from all over the world. And while the fancy H2O offerings are actually shockingly good, we’re guessing this spot will get more popular when its liquor license is approved.

Tar & Roses

Perpetually buzzy, New American date night favorite
When Tar & Roses took an extended hiatus in 2015 due to a kitchen fire, the neighborhood was — quite literally — starved for its phenomenal food (which, because of its kinda-New American, sorta-Asian-slash-Mediterranean-leaning feel, is sometimes hard to categorize). Luckily, the restaurant made a wildly successful comeback last year and returned to becoming a date night favorite thanks to shareable small plates (including bacon-and-brown-sugar popped corn, melt-in-your-mouth oxtail dumplings, and Sriracha-and-honey-glazed pig tails) and close-quarters candlelit dining. If you want something heavier, the star entree — a crunchy whole snapper fried to a delicate, golden crisp — serves two… and then some.

Ingo’s Tasty Diner

Elevated diner food with an emphasis on local produce
Ingo’s does food that others have done before, but with more farm-to-table finesse (a lot of its produce is sourced from the Santa Monica Farmers Market). Brussels sprouts get an upgrade with tangy goat cheese sauce; juicy Jidori chicken is marinated in lemon, herbs, and roasted garlic; and the prime rib French dip boasts fatty, marbled beef just begging for a dunk in the flavorful au jus. Plus, there’s always a platter of complimentary French sea salt chocolate chip cookies by the door. And if you’re a fan of Misfit, you’ll love the similar vibe and solid eats at Ingo’s — which is owned by the same people but doesn’t quite attract the same decibel level.

HiHo Cheeseburger

Ojai transplant specializing in quality wagyu burgers
High-quality, 100% grass-fed wagyu beef makes all the difference at HiHo, a burger joint that uprooted its Ojai operation and relocated to Santa Monica earlier this year. The lean menu has only three burger options, but take our word for it and order the HiHo — two tender, beefy patties nestled inside a squishy bun with sweet onion jam and melty cheese. It’s an uncomplicated but irresistibly tasty combination that goes well with crispy, hand-cut, perfectly salted fries and, if you still have room, a slice of made-from-scratch banana cream pie.

Sweetfin Poke

Build-your-own poke bowls with inventive toppings and fresh fish
Dozens of poke places have sprung up around the Westside to service our seemingly never-ending obsession with raw, cubed fish over rice. But, if you judge your bowls by the freshness of its seafood, no one does it better than Sweetfin. This California chain also one-ups the rest by offering unique toppings, such as wasabi-toasted coconut flakes and blistered shishito peppers, and quality sauces like citrusy yuzu kosho, or a Sriracha ponzu that packs some heat.

1 Pico

Upscale hotel restaurant with seafood-heavy menu and ocean views
Shutters on the Beach — a hotel with a West Coast-meets-Nantucket vibe — is a Santa Monica institution. Out-of-towners book rooms for its proximity to the water, and even locals come here for staycations, or to dine at 1 Pico, a restaurant that’s pretty much right on the beach and offers window tables with million-dollar sunset and ocean views. Naturally, the dinner menu’s heavy on seafood — fresh-tasting kumamoto oysters, delicate fluke crudo dressed in olive oil and lime, beautifully seared scallops, and the like — but there are a few pastas and decent steaks, too. On weekends, there’s also a lobster brunch: a $60-per-person affair that lets you OD on lobster-enhanced Benedicts, bucatinis, or BLTs.

Esters Wine Shop & Bar

Art deco-inspired spot offering tasty small plates and over 200 wines
Esters started off as a great wine bar that offered a few bites like gourmet nuts and charcuterie, but over time, its menu expanded to include killer “real” food. Weekend brunch means cornmeal waffles topped with Bavarian cream, or heirloom tomatoes and burrata, while lunch brings a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches made with fresh bread from Milo & Olive (both belong to the Rustic Canyon restaurant group). Dinner offers heftier fare, like crispy chicken confit or sausage served with truffle aioli and pepper relish: the kind of stick-to-your-bones food that pairs well with a robust red or artisanal beer. On select Tuesdays through January, inventive burgers created by guest chefs (like Felix’s Evan Funke or Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe’s Erin Eastland) are also on the menu.

Dialogue

Intimate tasting menu restaurant in an unexpected location
Helmed by a James Beard Award-winning chef, Dialogue is housed in a former food court on Third Street Promenade — a curious location for an 18-seat fine dining experience in LA. But foodies near and far will brave the tourist hordes for Dave Beran’s 18-to-22-course tasting menu, which changes seasonally and features farmers market produce, petals, leaves, and other natural elements, all arranged in an exquisite feast for the eyes. Dishes even come with names and stories, like “Springtime for Sean” (a composite of caviar, white peanut butter, and charred scallions designed to look like a tree) or a made-ya-look-twice mash-up of pork belly, strawberry sambal, and trout roe.

Flower Child

Fast-casual salads, grain bowls, and kombucha on tap
You can’t walk a few blocks on the Westside without stumbling on a make-your-own-salad bar, but bright, zippy Flower Child is a cut above the rest. It’s a full-service restaurant masquerading as a fast-casual joint, where soups are made in-house and avocado toast, grain bowls, and yes, plenty of wholesome salads, are all on the menu. But hearty portions and the use of interesting spices and sauces, like garam masala or red pepper miso vinaigrette, keep you surprisingly satisfied — not starving — hours later.

Meat On Ocean

Spacious, stylish steakhouse for both locals and tourists
Unless your visitors are vegetarians, this sleek, massive chophouse on Ocean Avenue will properly impress. It’s got ocean views (a prerequisite for tourists), the shiny patina of a still-newish restaurant, striking red leather booths and warm wood decor, and lots and lots of quality meat to live up to its name. The best is an order from the on-site aging room, where steaks are aged for at least 30 days, but sugar-cured pork ribs, racks of lamb, house-made terrines, a smattering of seafood, and typical steakhouse sides round out the rest of the vast menu.

Uovo

Traditional, popular pasta bar perfect for a quick bite
Before Uovo came along, there was nothing quite like it in the area: a decently good, fast-casual pasta bar where you could enjoy a plate of traditional tonnarelli all’Arrabiata by yourself in under 30 minutes. Uovo rightly prides itself on its pasta, which gets made in Bologna using special eggs that aren’t available stateside and shipped overnight to be prepped in Uovo’s kitchen. If you’re dining alone and want something a little fancier (and more Italian) than Chipotle or Lemonade, this easy-in, easy-out spot is your best bet.

Wexler’s Deli

Classic Jewish deli eats including house-smoked fish and bagels
Since opening its beach-adjacent location last year, this Jewish deli quickly became a neighborhood favorite, so co-owners Chef Micah Wexler and Mike Kassar launched an expanded, exclusive-to-SM menu over the summer. In addition to being the only Wexler’s that serves matzo ball soup, this outpost now slings brunch-centric dishes, including kippered salmon on toast, an ultra-rich gooey French toast made with chocolate babka, and Cheddar-cheesy scrambled eggs.

FIG Restaurant

Sophisticated neighborhood favorite with Mediterranean flavors
Santa Monica’s got its fair share of fancy-pants hotels, but classy FIG — tucked inside The Fairmont — is a consistent favorite even among locals. Bungalow-bound day drinkers get solid brunch food, like lemon ricotta pancakes and corned beef hash, while the upbeat lunchtime crowd enjoys elevated burgers, salads, and pizzas. Dinner is a slightly more sophisticated affair, with the kitchen turning out seasonal, Mediterranean-slanting items like harissa-spiced fries, grilled halloumi, a puffed-up bread balloon, and a slow-cooked lamb pasta flavored with fennel, mint, and black garlic yogurt.

Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar

Lively Italian spot known for its cheese wheel pastas
This always-bustling eatery is famous for serving pastas tossed in giant cheese wheels, like butternut squash risotto in grana padano or a perfectly peppery cacio e pepe in pecorino romano. But you’d be remiss not to explore the rest of the menu from chef Piero Topputo, who grew up in a small town in Puglia and now whips up fried artichokes, branzino, and panzerotto Pugliese — a mozzarella-stuffed fried pastry that’s a specialty from his region — for the Montana Avenue crowd.

Michael’s

Santa Monica classic with an updated creative menu
Michael’s has been a Santa Monica pillar for over 30 years, but last year’s brilliant hire of chef Miles Thompson (who’s worked in the kitchens of Animal and Son of a Gun) has reinvigorated the place. While the sunken, leafy outdoor patio is still there, Thompson’s seasonally changing menu features interesting ingredients and inventive flavor combinations, like potatoes dusted with bonito flakes and furikake aioli, or hamachi collar accompanied by baba ganoush. Plus, it helps that even though Michael’s is situated on the Promenade, it’s a ways away from the tourist scene — which, over the course of the restaurant’s decades-long lifespan has grown more scene-y than ever. Look out for a new lounge menu, featuring bar snacks and wine specials, coming later this year.

STRFSH

Customizable fish sandwiches for the hungry lunch crowd
If you live or work in Santa Monica, this build-your-own-fish-sandwich spot — a recent addition to Third Street Promenade’s The Gallery food hall — is a compelling option. The Maryland-born Voltaggio brothers know a little something about well-made fish sammies — a staple on the East Coast — so they’ve produced a tightly edited menu with room for personalization: Choose between freshly grilled swordfish or salmon, a few house-made seasonings and tasty smears (including yuzu kosho mayo and jerk rub), and a toasted potato roll or tostada.

Terrazza

Italian-leaning restaurant with 180-degree Pacific Ocean views
Santa Monica has tourist traps, venues vying to appear trendy, and divey joints, but there aren’t many places here as quiet, elegant, and refined as Casa del Mar — which, like the aforementioned Shutters, is super nice and super close to the ocean. The hotel’s best-kept secret has to be its European-inspired lounge Terrazza, where there are floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the Pacific and SM Pier, scheduled live entertainment or cool electro beats on weekends, an ocean breeze, and a menu that includes barrel-aged cocktails and tons of sashimi and shareable plates (the Dungeness crab crostini on country bread and deep-fried artichokes are standouts).

Cava

Build-it-yourself Mediterranean menu with hearty portions
Cava is yet another build-it-yourself concept in SM — but it’s very well-executed… and may very well be one of the first of its kind to offer customized Mediterranean eats. Choose between bowls or pita sandwiches, spicy lamb meatballs or falafel, handcrafted dips and spreads like harissa or roasted red pepper hummus, saffron rice or black lentils… and the list goes on.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

February 8, 2018

The Best Brunch Spots in Los Angeles

LA’s a brunch town. On any given Saturday and Sunday, most of the city’s best restaurants serve some form of eggy goodness, and there’s a whole second subset of restaurants that exist on brunch and brunch alone, which makes sense: there’s no better meal. Not dinner, not lunch, and certainly not linner; brunch has it all, topped with a runny egg (and often, as an added bonus, served with bottomless drinks). That said, not every brunch is a brunch you should munch — which is why we’ve updated our list of the best all-around brunch spots in LA.

MID-WILSHIRE

Jon and Vinny’s OG restaurant, and a sleeper brunch heavyweight
OK, so the brunch at Jon and Vinny’s or Trois Familia is probably what you were expecting to see here from the duo behind Animal, and for good reason: those brunches are very, very good. But Animal generally doesn’t have a wait for a table and is EQUALLY good, which gives it crazy leverage; the bodega breakfast sandwich (ham, egg, and American cheese on a kaiser roll) for less than $10 is all the reason you should need to hit here instead of one of their other spots.

MANHATTAN BEACH

The South Bay’s go-to for griddled favorites and delicious Bloody Marys
David LeFevre basically ignited the food world in Manhattan Beach, and his first outpost is still the best brunch hang spot in the South Bay. Not only can you get the signature bacon-Cheddar buttermilk biscuits, but there’s also a pork belly bibimbap, and drinks like the mezcal-and-beet-cordial-laden Lust of Aphrodite.

SANTA MONICA

A longtime Westside chef’s new brunchy home
When Nyesha Arrington was at her former homebase, the Venice-beachside spot Leona, her brunch game was already A+ — but now that she’s at Native, that score’s been cranked up to A++. The unusual (and delicious) menu offerings include umami porridges, coconut brown butter pancakes, and a crowd-pleasing holdover from Leona: kimchi latkes.

VENICE

Eat your eggs on one of Venice’s best hidden patios
Neighbor was one of the best under-the-radar openings of 2017, and its brunch launch was similarly buried under other local restaurant news. In other words, you can easily get a seat for cardamom-scented granola, aged Cheddar polenta with poached eggs and jalapeño, and bonito tuna on Danish rye, alongside delicious cocktails like the gin-and-blackberry Girl Next Door. Won’t you be her neighbor?

LOS FELIZ

A Middle Eastern gem with an excellent breakfast spread
It would seriously be worth hitting this cute, acclaimed Los Feliz spot just for their craveable homemade bread, but it’s even more worth it when you’re dipping that bread into a tomato-stewed shakshuka, and the poached eggs that go along with it. If you’re with a group, you should definitely order the “Turkish-Ish Breakfast,” an Instagrammable smorgasbord of dips, breads, eggs, and mezze dishes that’s perfect to pick at. There’s a reason this place made our Best of 2017 list.

ENCINO & WESTLAKE

The West Valley’s home for eggs, pancakes, and more
The story of CiCi’s is as good as the food: CiCi, then a waitress at the Sherman Oaks brunch staple Jinkys, decided to go out on her own and open a namesake restaurant, which went on to become one of the best brunch spots in the West Valley. Over a decade later, she’s still running the game, with a massive menu that includes unique pancakes like the Night Rider (chocolate velvet pancakes topped with bananas, chocolate chips, Nutella & whipped cream), and a namesake omelette with turkey sun-dried tomato sausage, spinach, Portobello mushroom, tomatoes & Boursin cheese.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Mini-chain with truly unforgettable French toast
This beloved, ultra-casual mini-chain has expanded to six LA-area locations (and one in Tokyo!) on the strength of its all-day breakfast menu, which includes favorites like chicken chilaquiles and a wagyu brunch burger. The signature dish is the French toast, though, which is dipped in a secret eggy batter and then basted with corn flakes before it’s grilled, giving each bite a textural crunch as well as a heavy burst of flavor. You’re gonna want at least one order for the table.

SANTA MONICA

Outdoor group spot that’s walking distance from the beach
There’s a ton of foliage in the back of this beach-adjacent bistro, and a ton of astonishingly creative dishes as well. The menu is gigantic, but the highlights range from burgers (topped with everything from eggs to peanut butter to spicy tuna sushi), to pasta scrambles with linguini, eggs, and homemade chili, to Hawaiian-style “Royals,” with sunny-siders over jerk chicken with red onions and bell peppers. There’s also a full bar, and (of course) sangria, mimosas, and Bloodys.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

A morning-after (and night-before) favorite with killer egg dishes
Though the menu at this WeHo mainstay changes with the seasons, one standby is the Bubble and Squeak: a hangover-buster with a hash made of corned brisket, fingerling potatoes, and greens, topped with mustard seed and a sunny-side up egg. It’s as good (and sometimes lifesaving) as it sounds, and if you’re into the boozy side of breakfast, Eveleigh also serves up pitchers of mimosas and chamomile-tequila-infused lemonade for some extra morning oomph.

SILVER LAKE

An all-around LA brunch classic, with a long line to match
There may be no more renowned brunch spot in LA than this now-legendary, completely bare-bones Silver Lake eggery, which started as a jarred-jam operation, but is now considered by just about everyone as one of the best breakfast restaurants in the country. Jessica Koslow, the unassuming Food & Wine-nominated chef who runs the kitchen, splashes out different specials at 8am (seared polenta cake w/ broccoli, artichoke, and fried egg) and 11am (short rib w/ sunchoke), and the must-order is the crispy-rice salad, full of texture, flavor, and love. If you come during peak hours, bring a book, or a game, or a friend — the line can take a long, long time.

TOPANGA CANYON

Possibly the best brunch buffet you’ll ever have
This woodsy restaurant’s unfairly maligned as a hippie-dippy hang. Sure, the Sunday all-you-can-eat buffet has a ton of veggie options, but it also has all-you-can-eat crab legs, turkey sausage, and more for an extra $3, plus an opportunity to eat outside on one of LA’s most legendary decks, in the middle of the mountain canyon. If buffets aren’t your thing, you can also do a la carte dishes including gravlax omelettes and turkey and artichoke panini.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

Expanded location of a tiny-but-great brunch spot
Thankfully, Salt’s Cure expanded to a larger location than its original blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Melrose home (though you can still go there for breakfast, too), which means it’s far easier to get a table without spending the day waiting in line. Once you’re seated, you’ll want to order up the 2x2x2, for what’s basically a high-end grand slam — including sausages and bacon butchered in-house. If you’re with a friend (or two?), you’re gonna want some biscuits and gravy as well. Mmm.

LOS FELIZ

Eastside favorite with an in-house deli
Here’s some irony for you: Little Dom’s was originally the younger sibling of Mid-City’s beloved Italian restaurant Dominick’s — which is now closed. This means that bragging rights belong to the Eastside-only on breakfast sandwiches with wild boar bacon and steak and eggs with fennel-pollen hollandaise, as well as reasonably priced prosecco

SILVER LAKE

Popular date spot with the best patio in LA
Cliff’s Edge is long-known as one of the best date spots in LA, thanks in no small part to their tree-shaded romantic patio, and there’s no reason that date can’t happen over eggs, especially when said eggs are over a bacon-and-Brussels-laden pork belly hash. The bar here is also not messing around: creative cocktails include the SLIT, made with Loft & Bear vodka, black tea, pomegranate molasses, lemon, honey, rosemary, and soda.

HOLLYWOOD & SILVER LAKE

French toast, scrambles, and the city’s best fruit salad
The original Hollywood location of this also-in-Silver Lake no-frills cafe (with a breezy, similarly understated patio) sits under the looming gaze of the Scientology building on an otherwise unremarkable stretch of Fountain. What is remarkable is the food — the mustard and collard green baked eggs is one of the best brunch dishes in the city, and you should definitely get an order of the fruit salad, which goes far beyond melon and grapes and includes seasonal fresh picks including star fruit, mango, and dragonfruit.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

February 2, 2018

Tickets for the ‘Saved by the Bell’ Diner Pop-up Now on Sale

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting more news about the local outpost of Saved by the Max — the Saved by the Bell-inspired pop-up diner that held Chicagoans in thrall for an entire year — you’re in luck. The official Los Angeles opening date of May 1 has finally been announced, and tickets went on sale Friday, February 2 at 9 a.m.

Though Saved by the Max will look like the sitcom’s The Max diner, with its neon decor, jukebox, and vintage video games, there’s more to this eatery than mere ‘90s nostalgia. Its chef-driven menu was created by Brian Fisher, who helmed the kitchen at Michelin-starred restaurant Schwa in Chicago’s Wicker Park.

As in Chi-town, the menu here will offer dishes like the Kelly Kapowski Monte Cristo, A.C. Sliders, the Bayside Burger, the Preppy BLT and Mac & Screech.

As we told you last fall, Saved by the Max will be located at the West Hollywood Gateway shopping center at La Brea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. “First semester” will run through early October, with plans for the pop-up to eventually make its way around the country.

Each tickets includes admission and dinner. As Saved by the Max was a smash success in Chicago, reservations are highly encouraged. Walk-ups will be limited.

Article by We Like LA.

January 30, 2018

Where To Watch The Super Bowl In Los Angeles

This weekend it’s all about the big game. While the Philadelphia Eagles go up against the New England Patriots, thousands of Angelenos will be digging into 50-cent wings, bottomless beers and $2 shots. So where will you be? Check out our top picks on where to watch, eat, drink and play on Super Bowl Sunday.

DTLA’s Brack Shop Tavern will open its doors at 1 p.m. and offer 50 cent wings and $15 pitchers (60oz) of Budweiser and Goose Island IPA. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. and deals will last until the end of the game.

Baldoria located in Little Tokyo will be showing the game and offering happy hour throughout the entire game. Happy hour includes $8 pizzas and 20% off all beer, liquor, and wine. $2 shots will also be offered during every touchdown.

Mohawk Bend located in the heart of Echo Park, will host a Vegan Tailgate Party from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with special game day offerings like the ‘Vegan Tailgate Platter’ from 2 p.m. until halftime, featuring vegan versions of sausage, pulled pork sliders, beef jerky and fried chicken paired with Anchor Lager for $23. In addition, Bowl of Wings will start at 3 p.m. serving real chicken wings with three different sauce choices for $12.

Ayara Lūk will host their popular Game Day Viewing party that will have football fanatics stuffed with bottomless Singha beer and AYCE Thai eats like Pad Thai, Chicken Satay and Spicy Tahi “Lobstah Roll.” There will be a 100 inch screen playing the game and tickets cost $60 in advance, $75 at the door and kids under 5 are free.

Chicas Tacos will team up with Boomtown Brewery in DTLA for a Big Game Fiesta from noon to 10 p.m. Guests can purchase eats by Chef Eduardo Ruiz while they watch the game on two 16-foot projection screen at Boomtown Brewery who will serve cool brews and wines all day.

Laurel Tavern in Hermosa Beach will play the Super Bowl on an extra-large projector and offer food and drink specials like $20 Corona buckets, $4 draft lager, $1 Smoked Louisiana Wings, and 2 for $4 sliders.

Recently re-opened Brennan’s in Marina Del Rey will host a Super Bowl House Party with food specials like Buffalo cauliflower $9, Buffalo Chicken pizza $15, Vegan Chili fries $9, Soft Pretzel with Beer Cheese $6 and $5 canned beer all day.

The Standing Room is hosting a Football Tailgate Party with a $45 all-you-can-drink and $6 off-menu food specials. The AYCE drink deal includes domestic, draft, wells, and house red or white wine. Food specials include Chicken Wings (Korean or Hot), Pork Rib Wings with Knob Creek BBQ Sauce, and Chili Cheese Hot Dogs, all of which are not on their daily menu. The deal starts at 1 p.m. and ends when the game is done.

Article courtesy of We Like LA.