Where is the Best Morning-After Brunch in Los Angeles, California?
——————————-{ AMBIENCE }I went to Susina Bakery & Cafe for the first time on a sunny Saturday morning at around 10am to meet up w/ a couple of friends. There is stacked parking in a lot behind Susina (2 cars deep), with signs that indicate which spots customers can park in for each establishment that shares it. They look like very leggy picket signs, resembling tall, languid flowers. (I guess I thought the signs were kinda funny in a charming way. It sort of looked like the parking lot was on strike because there were SO MANY signs.) ANYWAY…The bakery/cafe is bright and well-lit, lending an atmosphere of a welcoming friendliness. At the time that I arrived, there were probably just about a half dozen patrons there, ages ranging from their 30’s to 60’s.What appealed to me was the unpretentious feel of the place, and the un-“L.A.-ness” of it. The service was very friendly and relaxed, and as I do believe that the trickle-down theory applies to management, I’m assuming that the owner’s vis
I came here for brunch on a Saturday. Started off with a couple of very nice pomegranate bellini’s. Next, a bowl of fruit. Very nicely cut, but a bowl of fruit for $6 is a bit steep. Oh well, another sip of the bellini’s smoothed over any worries about paying $6 for some fruit. Next, the Crab Cakes Benedict and the Mushroom Lasagna. Both were quite good, though the crab cakes were a more special than the lasagna. Our server was very nice, the food came quickly, and the over mood was nice and relaxed. Nice way to spend a lazy Saturday!Pros + Good food and drinks, nice atmosphereCons – A bit pricey
In contrast to all the reviews, I go here for dinner. They are open Thurs-Sat evenings. Sometimes there is a long wait, but it’s because it’s worth it! The menu used to have more variety (Sea Bass with Anise Confit got taken away last year), and it’s not vegetarian friendly (at all), but the calimari steak is amazing and there are always daily specials. Best salads – beet apple salad and endive smoked salmon. The mashed potatos are really good, vegetables crisp, prices reasonable.(UPDATE – 8/19/06 – They are permanently closed for dinner now. Only open for breakfast and lunch. This is a tragedy. We loved that we could eat here, BYOB for less than $50 for 2 people. LA needs more places like this place was. We’ll miss you Madame!)Pros + inexpensive, BYOBCons – not veggie friendly, parking can be tight, tables close together
If you are looking for fanciness and a stuck-up atmosphere, this place is not for you. No “pasta a la marinara” or any other weird sounding names. Grub basically sticks to an’ All-American’ menu but raises it up several notches . I have been to this neighborhood haven several times and I must admit that most of the food is tasty without that artificial taste that comes from prepackaged ingredients. Grub’s most outstanding plate on the menu are their famous Friggin’ Amazing Croissant French Toast. They are covered in a delicious batter with every single ingredient is a perfect amount; the toast basically melts in your mouth and you can’t help but to feel sad they are gone. Of course they were only the appetizer, since our main entree was only waiting for us. I asked for the BBQ sandwich and my friend asked for the Afterschool Special sandwich. Both were delicious and went beyond to what we expected. The BBQ sandwich was specially different, with a tartness that separates the usual s
