Tag: TheOriginalPantryCafe

Circa’s Favorite DTLA Brunch Spots

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and what could be more festive than a sumptuous Sunday brunch! A champagne brunch is also the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions with family and friends. DTLA offers some delicious dining options, serving everything from chef-driven menus to classic breakfasts and American comfort food, many not far from Circa. And great news for high tea lovers! After an extensive renovation, The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room has reopened, presenting an elegant and memorable experience inspired by the tradition of English tea service, with a distinctive California twist. Check websites for details. Reservations are highly recommended.

Redbird brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Redbird 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dine on the leafy outdoor patio and indulge in an eclectic menu featuring morning pastries, ricotta blueberry pancakes. cinnamon crunch French toast, fried egg sandwich, duck confit chilaquiles, and other decadent dishes created by Chef Neal Fraser. Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined, yet approachable, and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city, Los Angeles. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 2PM.

Poppy + Rose brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Poppy + Rose 765 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Poppy + Rose is a California-inspired American brunch restaurant located in the Flower District in downtown Los Angeles. Founded in 2014, the restaurant’s husband-wife duo, Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed, Poppy + Rose serves seasonal, elevated country kitchen styled comfort food in a relaxed, floral-themed ambiance. With an impressive set of accolades that include “best breakfast in LA,” “best chicken & waffles in LA,” and “best chicken sandwich in LA,” to name a few, Poppy + Rose has quickly become a favorite for DTLA locals and visitors alike. Open every day of the week for lunch, brunch, breakfast, or cocktails. Dine outside on the Poppy Patio Friday through Sunday.

Blu Jam Cafe brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Blu Jam Cafe 541 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opened in 2006 by Owner/Chef/Sommelier Kamil Majer and business partner David Fris, Blu Jam Cafe has garnered an impressive following, becoming one of the best brunch spots in Los Angeles. Breakfast at Blu Jam Café is a high-flying affair, with a dizzying array of both global and home-style favorites. Some of their notorious crowd pleasers include caramelized apple crepes, salmon hash, Florentine Benedict, French toast churros, chilaquiles, and vegan tofu tostada.

The Huntington Tea Room brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Huntington Tea Room The Huntington 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 

After an extensive renovation, The Huntington’s iconic, historic Rose Garden continues its elegant tea service with a selection of teas, seasonal house-made scones, and a variety of savory and sweet offerings, including smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and caviar; Belgian chocolate and sea salt caramel tart; and ginger cake with quince compote. A higher-end option includes champagne and such items as poached Maine lobster roll with Hawaiian black sea salt and micro celery. Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s menus are also available, along with champagne, wine, and cocktails by the glass.

Dahlia at Downtown LA Proper brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Caldo Verde at Downtown LA Proper 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Celebrate the mother figures in your life with seasonally-inspired brunch dishes and signature cocktails curated by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, followed by an array of decadent desserts by Pastry Chef Irene. Savor brunch favorites with a twist, such as lobster chopped salad, prawns & grits, chicken n’ waffles, and mushroom eggs Benedict. Downtown LA Proper also serves an elegant afternoon tea at Dahlia, their intimate cocktail lounge on the ground floor, featuring a menu of sweet and savory bites, seasonal Tealeaves blends, and premium champagnes.

Rooftop at Wayfarer DTLA brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop at Wayfarer Hotel DTLA 813 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Even if Mother’s Day is not on your radar, you can still enjoy The Rooftop Experience brunch, which is offered every Saturday and Sunday with a seven course brunch menu, featuring exceptional food and beverages showcasing California’s vibrant and seasonal flavors. Sip, eat and chill 12 stories up with friends, family or solo with a delicious menu that includes bubbles,Thai lemongrass & mango salad, chicken n’ waffles, crab cake benny, and more.

Manuela DTLA brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Manuela 907 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located in the DTLA Arts District, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California. The eclectic brunch menu includes tasty dishes such as popover Benedict, grilled yellowtail, English pea toast, hen of the woods mushroom polenta cake, black bean chilaquiles, brioche French toast, and cream biscuits with jam and butter. Open for indoor and patio dining.

Girl & The Goat brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Girl & The Goat 555-3 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Chef Stephanie Izard and her team are thrilled to join LA’s vibrant restaurant community and continue their tradition of serving tasty, bold-flavored foods in a fun and lively family-style setting. Stephanie and her team have crafted new brunch dishes inspired by California produce and local flavors, such as short rib chilaquiles; brunch potatoes with salted coconut caramel and cotija; blueberry sourdough pancakes with espresso cocoa nib crumble; and goat belly with rice n’ beans, sunny side egg, and crispy rice. To enhance the experience, they offer a selection of wines from around the world with a focus on small producers, a rotating list of craft beers, and a list of fun cocktails.

Zinqué DTLA brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Zinqué DTLA 939 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

From early morning to early morning, this high design, low-key neighborhood restaurant offers French-inspired dishes, small plates, craft cocktails, and a uniquely curated wine/beer selection. Breakfast and brunch menus include breakfast bowl with poached egg, quinoa, avocado, asparagus, and greek yogurt; avocado toast; crispy sunny eggs with prosciutto; and brioche French toast. Enjoy outdoor dining on the private patio. 

The Original Pantry brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Original Pantry 877 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

The Original Pantry Café opened in 1924 and was owned by former Los Angeles Mayor, Richard Riordan. Since their initial one-room, 15-stool space, The Original Pantry Café has grown to become an official Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and a staple of Classic American dining in LA. The likes of Marilyn Monroe and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have dined at this iconic spot, and this is proudly reflected in the restaurant’s colorful throwback spirit. Breakfast specials, served from 7AM to 1PM, include egg platters, French toast, omelettes, breakfast steaks & chops, pancakes, and Irish steel cut oatmeal with seasonal fruit.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Blu Jam Cafe

Photo #2: Redbird

Photo #3: Poppy + Rose

Photo #4: Blu Jam Cafe

Photo #5: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Photo #6: Dahlia at Downtown LA Proper

Photo #7: Rooftop at Wayfarer DTLA

Photo #8: Manuela

Photo #9: Girl & The Goat

Photo #10: Zinqué DTLA

Photo #11: The Original Pantry

 

Delicious DTLA: Delis, Diners & Dips!

Do you ever get the urge to dive into a big juicy sandwich, stacked a mile high and dripping with gastronomic goodness? How about whiling away a lazy Saturday morning over blueberry pancakes and a fresh brewed cup o’ joe? Or do you prefer your meal with a side of noir?

DTLA is the ultimate destination for vintage diners, authentic delis, Prohibition-era eateries, and legendary French Dip spots–some even have a shady past! Delicious DTLA has many fascinating stories to reveal, told through the language of great food!

Coles

Cole’s French Dip 118 E. 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Cole’s, Originator of the French Dip Sandwich, opened in 1908 in the Pacific Electric building. Evoking the spirit of an early 20th century saloon, the welcoming 40-foot Red Car Bar boasts original glass lighting, penny tile floors, and historic photos, preserved in the restoration of the cherished landmark. During Prohibition, Cole’s was a favorite hangout for gangsters like Mickey Cohen (If you were a regular customer, your “coffee” came with a little something extra!). Today, continuing the tradition of the Golden Age of American cocktails, the Red Car Bar’s ample selection of premium spirits, drafts, and historic cocktails compliment the saloon’s classic French Dip sandwiches, appetizers, salads and sides.

Philippe

The Original Philippe 1001 North Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Philippe The Original is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California, established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the “French Dipped Sandwich.” One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the “French Dipped Sandwich,” so called either because of Mathieu’s French heritage, the French roll the sandwich is made on, or because the officer’s name was French. The answer is lost to history.

plate of food at Nickels Diner

Nickel Diner 524 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Featured on Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives, the Cooking Channel and Jonathan Gold’s 101 List, this cozy vintage-style diner serves updated versions of old-school comfort fare, such as maple-glaze bacon doughnut, baked eggs, steak sandwich, and catfish, plus creative desserts. Located on a historic stretch of Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, the restaurant occupies the site of a long-forgotten diner, with the original hand-painted wall menus still intact. High ceilings, vintage wallpaper, wooden tables, scuffed tile floors, cushy red leather booths and an old-school, lunch counter-style open kitchen evoke a picture-perfect model of a pre-WWII-era diner.

Original Pantry storefront

The Original Pantry 877 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Established in 1924, The Original Pantry has spent eight decades providing its customers with generous portions of traditional American cuisine. More than just a casual eatery, The Pantry offers diners an atmosphere rich in character and history. An integral piece of Los Angeles culture, The Pantry has served many movie stars, politicians and other celebrities and continues to be a gathering spot for the city’s movers and shakers. As The Pantry’s current owner, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan likes to boast, “We never close. We’re never without a customer.”

Nicks Cafe storefront

Nick’s Cafe 1300 N. Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nick’s Cafe started back in 1948 by Nick, his Navy buddy, and Lois the server. Nick was just out of Navy and decided to open a little diner across from the River Station freight yards. Known for serving bone-in ham at the horseshoe counter, customers started calling the little cafe the “Ham House.” After a successful run, Nick sold his diner to a couple of LAPD detectives who put in a train that ran around the ceiling. After many good years, the place fell into dark times–the old rail yards were grown over and the freight buildings were empty. Flash forward to 2009, when the current owner took over. Over 60 years later, Nck’s is still known for the ham, the smiles, and the coffee.

Sandwich at Wexlers

Wexler’s Deli Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Wexler’s Deli stands for three things: tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Born of a desire to serve classic Jewish deli food made by people who care, Wexler’s uses old-school methods to handcraft their pastrami and smoked salmon. After curing in a special blend of salt and spices, the meats and fish are slowly smoked in-house over apple wood and sliced by hand in front of your eyes. Wexler’s also serves breakfast sandwiches (Cheezy Eggs, Bagel with Lox) and a selection of sides including coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad and tuna salad. Wash it all down with a good old fashioned Chocolate Phosphate or Chocolate Egg Cream.

Mels Deli

Mel’s Deli 548 S. Spring St #114, Los Angeles, CA 90013

This unassuming, counter-service standby is known for its hearty, deli-style sandwiches with an Italian flare. Indulge yourself with the spicy Mel’s Melt (Russak Roast Beef, Habanero, Jack Cheese, Horseradish, Pepper Spread, Dill Pickle). Or settle into the generous Mel’s Italian (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Capicola, Jamon, Soppressata, Provolone, Homemade Mustard). Other zesty choices include Prosciutto & Burrata (Prosciutto di Parma,  Burrata, Arugula Dressed, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar);  Caprese (House Made Pesto, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar), and Muffaletta (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Provolone, Olive Tapenade, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion). Delivery is available through these apps: Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar, Grubhub, Eat24, and ForkSpot.