Where you’re brunching in 2019

With a new year comes our same obsessive quest for the best spot to drink before 10 AM without judgement. And I’ve got 5 brand new brunches all hoping you’ll think they’re the best brunch of 2019.

40 Love (West Hollywood)

Tennis anyone?

If you’re looking for a totally Hollywood sports bar, then 40 Love is the place for you! Brought to you by The h.wood Group CoFounders John Terzian & Brian Toll, its the kind of space where games are on in every corner, but even the most avid sports fan is still checking out who’s coming in the door. Also while they might have football games booming out of the speakers, the commercials are replaced with the sounds of the Red Hot Chili Peppers 🙂

The Brunch Menu is extremely affordable, which leaves a little left over for those $15 killer cocktails that really brought you in the door. My menu musts from Chef Lord Maynard Llera kick off with the Brunch Pizzette with herbed potatoes, fontina, Nueske’s bacon, scallions, and a sunny-side up egg ($14).

Also finger licking good is the Fried Egg Sandwich which owes it’s greatness to a garlic aioli on that toasty egg, arugula, cheese combo ($12).

Getting thirsty yet? The massive Specialty Cocktail list by Bar Director Justin Campbell features the popular JoJo (from Harriet’s Rooftop) alongside newcomers like the Degrassy made with Virginia black whiskey, cynar, lemongrass tincture, and angostura bitters. Then again you can always go with a Spicy Bloody Mary, but at a place like this it’s best to go with something from the book.

End on a sweet note with a Sticky Bun made with brioche, walnuts, golden raisins, orange, and brown sugar caramel ($7). After all brunching is hard work!

Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM-2 PM.

Atrium (Los Feliz)

Atrium  in Los Feliz popped up November of 2018 and wants to be your melting pot patio! From the team behind Kettle Black and Sawyer, you can expect another stunning dining room with that delectable indoor/outdoor feel.

The greenhouse style restaurant serves a menu with flavors of Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Thai, Armenian, and Middle Eastern food crafted by Chefs Hunter Pritchett and Pastry Chef Gregory Baumgartner.

Menu highlights include the Smashed Avocado Focaccia with pistachio zhoug, radish, furikake, olive oil, and two poached eggs or a Green Pozole Bowl with poached eggs, pickled onion, radish and crispy tortillas.

On the sweet side it’s all about the refreshing tastes of a Milk Chocolate, Honey Tangerine Sorbet, with brown butter caramel, candied kumquats, mint moss, and meringue.

Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM-3 PM. 

Luigi al Teatro (Santa Monica)

If you demand Michelin starred dining for brunch, look no further than Luigi al Teatro for one of the best brunches of 2019. Enter the theater of Chef Luigi Fineo from Puglia who performs magic under the frescoes of a 100 year old theater in Santa Monica.

While generally known for dinner, the brunch menu features a dazzling array of Toasts such as a Smoked Salmon with crème fraîche ($12); Sandwiches; and my personal favorite, the Pastas!

They have 4 on the menu and all under $12! The Bucatini served with soft poached egg and prosciutto ($12) might be my favorite although the Tagliatelle with basil, pesto, and parmesan ($10) was certainly a close second.

Traditional cocktails like Bellinis ($9) and Bloody Marys ($12) are all available, but the wines from Chef Luigi Fineo‘s own label can do no wrong as the light shines through the retractable roof.

Tocaya Organica (Playa Vista)

Looking for a little fun with fido? Head to Tocaya Organica THIS WEEKEND for a special Mutts & Mimosas event in partnership with Wags & Walks.

Taking place Saturday, January 12^th from 11am-2pm, the Playa Vista location will be hosting puppy adoptions along with your Mimosas and Kombucha Cocktails! Dogs more than welcome 🙂

Tesse (West Hollywood)

Another Michelin starred meal for you! Tesse Restaurant in West Hollywood from culinary duo Chef Raphael Francois, and Pastry Chef-Partner Sally Camacho Mueller have launched a brunch menu!

This European style restaurant is adding a “French Twist” to your mid-mornings with dishes like Waffles Like Home with vanilla chantilly and strawberry marmalade ($16), and the Frenchy Pizza, which are grilled crepes, topped with ricotta and marinated tomatoes ($22). 

Be sure to save room for the signature Duck Egg Crème Brûleé with muscovado and fresh market berries and some sips from the Nick Meyer and Julian Cox hand-crafted cocktail menu. 

Drip Club with vodka, coffee, and more coffee anyone ($13).