Destroyer | Culver City, CA

LA food nerds, hang onto your butts. Something really exciting happened to the Brunchographers...

We ate at the same restaurant as Jonathan Gold. At the same exact time. At the very next table. Before he wrote his review.

Two things about this, before I tell you all about Destroyer. One, you know you’re on the cutting edge of restaurant choices when you wind up dining at the same restaurant as the infamous Pulitzer Prize-winning LA Times food critic that the internet loves to call simply, “J Gold.” Two, I’d like to tell you we didn’t geek out in front of him and bumble over our words, saying things like “it’s an honor… to… eat next to you.” Well, I actually can tell you that, because that embarrassing bit wasn’t so much a “we” thing as it was a “me” thing. Johnna kept her cool.  

Outdoor seating at Destroyer, Culver City, CA

It’s appropriate that Destroyer would be the place where we’d run into J Gold, because out of all our brunches in this town, this was certainly one of the most peculiar as well as one of the most delicious. I was tipped off early that this would be an unusual experience when I visited the futuristic, space-themed website featuring a video game which seems to pay homage to the Atari classic Asteroids (appropriate, as I read that the restaurant’s name refers to a meteor).

Destroyer is located in an unlikely part of Culver City: Hayden Tract, a quiet part of town with an industrial feel that shuts down on evenings and weekends when the tech companies and creative offices close up shop. And yet, Jordan Kahn, whose previous restaurant venture was the well-regarded (if controversial) Red Medicine, chose it as the home for his new breakfast-and-lunch-only café. Now, all those creative and tech geniuses can enjoy his masterful, creative, and inventive cuisine on their lunch breaks. Lucky.        

Inside Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Inside, the café is sparse and bright, light streaming through the huge industrial windows and bouncing around the stark white walls. The furnishings are sleek and minimal, and it’s evident that every item in the place was thoughtfully chosen. In a way, it feels like we’ve entered someone’s home kitchen: there are shelves full of preserved food and a big batch of creme fraîche fermenting in the sun, while Kahn and his team work in a beautiful open kitchen that looks like it leapt off the cover of a Scandinavian design magazine.

Jars upon jars of delicious things, Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Creme Fraiche in the making at Destroyer, Culver City, CA

I’ve heard that the menu here changes frequently, so in a way it makes sense that they’ve projected haiku-like descriptions of their food offerings onto one of the open white walls. Our brunching hour this day was close to noon, so our selections came from the lunch menu (but you know we’ll be back soon to sample their breakfast). Per our usual, we ordered a few items to share, which was a good move here as the dishes run on the small side.

baby lettuces, fresh cheese, pistachio, sprouted grains. Destroyer, Culver City, CA

First up was “baby lettuces, fresh cheese, pistachio, sprouted grains.” Out of all the dishes, this one looked most like it belonged in an art gallery rather than a cafe. Served in a beautiful matte pottery bowl with high walls, this salad looks a bit like a zen garden with fresh foraged greens peeking out the top of the bowl. You have to play a little hide-and-seek to get to the good stuff; beneath the lettuce garden lies the lusciously creamy fresh cheese sprinkled with crunchy pistachios.

baby potatoes, lemon, brown butter, lovage. Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Next was “baby potatoes, lemon, brown butter, lovage,” a bowl full of adorably tiny potatoes engulfed in a snowdrift of thick, creamy sauce, and dusted with a vibrant green powder (which I assumed to be lovage, though I admit I had to Google that). And beneath all that beauty, a flavorful brown butter sauce was waiting to harmoniously tie all the flavors together. I must say, these were such a treat.

Front: chicken confit, romaine, burnt onion, hazelnuts, yogurt. Destroyer, Culver City, CA

Our final pick was one of only two meat protein options on the menu that day: “chicken confit, romaine, burnt onion, hazelnuts, yogurt.” Again we played hide-and-seek with our lunch, this time the main event was concealed beneath perfect leaves of romaine and the delicate seaweed-like fronds of another green we weren’t familiar with. This chicken was decadent and remarkably flavorful (so much so that we were tempted to leap over the counter and ask Kahn just how they did it), and when paired with tangy yogurt, crunchy hazelnuts, and a drizzle of vinaigrette, it was perfection.

Almond Milk Cappuccino, Destroyer, Culver City, CA 

As I often do, I also sampled an almond milk cappuccino with my meal, which came in the coziest hand-thrown mug, which seemed to be made specifically for wrapping both your hands around it. The coffee was delicious, and complimented the meal nicely.

The only shame about Destroyer is that it's not open more often - as much as I'd like to take my husband here for dinner or plan a weekend brunch with friends, with Destroyer's limited hours, that's just not an option. But perhaps that's part of its charm; an elusiveness that makes it that much more special. If you can get to Destroyer during the week, go now. This food is expertly crafted, thoughtful, fun, and undeniably delicious, all at an accessible price point. For that one-hour break, Destroyer will transport you to a place where food meets art and expectations are challenged, and more importantly, where your usual lunch experience will be destroyed. 

Destroyer

3583 Hayden Ave
Culver City, CA 90232

Cafe Solar | Westchester, CA

There are certain pockets of LA that don’t quite feel like LA. You know what I mean: You’re walking along a perfectly average stretch of busy Los Angeles street. It’s covered in colorful graffiti and peppered with painfully hip boutiques, there’s a rainbow umbrella topping a silver cart full of fresh fruit, and the sun beats down mercilessly through the clouds of exhaust that are being kicked up from the four lanes of traffic whizzing by you. It gets kind of overwhelming, so you decide to turn a corner. And suddenly, you have no idea where you are. It’s like you’ve been transported to some little town in Europe, or maybe it’s more like a suburb on the East Coast. Westchester is kind of like the latter. 

In Westchester, the normal (read: not necessarily filthy rich) people have actual houses, with actual yards, and their kids ride their bikes in the street. They have block parties, they hang out at the community garden, and up until recently, most of their brunch choices have been chain restaurants (IHOP, anyone?). Luckily, there’s a new kid in town: Cafe Solar. 

Avocado Toast, Fruit Plate, and Detox Juice, Café Solar, Westchester, CA

Cafe Solar seems like exactly the thing that Westchester needed - an approachable, casual neighborhood hangout with just the right amount of hipster. What is the right amount of hipster, you may ask? I’d say enough to ensure the presence of good coffee and fresh pressed juices, rustic chic decor, and succulents on the tables - check, check, and check! They even have kombucha on tap, and the eggs they serve up are organic. The gorgeous blue tiled floors are an added bonus. At the same time, Cafe Solar in no way feels stuck up. It’s cozy, welcoming, and clean, and the staff members we chatted with were incredibly friendly.

I came here mid-morning on a weekday with a good friend and her young son - Cafe Solar is great about accommodating kids, by the way - and it was very quiet and open. The window seats with pillows are cozy, or you can choose to dine outside on their narrow patio. I hear there’s free wifi, too, so this would be a perfect place to work and have a nice cup of coffee.

Pumpkin Pancakes Special at Café Solar, Westchester, CA

The highlight of our dining experience was the pumpkin pancakes. After chatting with staff, we were informed that this seasonal special was not to be missed. They did not lie -  the pancakes were perfectly moist and flavorful, with ooey gooey chocolate chips inside and light whipped cream on top. This was the first time I’d seen bananas put on top of pumpkin pancakes, but let me just say that it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a pretty good thing. 

Pumpkin Pancakes Special, Café Solar, Westchester, CA

We also tried the avocado toast, which put a unique spin on the other avocado toasts we’ve seen around town lately. The thick slice of grilled rustic sourdough bread was covered with smashed avocado, then topped pickled onions, roasted corn, and scrambled eggs. The flavors were unexpected, but quite nice! We also enjoyed the fresh fruit plate with yogurt, a cup of their delicious coffee, and the “Detox” pressed juice. My friend swears that the potent juice kept her budding cold at bay. 

Avocado Toast, Café Solar, Westchester

Next time you’re in Westchester and you’re in the market for a comfortable, low-key place to enjoy all day breakfast, Cafe Solar is your answer! I’m looking forward to going back to sample some of their gorgeous pastries and tempting crepes.

Bottega Louie | Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Entering Bottega Louie in the Brockman Building on 7th and Grand feels a little bit like stepping through time and space. As you leave the busy Downtown LA street, the white and grey marble floors, bright white walls, golden accents, and shining pastry cases beckon you into a classic French patisserie. It’s kind of like you’ve just taken a trip to a Paris of yesteryear, but without the jetlag (or Owen Wilson for that matter).

Macaron case, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful floor at Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

Bottega Louie is a multi-dimensional operation: the front is a wonderland of treats; an upscale bakery and gourmet food shop, with fresh to-go meal offerings in a refrigerated case and fresh bread and pastries galore. And obviously, the veritable rainbow of handcrafted macarons, which taste even better than they look.

Rainbow of Macarons at Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

The pastry case, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous treats in the pastry case at Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

Past the bakery is the bar, perfectly in theme with the Parisian café feel. Here they mix up a charming list of classic cocktails, including one of my favorites, the French 75. Nothing quite says ‘fancy European brunch’ like a French 75.

The bar, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles

Just beyond the bar is the enormous restaurant. The space is gleaming: between the tall ceilings, polished marble floors, and the floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s flooded with an airy lightness. It’s also usually packed. Since opening in 2009, Bottega Louie has quickly become a Los Angeles institution. And, with its incredible number of Yelp reviews and its high standing on TripAdvisor, some would even call it a tourist attraction.

Inside Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

If you can focus amidst the high volume of the crowd and the constant buzz of waitstaff circling throughout the room, you’ll find that the menu offers a wide variety at brunch. The restaurant is actually Italian, but at brunch they serve a range of quintessential breakfast favorites accompanied by their classic pizzas, salads, and small plates.

The masters at work at the pizza oven, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

Luckily, we had a few extra ladies come along for weekend brunch, so we could order a nice variety of brunch treats. Ok, if you know us, you already know that we always order a variety, no matter how many people are there - but having a few more makes it feel a bit less sinful.

We started with the beignets, because every good brunch has a starter course. They were light, sweet, and a perfect treat to whet the appetite. 

The spread: (clockwise, from top left): Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Croque Madame, Eggs Benedict, Farmers Market Breakfast

For main courses, we ordered the lovely Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, the perfectly decadent Croque Madame, the all-time classic Eggs Benedict, and the hearty Farmers Market Breakfast.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes have become a modern breakfast staple; they seem to appear on almost as many LA brunch menus as avocado toast lately. And don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining - who would pass up a moist, fluffy, cheese-filled pancake? Bottega Louie's version did not disappoint, with just the right amount of lemony tang, creamy density, and simple sweetness. The blueberries were a nice touch, too. 

Croque Madame, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

The Croque Madame felt like a nostalgic nod to a meal at a Parisian café. Topped with a perfectly cooked egg and oozing with gooey cheese, it was definitely a crowd pleaser. 

Eggs Benedict, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

Brunch and Eggs Benedict are essentially synonymous, so luckily Bottega Louie had us covered there. Theirs is a solid version of this classic dish; the crispy Canadian bacon and expertly poached eggs were smothered with a rich, velvety hollandaise sauce. 

Farmers Market Breakfast, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

To me, a perfect brunch really tiptoes the line between breakfast and brunch, incorporating elements of each. The Farmers Market Breakfast did that perfectly, offering up a hearty bowl of veggies and potatoes, and topping it off with some poached eggs. The feta cheese added a tangy sharpness that brought it all together. 

So much brunchy goodness, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 

To end our brunch-venture, we of course couldn't help but stop by the bakery for some macarons. With so many tempting flavors, narrowing it down to five was actually difficult - but don't worry, you can always get a box of 13, 28, or 45 if you're having trouble choosing. 

Macaron choices (after some great deliberation), Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Each macaron we tasted was truly exceptional. The crispness of the cookie paired with the rich, luscious, and flavorful fillings created a heavenly dessert experience! And did I mention the gorgeous packaging? It's like they were wrapped up for a princess. Honestly, these treats alone made it worth the trip to DTLA.

Gorgeously packaged macarons, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

With so much variety, it felt like we only sampled a small slice of Bottega Louie's offerings. If only we'd had more room to taste all those other beautiful desserts... Or sample the beautiful breads, tempting chocolates, or beautifully packaged jams. I guess we have an excuse to come back!

Breads, cupcakes, muffins, and croissants, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Beautifully packaged gifts, Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

At the end of the day, what makes this place so memorable is its charm. It oozes luxury and specialness, with each tiny, thoughtful detail adding up to a perfectly elegant experience. It's no wonder it's become a tourist destination! 

Bottega Louie, 700 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90017

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe | Santa Monica, CA

Yes, there’s a line out the door. No, that didn’t scare us away!

Fear not, fellow line-o-phobes. The line at Huckleberry in Santa Monica moves quickly, and you’re going to need a little bit of time to sort out your fomo issues from the tempting menu anyway. This place has the brunch operation streamlined beautifully – as soon as your order is placed, the staff is working to help you find a perfect table.

The décor is bright and airy with hints of vintage nostalgia in the form of chalkboard menus, mason jar water glasses, classic leafy wallpaper, and old family photos on the walls (cue ukulele music). There are vibrant little succulents in tiny red pots lining the center of the communal table, offering another pop of color to offset those golden yellow egg yolks you ordered.

Huckleberry’s menu offers brunch classics but presents them in unique and flavorful ways. We especially loved the bright, crunchy, and satisfying Caesar Salad with Mary’s Chicken, which paired well with the classic Fried Egg Sandwich on country toast. As a decadent treat, we shared the bread pudding in all its rich, caramelly, creamy glory.

The drink menu is robust and tempting, as well. In fact, Huckleberry gets that rare special star for homemade almond milk! The addition of dates added a welcome touch of sweetness to our iced lattes.

Huckleberry is a charming spot that lives up to the hype with flavorful food and well-crafted coffee. It’s definitely worth a visit, even on a busy weekend!

Akasha Café | Culver City, CA

To begin our brunchventures, we bring you to one of our very favorite spots, Akasha Café.

clockwise from left: two eggs, side of fruit, almond milk cappuccino, iced coffee, breakfast sandwich, avocado toast

It feels like a fitting place to start, as it’s our classic choice, and the place where we first started brunching together. Ok, ok, technically we weren’t brunching, we were breakfasting. But that’s a minor detail I feel we can overlook. It all started with our coworker, actually, who invited three of us to meet for breakfast before work. The whole idea sounded pretty novel – most people “do lunch” these days, but you don’t often get an invitation to “do breakfast.” It feels special. There’s good coffee. There’s awesome food. And, once you get to work, you feel like you’ve got a leg up on everyone else because you’ve already done so much before actually sitting down at your desk.

We liked this little ritual so much, we started having breakfast together monthly, almost always at Akasha. Akasha was the perfect spot for our little Breakfast Club for many reasons, including of course the sweet discount they offer to employees of our company. But most of all, the food and drink.

pour over coffee

Let’s start with the coffee. It’s Intelligentsia, one of my favorites. Yes it’s a wallet-buster to brew it at home, and maybe that fact makes it taste that much richer (yeah). Here at Akasha, they offer pour-over coffee in several varietals (usually 3-4 options, including a decaf option) as well as a wide variety of espresso drinks. I waffle between the pour-over and the cappuccino made with almond milk. Did I tell you about how much I love this almond milk? They make it in house. Have you had homemade almond milk? It’s not at all the same as the boxed stuff. It’s 100% better. It’s smooth and luscious with the most lovely and delicate flavor, and it’s delicious hot or cold. It foams beautifully (don’t get me started on the myth that almond milk doesn’t foam) and it doesn’t overwhelm the flavor of the coffee. Why can’t all almond milk taste like this? I’m not sure, but I assume it has to do with shelf life. Anyway, it’s a rare and blissful little treat and if you’re a fan of nut milks, I recommend you treat yourself to a latte at Akasha toot sweet.

almond milk cappuccino 

On to the food. We come here a lot and we’ve tried almost everything. In fact, I can tell you about the menu without looking it up right now. Is that sad? I don’t care.

My stand by is the three-egg scramble. Endlessly customizable (ok, not endlessly, but you have several options), this hearty breakfast will suit almost everyone. I usually go for kale and mushrooms, and if I’m feeling rebellious, some cheese. On the side you can have multigrain toast or greens – if you’re not as obsessed with leafy greens as I am, you’ll love the toast. They’re both great. In fact sometimes I order both. I have an appetite, ok?

Johnna and the boys like the breakfast wrap or the breakfast sandwich. They’re a smidge similar in terms of flavor, but we’re not complaining. They have a kick from this delicious spicy basil mayo and a nice freshness from the arugula and tomato. If you’re lucky the egg will be really runny and get everywhere. You’ll need a few extra napkins but it’ll be worth the embarrassment of having egg yolk all over your face. Trust us.

breakfast sandwich

If you’re into a sweeter breakfast, the acai bowl is a really nice choice. With homemade granola you really can’t go wrong. Or, if pastries are your thing, you’ll be happy here too. On display are gorgeous croissants, muffins, and breads, all made in house daily with organic ingredients. Oh, and the cookies! There’s one with hemp seeds, which sounds weird, but is SO good.

A new and delicious item on the menu this summer is the avocado toast. I know what you’re thinking… really? More avocado toast? I hear you. We laughed a bit at first too. But this is not your run-of-the-mill avocado toast. Nor is it your over-done-can’t-taste-the-avocado-because-there’s-too-much-other-sh*t-on-it avocado toast. It’s a perfect meeting in the middle with flavorful bread, crisp radish slices, and a very welcome squeeze of lemon. Not fussy. Really pretty; just right.

avocado toast

Some other things in Akasha’s favor include:

1. Use of sustainable and local ingredients. Folks, full disclosure, we’re pretty predictable for LA girls in our age group - we care about where our food comes from and are somewhat health conscious (read: we don’t have donuts EVERY day, just SOME days). So we get excited when a restaurant cares where they source their produce, and especially their proteins.

2. Dining options. Akasha’s space is mostly used for the restaurant and bar, which is an upscale spot for lunch and dinner, and even brunch on weekdays. They have a great wine list, top-notch service, and fantastic gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options (the house-made vegan ice cream is unreal). We love visiting the restaurant for date night or for entertaining out-of-town guests (between chef Akasha Richmond’s days as a personal chef to the stars and the occasional celeb sighting, they love it).  Meanwhile, the café side offers a more casual and budget-friendly option for breakfast and lunch. If you come for lunch, try the Wild Planet Tuna Sandwich. Soooo good.

3. Gorgeous space. Akasha resides in a beautiful historic brick building in the middle of the very walkable downtown Culver City. Also, fun fact: the building was actually used as Flynn's arcade in Tron. They have outdoor patio seating, but we prefer the vibe indoors – it’s really comfortable and has an industrial feel.

Finally, one of the most important LA details – parking. We suggest parking in the garage just north of the restaurant. It’s very convenient and affordable.

our awesome spread. 

So did we sell you on Akasha? Are you going to check it out? You really should! You’ll like it. We sure do!