Honey Hi | Echo Park, CA

It's common knowledge that just about everyone in Los Angeles is on a restricted diet of some sort - low carb, high carb, paleo, gluten free, vegan, raw vegan, fruitarian, you name it. Perhaps it's the fault of our year-long summer weather; with beach season extending into February, there can be no packing on of the winter pounds. Or perhaps it's that this place attracts dreamers; starry-eyed upstarts searching for their "best life" - whether that's a high-powered career, a glamorous social life, or simply "healing the gut." No matter the reason, we've all caught the fever at one point or another, and it's rare to have a meal out with friends and not encounter a dietary restriction or two. 

With demand comes supply, and Los Angeles is in no short supply of restaurants that cater to our dietary quirks. Even LAX is home to a fast-food version of Real Food Daily, one of LA's first and most popular vegan restaurants. The trick is not to find a restaurant that will cater to your latest diet, but to find one that will also provide you with something dazzling and unexpected. Because you, too - you primal, plant-and-meat-eating-goddess, you - deserve to indulge in something delicious and nourishing. So get your athleisure-clad butt over to Honey Hi on the double. 

Founded by best friends Kacie Carter and Caitlyn Sullivan, Honey Hi is a celebration of Los Angeles' healthy-eating culture. The inviting little cafe in Echo Park looks like it was plucked directly from your Instagram feed, done up in peachy pink hues with splashes of marble and wood, with pops of color from vibrant orange painted chairs and your table-neighbor's neon "pink drink" smoothie. The menu is awash with terms familiar only to the yoga set; items like "chayawanaprash & grilled stone fruit toast" and "medicinal shroom dandy 'coffee'" can make even the most seasoned cook's brow furrow. Let's not even delve into the drink add-on list - it may conjure memories of that high school vocabulary pop quiz you failed after a month-long absence with mono. 

Yoga Jones buzz words aside, Honey Hi's menu is downright friendly. Carter and Sullivan strive for what they call "radical inclusivity," offering options for just about every dietary preference and constraint. Many dishes are inspired by foods the pair make at home for themselves, and with their shared passion for nutrition and eating for wellness, the result is a robust list of healthy, nourishing meals and satisfying snacks. Their kitchen is intrinsically gluten-free, serving a variety of toasts and sandwiches that feature the rarest of birds, gluten-free sourdough bread. The meats and eggs are exclusively organic, and are sourced with sustainability and humane practices in mind. And because this team is cooking for their customers like they cook for themselves, everything is free of refined sugars, GMOs, and harmful vegetable oils - so seriously, even that friend who orders only a glass of water when you go out to lunch can eat here. 

When we popped in on a recent weekday morning for brunch, Honey Hi was active but not packed, with plenty of free tables between the groups of predictably hip, well-dressed East-siders. Some were discussing creative businesses over cold brew coffee, others were sharing brightly-colored smoothies with their curious two-year-olds. Forever on a mission to sample as much of a variety as we could, we ordered a cross-section of the menu: a sweet yogurt parfait, a toast, a hearty bowl, and an iced coffee. 

The cold brew coffee came first, served with a splash of house-made almond milk. It was strong and robust, as high on the caffeine scale as a good cold brew should be, and smooth in flavor. Next was the cashew yogurt parfait, made with probiotic cashew yogurt from a small business called Blode Küh that you may recognize from local farmers markets. While it's not a dead ringer for yogurt made with cow's milk, some would argue that it's better - the cashew base offers a dense creaminess that is both satisfying and rich. Honey Hi's grain-free granola is packed with nuts and seeds, and is therefore intensely satisfying.  Seasonal berries round out the dish with a burst of freshness and bright flavor. 

The sweet potato and avocado toast is a fun, flavorful twist on L.A.'s signature breakfast, piled high with lemony mashed avocado, soft and spicy roasted sweet potatoes, tangy pickled onions, and fragrant herbs. That gluten-free sourdough toast is pretty darn satisfying as well; good enough to evoke euphoria in any bread-starved, celiac-afflicted individual.  

Finally, the breakfast bowl - a melange of ultra-satisfying-yet-actually-healthy breakfasty foods that is without a doubt the correct way to start your day. It begins with a layer of savory sweet potato hash, topped with a generous helping of crispy Niman Ranch uncured bacon, a bright yellow pastured egg poached in turmeric, and a heap of delicately dressed fresh local greens. A perfect crisp radish is placed like a cherry on the top, alongside creamy avocado and a dusting of herbs and spices. It's the type of thing you want to wake up to every morning, if only you lived just a little closer to Echo Park. 

As a food lover in Los Angeles, it can be difficult to find balance amidst an abundance of exquisite, decadent, indulgent cuisine. Fortunately, cleaning up your dietary act no longer means giving up on inventive and exciting food - with places like Honey Hi on the scene, we can have our cake (or grain-free chocolate chip cookie) and eat it too. 

Honey Hi
1620 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Baran's 2239 | Hermosa Beach, CA

One of the many unexpected quirks of Los Angeles is its penchant for strip malls. They're everywhere here; small ones and large ones, sometimes double-decker, usually U- or L-shaped, and always equipped with an inadequate amount of parking spaces. Sometimes, they hold the types of businesses you'd expect - dry cleaners, small bank branches, coffee shops - and then other times, they're home to some of the finest restaurants in the city. It remains a surprise to find out that the restaurant you've heard so much about is actually tucked in between a foot spa and a smoke shop, but this is not unheard of in Los Angeles, so you roll with it. And when you roll into Baran's 2239, you'll be glad you did. 

Its space is tiny - surprisingly so; it's a narrow room lined with tufted banquettes, with a long community table down the center. There’s a short bar at the back, where the regulars gather to nosh and chat with the staff. Its style is part gastropub, part industrial-chic, with a mirrored wall to reflect the light coming in from the large windows at the front. During the day, the vibe here is calm and mellow, and at night (when reservations are required, no matter the day of the week), it is warm and alive with conversation. The food that comes out of the kitchen in back is unexpected, creative, brave. This is a neighborhood joint at heart, but there is a strong point of view and a sense of élan that you might not expect. 

If you were to peek behind the swinging door to the kitchen, you'd find that Baran's 2239 is in many ways a family affair. Brothers Jonathan and Jason Baran named their first restaurant venture in honor of their family's historic restaurant, The Brotherton Farmhouse, which operated for fifty years at 2239 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. Meanwhile, Chef Tyler Gugliotta, an old friend of the Baran brothers and a South Bay native, sources much of his produce from Weiser Family Farms, owned by his aunt and uncle. It all adds up to a comfortable, familiar feeling when you walk in the door, and it's probably part of what makes Baran's 2239 so popular with the locals. 

Brunch is a new venture for the Baran's team, and when we visited on a recent Saturday morning, it seemed that word had not yet gotten out - though with such a tempting menu, it's bound to catch on fast. There are options for both a healthy, vegetable-centered brunch or a more sinful, decadent one, and of course, plenty of beers and cocktails if it's a boozy brunch you're after. We aimed for balance when we ordered - a straight shot through the middle with a mix of sweet and salty, heavy and light. It was just right. 

We started with a Daily Donut - a house-made donut with seasonally rotating flavor options. Ours was a chocolate coconut donut, filled with a luscious coconut mousse and topped with crunchy toasted coconut shavings. We loved the texture of the donut - it was denser than most, and able to stand up to the substantial toppings and filling. This was such a perfect way to start the meal - fun, flavorful, and surprisingly not too sweet. 

Next, we opted to try the granola with honey pepper yogurt, faro, and market fruit. The faro granola was super crunchy and had a satisfying hint of saltiness, which played nicely off the fresh fruit. Our favorite part of this dish was the honey pepper yogurt - it was creamy, savory, and sweet all at once, and not at all what you'd expect yogurt to taste like.  

With summer in full swing, California produce is at its peak, which means we're craving big, fresh salads all the time - so we couldn't resist ordering the Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, which featured dates, pistachios, and a preserved lemon vinaigrette. The dressing was reminiscent of a Japanese Yuzu dressing, and it provided a nice tanginess to compliment the sweet dates. This is a simple, satisfying, refreshing dish that makes a great contrast to any heartier brunch dishes you might be indulging in. 

Finally, we ordered the Smoked Belly Hash, with potatoes, pepper relish, and sunny side up eggs - a standout dish. The potatoes were melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and paired perfectly with the smoky pork belly and the delicious runny eggs. We loved the slightly spicy sauce, which felt like a lively, uplifting way to round out such a rich and hearty dish. 

Baran's 2239 feels like a hidden gem, a burst of vitality in a sleepy little strip mall in a part of town you wouldn't expect. It's delicious, creative, and yet somehow comfortable - we can't wait to come back and see what they come up with next! 

Baran's 2239
502 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Tribal Café | Los Angeles, CA

It's probably obvious by now we really enjoy brunch foods. But while our favorite decadent treats like pancakes, waffles, fried eggs, and bacon are a lot of fun for our taste buds, they’re probably less fun for the rest of our bodies. So when we can find a way to sneak in some healthy brunch that tastes just as good as the naughty stuff, we’re happy campers. 

Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

Inside Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

We recently found just that - healthy brunch food that also happens to be delicious - just off the 101 Freeway in Downtown Los Angeles. Open in its somewhat unlikely location for over ten years, Tribal Café is a charming little health food oasis. Good health, a supportive community, and creative collaboration are at the core of what makes Tribal so special; philosophies upheld by the restaurant’s lively founder, Josh Jose. Josh’s enthusiasm for health food is contagious; just a few minutes discussing vegetables with him will have you feeling excited about eating cabbage, kale, and beets. It’s no wonder the restaurant has formed its own little neighborhood tribe - it feels like there's an ever-present group of friendly creative-types meeting here over green juices to discuss their latest ventures and what’s going on in their community.

Filipino Adobo Breakfast Bowl at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

Inside Filipino Adobo Breakfast Bowl at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

In his efforts to bring “healthy food to the masses,” Josh hopes not just to provide healthful alternatives to underserved communities through the food served in his cafe, but also aims to educate his customers so that they can make good nutrition choices in their daily lives. In fact, he recently taught some of his customers how to make green smoothies at home, so they could save a few bucks while still enjoying the nutritional benefits offered by the concoctions. Josh joked with us that teaching your customers to make their own version of your product may not be the most sound business practice, but it's clear that it's that sort of commitment and enthusiasm that has strengthened Tribal Café's customer loyalty. 

Mushroom Veggie Burger and Filipino Adobo Breakfast Bowl at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

The menu at Tribal is sprawling (literally), covering an entire wall with options ranging from açaí bowls, juices, and smoothies to paninis, salads, and grain bowls, with tempting options for vegans and meat-eaters alike. As difficult as it was to narrow down our options on our recent visit, we opted for smoothies, the Filipino Adobo Breakfast Bowl, and the Mushroom Veggie Burger. 

Super Alkaline Smoothie at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

The green smoothies at Tribal are what you could call super-charged - there are so many veggies packed into each one, it’s difficult to keep track. Each smoothie starts with a base of leafy greens, mixed veggies, and fruits, then is customized with added ingredients. The added ingredients in our “Super Alkaline” smoothie were ginger, avocado, strawberry, and pineapple. This was refreshing and energizing - and filling enough to be a meal in itself!

Filipino Adobo Breakfast Bowl at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

Next up was the Filipino Adobo Breakfast Bowl, a Tribal Café favorite. This beautiful bowl was packed with garlic brown rice, sweet potatoes, peanuts, pickled carrots, cilantro, apples, and breakfast potatoes, and was topped with a perfectly poached egg. The avocado is optional, but was a really delightful addition (but really, when is avocado not a delightful addition?). To add a little bit more zip, the bowl was also served with adobo sauce and salsa roja. We loved how hearty and satisfying this bowl was; it was like everything you’d want in your breakfast bowl, and then a little something extra. 

Filipino Adobo Breakfast Bowl at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

Mushroom Veggie Burger at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

Finally, there was the Mushroom Veggie Burger special, stacked high with cheese and a rainbow of veggies. We loved the flavorful homemade patty, made with grilled mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, and millet. This dish felt the most like an indulgence out of the group, but with all the fresh, whole food ingredients, it also felt like a responsible one. 

Mushroom Veggie Burger at Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

Apart from its delicious, healthy fare, what is most impressive about Tribal is the warm sense of community that surrounds it. Josh and his staff are kind and welcoming, eager to sit down and chat with you about food, health, and creativity. At Tribal, you will find not just food that nourishes your body, but an atmosphere of kindness and generosity that will nourish your spirit. 

Tribal Café, Los Angeles, CA

Tribal Café
1651 West Temple St.  
Los Angeles, CA 90026

The Rockefeller | Manhattan Beach, CA

Every summer, residents of East Coast inland towns participate in a mass migration to the water. Packed minivans arrive in droves to little beach towns along the coast, their inhabitants eager to embrace the simple pleasures of summer vacation. The little towns are quaint but lively; people in bathing suits ride bicycles to the corner store to pick up some sunscreen, dinner is a shared Mac & Manco’s pizza eaten straight from the box on the boardwalk, and each day ends with a big, melty ice cream cone. Kids play past their bedtimes and parents laugh together over cold beers on the porch. Here, it’s all about fun, food, and family. 

The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

In Los Angeles, summer isn’t as much of an event. It’s really not so different than any other time of year; the only sure identifiers of summer are thick layers of June Gloom clouds and marginally improved traffic flow once school lets out. But a nostalgic East-Coaster is not without hope; that small beach town magic can be found here if you know where to look - a great place to start is Manhattan Beach. A day spent here can recall that slow, relaxed feelings of summers past - meander through the boutiques and shops, play a game of volleyball on the sand, wander down to the end of the pier, grab a cone at Manhattan Beach Creamery, and of course, indulge in some delicious brunch. You’ll be in summer vacation mode before you know it. 

Inside The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Mimosas at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

On that leisurely stroll through Manhattan Beach's charming downtown area, you may stumble upon The Rockefeller, a lively, modern-industrial gastropub on Highland Avenue which will undoubtedly be packed with happy diners sharing a laugh over a round of technicolor mimosas. Huge open windows allow the gastropub's festive atmosphere to spill out onto the sidewalk, offering passersby a taste of all the fun they could be having - and a glimpse at the ever-so-tempting plates of delicious food. To further seal the deal, the Rockefeller serves brunch not just two days a week, but three. That's right, you can indulge in bottomless mimosas on a Friday. If that doesn't scream summer vacation, I don't know what does. 

Guava Mimosas at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller's brunch menu is broad and eclectic, offering modern takes on brunch classics to Mexican-inspired breakfast fare and creative, vacation-worthy seafood dishes. And of course, plenty of indulgent bar food to pair with the alcohol you're bound to indulge in. Speaking of alcohol, during brunch, there's a rainbow of bottomless mimosas at your fingertips: with flavors like guava, watermelon, peach, and classic orange, you can sip your fizzy cocktail all brunch long and never get bored (drunk, yes, but bored, no). 

Donut Holes at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Our recent brunch began with a little something to nosh on - when we visited, the sweet starter of choice was a perfect share-sized portion of donut holes. They were crisp and deep golden brown on the outside, soft and piping-hot on the inside, and just sweet enough that they paired perfectly with a bit of brightly flavored raspberry jam dipping sauce. With a very recent menu update, the donut holes were replaced by a shiny-new menu item: house-made butternut beignets with caramel sauce. If the donut holes were any indication, these folks can make a good donut, and those beignets are probably wonderful (don't worry, we'll be back ASAP to try those, too). 

Donut Holes at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chilaquiles and Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

For entrees, we were feeling the call of the Mexican-inspired dishes, so we opted for Chilaquiles and the Chicken & Avocado Burrito. The Chilaquiles came loaded with sauce and toppings, the chips were saturated in creamy, spicy sauce and the egg was perfectly soft and yolky. The chorizo added a nice spicy kick that was balanced out by the lime crema and cheese. 

Chilaquiles at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

We opted to have the Chicken & Avocado Burrito served wet (which is the correct choice, because why on earth wouldn't you want your burrito smothered in tangy, flavorful sauce and melted cheese?). Inside, it was stuffed with scrambled egg whites, chicken chorizo, black beans, avocado, and bell peppers. Both the burrito and the Chilaquiles were rich and delicious, and would satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Chicken & Avocado Burrito at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Chicken & Avocado Burrito, Chilaquiles, and French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

A classic French toast was next on the roster: eggy brioche bread and macerated berries dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled in maple syrup. This was a spot-on version of a quintessential brunch dish that was pleasing on both the eyes and the palate. And hey, there's some fruit on it, so it's at least a little bit healthy, right? 

French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

French Toast at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

Rainbow of Mimosas at at The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The food at The Rockefeller is sure to please no matter what you choose (and for the record, next time we're planning to try that lobster-stuffed avocado), and its lively and welcoming atmosphere will lull you into a state of summertime bliss. So grab your friends or family, kick back with a cocktail, and take in that cool ocean air - you deserve a vacation. 

The Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Rockefeller
1209 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Momed | Beverly Hills, CA

Los Angeles is undeniably a cultural melting pot; a place that welcomes people from all over the world with open arms, asking one small gesture in return - that they share their culinary traditions with the hordes of hungry Angelenos. As a result, the city is bursting with eateries serving up delicious food from just about every culture imaginable, each placed haphazardly beside the next. On a short walk down Venice Boulevard in Culver City, you will pass a Himalayan restaurant, a taco stand, an Indian grocery, a Brazilian barbecue, and a Filipino deli (not to mention a whole slew of Thai take-out joints). And with all this incredible variety in a city that takes its breakfast and brunch very seriously, you'd think we'd be eating brunch around the world just about every weekend - but unfortunately, finding such a thing is few and far between. Luckily, if a mini-trip to the Mediterranean is what you're in the mood for, Momed's got you covered. 

Inside at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Desserts at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Offering a modern take on foods from the Levant region, Momed is perhaps best known for its amazing duck shawarma, a dish that has been praised by food critics and Yelpers alike. But on weekends, the beautiful, minimal restaurant with locations in Beverly Hills and Atwater Village serves up its delicious Mediterranean fare with a brunchy twist. On the menu you'll find dishes ranging from the traditional (Turkish pide flatbreads) to the creative (Hangover Meatballs) - not to mention some delicious cocktails. 

Med Breeze Cocktail at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Brunch Mezze at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate with Eggplant Ikra, Avocado Hummus, and Muhammara at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

On a recent lazy Saturday, we took advantage of the beautiful L.A. weather and set up camp on the cozy outdoor patio at Momed's Beverly Hills location (which is thankfully just far enough South to be safe from the busloads of tourists). We started with cocktails - a blood orange mimosa and a "Med Breeze," made with elderflower, prosecco, and lemon - and a generous spread of mezze to start. First, the Momed Plate, with avocado hummus, muhammara, and eggplant ikra, all delicious and acceptable for my dairy-allergic husband. With the spreads came a basket full of pita bread, piping hot and fresh from the oven. Then, the Momo Chips: thick-cut slices of potato lightly fried and served with garlic aioli. These are a must-try, and are also delicious when paired with the dips. (Pro tip: be sure to check Yelp if you come by - when we visited, the Momo Chips were free with a simple check-in.) 

Momed Plate and Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide and Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

For main dishes, our table sampled two large plates and a pide. The Short Rib Fricassée was a hearty bowl of goodness, with braised short rib, roasted fingerling potatoes, smoked cheddar, arugula, sunny side up eggs, and toasted ciabatta. It was delicious and incredibly satisfying, though certainly on the rich side - it's not for the faint of heart. 

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Hangover Meatballs at Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Because we couldn't resist, we also went for the Hangover Meatballs - Greek-style lamb meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce with poached eggs, micro greens, and chopped dates. This was another hearty, stick-to-your ribs sort of dish, that would leave even those with the healthiest of appetites satisfied. We loved the unexpected addition of chopped dates - that little hint of sweetness complimented the savory flavors perfectly. 

Hangover Meatballs at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide, at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Finally, we ordered a pide - a Turkish flatbread that is one of my favorite breakfast treats. It's like a football-shaped pizza, but with a slightly fluffier dough, spread with a variety of fillings. We opted for the fig and arugula pide, which was spread generously with akawi cheese and caramelized onions, and was sprinkled with dukkah and balsamic vinegar. While we enjoyed the salty and sweet flavor combination, it was the bread itself that was the star of the show - it's made fresh in-house, is crispy on the edges, soft on the inside, and oh-so-delicious. 

Fig and Arugula Pide at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Los Angeles' brunch scene is dominated by American classics - which, while delicious, can become repetitive over time (just how many slices of avocado toast can one Angeleno really enjoy?). So, on days when a plain ol' stack of pancakes just won't fit the bill, it's refreshing to find spots like Momed that are mixing things up and offering tastes of other regions. We can't wait to come back to try that Duck Shawarma, and a few pieces of baklava, too. 

Appreciating the graphic design at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Outside Momed, Beverly HIlls, CA - Brunchographers

Momed
233 S Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90212