Besha RodellSpring has sprung in Los Angeles, quite suddenly as a matter of fact, which means you now have reason to get out of bed on a Sunday and go do something rather than huddling under the covers all day. Spring is brunch season, and a bunch of restaurants have launched brunch service just in time. Here are five new brunches in Los Angeles to try this weekend, including one that'll get you started early.
Lucky Charmer cocktail at Nighthawk Breakfast Bar; Credit: Courtesy Nighthawk Breakfast Bar
Nighthawk Breakfast Bar, which has staked its reputation on the concept of serving breakfast for dinner, is launching Friday brunch as of today. Friday brunch will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will include some new menu items, such as a biscuit bao with braised pork belly, and a farro and tofu scramble dubbed the “super bowl.” The restaurant also is adding some large-format cocktails meant for sharing. Because the launch is happening on St. Patrick's Day, today Nighthawk is offering the Lucky Charmer cocktail, pictured above. It's Lucky Charms cereal with milk, spiked with booze. Good luck with that. 417 Washington Blvd., Venice; (424) 835-4556, nighthawkrestaurants.com.
AR Cucina recently started serving brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. The lengthy, Italian-leaning menu includes polenta cake with short-rib ragu and poached eggs, and porchetta hash with 'nduja, fingerling potatoes and ciabatta. There's also a new brunch cocktail menu. 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City; (310) 558-8800, arcucina.com.
Bread pudding french toast with pink peppercorn cream, gooseberry and passionfruit at Baran's 2239; Credit: Localite LA
Baran’s 2239 began serving brunch a couple of weeks ago. The well-reviewed restaurant in Hermosa Beach continues its theme of international mashups with dishes such as a Japanese omelette with dirty rice, yuzu and a soy chili gastrique; and chilaquiles with mole and duck confit. Brunch at Baran's runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 502 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa Beach; (424) 247-8468, barans2239.com.
The Doheny Room launched brunch last week, and will be serving it from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays from here on out. Chef Danny Elmaleh is serving creative international brunch dishes, including kimchi fried rice, vegetable shakshouka, and fried chicken with biscuits. There's also a special brunch cocktail list. 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; (424) 777-0266, dohenyroom.com.
House smoked salmon at Water Grill; Credit: Alan de Herrera
The Water Grill downtown is now serving brunch, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include lemon ricotta pancakes, crab benedict and house-smoked salmon with bagels and cream cheese (pictured). 544 S. Grand Ave., downtown; (213) 891-0900, watergrill.com.
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