Hollywood restaurants

A New Favorite American Export: The Breakfast Club

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) The friendly American restaurant export of themed restaurants is becoming as popular as hamburgers and hot dogs. One of the newest in the category that is gaining popularity is the all-day (and night) breakfast. Breakfast, including dinner-style dishes, is served in lively The Breakfast Club in Hollywood from 8 in the morning to 11 at night, along with cocktails, wine and desserts to go with it. 

Excellent, boldly flavored, colorful – if often sweet- classics and whimsical, cocktails (from a full bar to please with Illegal Mezcal) speak for themselves at the new, upbeat full bar.

A toast to the folks, and to our fabulous Russian server Alexis here at Breakfast Club LA, who bring us the latest in themed dining, America’s contribution to the restaurant works. It does feel like “a club.”Smart, quick service – our server Alexis steered us to our favorite here. 

Smart server, Ales, at the new The Breakfast Club i

Shrimp + Grits has just the right kick of tobasco to offset perfectly creamy grits with honey butter. And the kitchen knew how tío scale the Chicken + Waffle platter down for two in the PANCAKES, WAFFLES & FRENCH TOAST – DINE IN MENU. Just reading about them makes me hungry all over again.

Chicken + Waffle platter down for two at The Breakfast Club in Hollywood

Shrimp + Grits ($26) Creamy grits, Tabasco, honey butter, grilled shrimp, farm fresh egg, fresh chives

Club Pizza ($18) Mozzarella, candied bacon, chives, poached farm fresh egg on an everything maple crust

Club Pizza ($18) at The Breakfast Club in Hollywood

COCKTAILS
Cinnamon Toast Old Fashioned ($16) Cinnamon Toast Crunch Infused Bourbon | Molé Bitters | Orange Zest

Breakfast Martini $15 Gin | Orange Marmalade| Lime Juice

Espresso Martini $15 Fresh Brewed Espresso | Coffee Liqueur | Vodka | Sugarcane | 

Manager Israel’s tour of the soaring TWO story space walked off at least 25 calories – but who’s counting.

The soaring space of The Breakfast Club in Hollywood, which holds small party rooms.

The Breakfast Club is new this year, only blocks from bustling Hollywood and Vine. The lively idea is right in time for the area resurgence from the pandemic. 

The most fun of all was having a “masked manager” come over to greet me by name, and turn out to be the wonderful Israel, long-time restaurant friend.

Manager Israel in the busy kitchen at The Breakfast Club in Hollywood

We loved of bright, airy space as soon as we walked in. The bold, almost brash Palm Springs and Miami Beach look and feel immediately thought of soaring Lulu’s on the main drag in Palm Springs. (see //localfoodeater.com/our-must-try-and-why-palm-springs-ethnic-eats/) And it turned out to also be so much fun.

Cheers to the detailed festive design with individual, colorful, upbeat indoor-outdoor dining, bar or private party experiences on two airy floors for small or large groups. 

The super-friendly place captures the glitz of nearby Hollywood and Vine and the vacation feel of Palm Springs or Miami Beach. And really good food and 

The Breakfast Club 1600 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA, 90028, 213.802.2582

New Yamashiro Brunch Carries on Regal Japanese Legacy

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(Gerry Furth-Sides, Donald Herman) Notes of Japanese and other Asian cuisines skip across the new Yamashiro Brunch Menu of international classics.   Drama to this unique dining experience starts building right at the start of the rural winding drive up Franklin, just blocks from bustling Hollywood and Highland.

Donald Herman

Thhe view “from the front door” (courtesy of Donald Herman)

Buddha

The famous original “Buddha” just down the hill (photo courtesy Yamashiro)

The brunch also celebrates the new (year and a half) ownership of the longtime special occasion favorite. Three generations of happy ladies celebrate a birthday at the party below.

birthday party

Private rooms are divided off naturally within the meandering space around the main room.  We did not even hear, let alone see a party in an adjoining private room.  The mesmerizing “garden room”  (below) replicates the classic banquet hall style of Japan.

garden room

A Japanese Collins feels light and exotic with cucumber soda, along with Stoli vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup echoes the garden colors,  perfect for slow sipping and meditation.

Japanese Collins

The Asian-inspired cocktail list balances refreshing and tart with a subtle sweetness.  (left) A Japanese High Ball features Suntory Toki Japanese whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, mint and ginger beer.  (right) A Hiro Tokyo Mule holds HIRO sake, lime juice, and ginger beer served in classic copper mug branded with the distinguished HIRO sake logo.

lime juice

The signature Yamashiro Egg Benedict features two Poached Farm Eggs topped with a Wasabi Hollandaise, Black Tobiko, and Scallions, with Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon, Grilled Asparagus over an English Muffin.

Yamashiro Egg Benedict

(photo courtesy of Donald Herman)

 

(photo courtesy of Donald Herman)

Sake Sambal and Ginger BBQ Sauce  paint the plate, and the Asian Baby Back BBQ Ribs. The ribs are cooked in Duck Fat Confit add an ethnic flair and make them even juicier.Asian Baby Back BBQ Ribs.

 

Blueberry and Yuzu pancakes topped with whipped cream are served with  (real) warm maple syrup.  Manager, Jared, pointed out that the blueberries keep the pancakes extra moist.

pancakes

 

A subtle, sweet Wasabi Dressing tops the Asian Chicken Salad made up of mixed greens, Mandarin Grilled chicken and green onions with julienned wonton crunchies in the mix.  Shreds of delicate Chinese cabbage add a unique flavor and lacey texture.

Asian Chicken Salad

The universal favorite burger is elevated into a Snake River Farm Wagyu Burger, carrying through the Asian influence with Napa Cabbage and Yamashiro Spicy Mayonnaise folded into the brioche bun, along with tomato.  Perfect, crisp shards of Sweet Potato Fries are served with Sambal Maple Syrup and ketchup.

The rest of the menu includes egg dishes and French toast dishes.

dining room

The exterior wrap around the dining room

Below is the vibrant, new elevated sushi bar and dining room with wrap-around seating that affords a spectacular view of the city.

Originally built as a private residence for the Bernheimer brothers, Yamashiro (“Mountain Palace” in Japanese) took its inspiration from their passion for classical Asian art and architecture. Over its 102-year life, Yamashiro operated as a brothel, boarding house and elite Hollywood cocktail lounge in 1963 before becoming a full-service restaurant.

Yamashiro’s regal Asian influences and breathtaking 180-degree views from downtown Los Angeles to the Santa Monica shore have been featured in popular films.

 

 

Yamashiro,  1999 Sycamore Ave., in Hollywood.  Hours:  weekdays 5-11 p.m. Weekends 5 p.m. to midnight. Sunday Brunch service from 11-3 PM.  Please see www.Yamashirohollywood.com for or phone 323.466.5125 for more information.

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