Out of the past 3 times I've visited LA, I've brunched at Cooks County twice. West 3rd St was previously my area of choice with favorites like Little Next Door and Simple Things, but these days who has an hour to wait in line – definitely not your mother.
Enter Cooks County. (Literally, in 2 minutes, or just the the time it takes to set your table.) This gem off Beverly Blvd is a safe haven of always delicious, high quality ingredients brought to you by chef Daniel Mattern. (He trained with the best of them like Mark Peel & Nancy Silverton of Campanile and Suzanne Goin of Lucques & A.O.C.)
Both times I've managed to snag a coveted patio table, but the inside dons inviting warm woods, rustic string light bulbs, and a glass covered wine cellar too.
The Grubdown:
- fancy, delicate 'n fluffy egg, savory 'n bitter flavors with tangy cheese balance, Duck Egg Crostone with House-cured Pancetta, Chicories & Parmesan $11
- i really wanted to like this, but it was unfortunately dry, Ginger Scone with Clotted Cream & Lemon Curd $4
- didn't need the Chick Peas, spicy Harissa twist, and the best Grilled Olive Oil Bread around, Fried Eggs $12
- did the job, but as a quiche connoisseur it didn't wow me, Olive Oil Brioche Tart with Delta Asparagus, Fresh Ricotta & Spinach $12
- smokey 'n fatty, side of Applewood-smoked Bacon $5
- crispy edges, warm & fluffy inside with addictive sweet 'n sour homemade Rhubarb Jam, Baked Pancake $9 (not pictured)
Whatever you order, make sure their Grilled Olive Oil Bread is involved. It's crusty, it's velvety, and has that charcoal flavor that'll have mom begging your old man to grill some up every night.
Did I mention their Espressos and Teas are all Intelligentsia? But if mom's not a caffeine snob, buy her a bottle of Italian Prosecco for the table ($40).
Happy Mother's Day.
8009 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. 323-653-8008.
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