Cooks County: Brunch For Five

Waking up on a Saturday morning always brings about feelings of excitement. It's the first day of the weekend - what shall we do? 

Brunch, of course! 

My father mysteriously texted me, "Reservations at noon." We were to meet at my apartment to find out where our Saturday eats were about to take place. Heading down Beverly with empty stomachs, I was happy to feel the car slow down at Cooks County. What followed was a beyond-delicious meal filled with BLT's, baked pancakes and pastries.

This baked pancake was to die for. Each bite was cripsy on the outside and soft and doughnut-like on the inside. Did I just say doughnut? Yes, I did. Who wouldn't want a plate-sized doughnut? This also came with blueberry compote (not pictured) which at the end of the meal, I was eating with a spoon. Never be wasteful...

Fried eggs are a brunch standard, but fried eggs with perfectly-seasons chickpeas, yogurt, harissa and a slice of olive toast - not so standard.

 [Ham & Cheese Scramble]

My father had a little discussion with the waiter before he ordered his BLT. He made him aware of his frustration of ordering BLT's at restaurants where the B is missing and you end up eating an LT sandwich. It's a valid point because really, who wants to eat lettuce and tomato on bread - boring! You need the star of the sandwich to be plentiful. After being assured that a generous portion of bacon would be included, he happily ordered the BLT - and threw in some avocado 'cause everything is better with a little avocado, right?

 [Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuit]

[Pastries - Jelly Donut, Ginger Scone, Biscuit & Raspberry Muffin]

 {We obviously hated all of them...]

 [Some fancy fancy beer]

 [Inside of the restaurant]

Cooks County did not disappoint and just might become a new brunch staple for my family. Not only were our meals delicious, but the fresh ingredients and innovations were not lost amongst our minds and taste buds. After my sister told the waiter how much she enjoyed the iced tea he offered to give her a to-go cup. 5 stars for you, sir!

8009 Beverly Blvd.   Los Angeles, CA   90048   (323) 653-8009

www.cookscountyrestaurant.com

Doughboys Is Where It's At

Rice krispie pancakes topped with toasted marshmallows? A breakfast quesadilla stuffed with potatoes, eggs, spinach, caramelized onions and lots and lots of cheese? Uh, yes...this is one of my favorite breakfasts, actually favorite MEALS in LA! If you've never been to Doughboys, then you are truly missing out. Whenever I can't decide where to go for brunch/breakfast, I always know I can count on Doughboys for a delicious and satisfying meal. One downside...everything is "made to order" which is a good thing, but it's not if you arrive starving! It takes awhile for the food to come out, but trust me--it's worth it in the end! Take my advice...drop everything you are doing right now and go to Doughboys.

               [Hmmm...what to order!]

 [Trying to peer into the kitchen...]

 [Rice Krispie Pancakes: Taste even better than they look!]

 [Breakfast Quesadilla]

 [Close up of the quesadilla]

[Monster breakfast burrito]

8136 W. 3rd Street   Los Angeles, CA 90048   (323) 852-1020  
www.doughboysbakeryla.com

Carneys' Chili Will Change Your Life

After seeing Wreck It Ralph, my boyfriend, mom and I had worked up quite the appetite. I was feeling like something delicious, so we headed up to Carneys on Sunset. First off, you get to dine in an old train! And you can watch the cars zoom by on Sunset Blvd. It's a total dive and the menu is short and cheap! But, if Carneys is known for one thing--it's their chili! Chili fries, chili burgers, chili dogs! I'm obsessed with their chili fries...they are so beyond amazing. My mom got the chili burger and she loved every bit! The good ol' train never disappoints...

[The famous train]

[Inside the train]

[View of Sunset]

[The best chili fries you will ever eat]

[Must wash down with coke]

[Chili burger at it's finest]

8351 W. Sunset Blvd.   West Hollywood, CA 90069   (323) 654-8300
www.carneytrain.com

Call Me Marie Antionette

Whenever I think of macarons, I picture Kirsten Dunst in the movie, Marie Antoinette having trays and towers of them around her. While I wish I could channel the queen and be in France eating authentic ones, I have found an excellent back up-- 'Lette in Larchmont Village. They have some of the best macarons I have ever tasted with unique flavors like earl grey tea! I could eat 20 of them at once, but I restricted myself to just four this time. I stuck with my all-time favorites which are salted caramel and almond wedding cake. Go soon, before I eat their whole supply...

[Peering in the window]

[Holiday Macaron Tree]

[Hmmm, what shall I choose?]

[The best view in the house]

[Vanilla & Almond Wedding Cake]

[My purchases]

[Count: 2 Salted Caramel, 2 Almond Wedding]

[Best bite ever]

122 N. Larchmont Blvd.   Los Angeles, CA 90004   (323) 469-3620
www.lettemacarons.com

Erewhon: Natural Foods Market

While I'd prefer to eat some chicken fingers and French fries, my father would prefer some steamed kale with a side of quinoa. He has been trying for years to get me eat healthier which has been blocked by my stubbornness. In any event, I accompanied him to Erewhon which is the mecca of all healthy foods, green products, vitamins, and much, much more. They have a "bar" where you can order immunity shots and weird juice concoctions. As much as I didn't want to admit it, the store is pretty sweet. My boyfriend decided to get a pressed juice and while to me, the cloudy green liquid looked frightening, he swore he felt amazing after consumption. Also, there was a lady giving out sample mineral shots. She claimed that this helped open your cells so they could absorb all the vitamins you take. My courageous boyfriend took the shot and later at the movie theater we joked, uh oh--hope this Icee and popcorn with artificial butter we are eating isn't absorbing throughout his whole body! 

Because this is LA, everyone in this store gives off the vibe that they are so coooool and natural...but you know what, I bet they are going to Taco Bell after they leave. Crunchy taco or a mysterious green liquid? There is an obvious winner, but hey... I'm biased...

[Anyone care for some coconut juice?]

[Serve yourself!]

[I think I'll have some chicken breast for dinner...]

[Endless nuts and seeds]

[I'll have one of those and one of these!]

[Daring BF tries the green mystery liquid]

[Large selection of juices]

[Pick your poison from the bar]

[Fresh coconuts]

[Spot the sign from the street & stop by]

7660 Beverly Blvd.   Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 937-0777
www.erewhonmarket.com

Happy Birthday...to ME!

My birthday is actually tomorrow, but since my dad's birthday is on the 16th, we decided to have a joint celebratory dinner at The Palm on Saturday, which so happens, to be one of my favorite restaurants! There is something about that restaurant that I just loveeee. I'm a classic steak and potatoes kinda girl, so I obviously love the menu options here. But besides the food being fantastic, I love the atmosphere as well. It has a very "old Hollywood" feel to it, and it's not just because there are cartoon pictures of celebrities from the past and present covering the walls. The dark wooden booths, traditional wait staff and dim lighting make this restaurant an instant classic. All in all, it was a great birthday dinner. Oh, and did I mention that I took down a 16 oz. New York Strip and could barely move afterwards? Yeah, that happened.

9001 Santa Monica Blvd.   Los Angeles, CA 90069   (310) 550-8811

www.thepalm.com