It’s only right that the day after filing taxes we get to celebrate National Eggs Benedict Day. What better reward for getting out of bed than a taste of those perfectly poached eggs topped with a mildly tangy hollandaise sauce? Traditionally the eggs were served over English muffins, but we’ve seen them on crab cakes, scones, grit cakes, and even quiche. The egg sandwiches are then amplified with variations of toppings—battered cod, pancetta, pineapple, brisket, asparagus—it seems nothing is too indulgent. It’s no question that brunch in L.A. is the most glorified point of the weekend, and nothing spells out brunch like some eggs benny. Accompanied by bottomless mimosas, of course.
In recognition of April 16th, National Eggs Benedict Day, here are three of our Los Angeles favorites:
NICK’S CAFÉ
Weekdays at Nick’s Cafe, which closes at 3 pm daily, are meant for their legendary ham and eggs. But weekends? Here, weekends are for eggs benedict, where the diner serves eight variations, along with a revolving specialty benedict. You’ll be tempted to order in every direction—corned beef hash, sausage and gravy, bacon with spinach and avocado. But if the eggplant benedict is on tap, your decision is made for you. Battered in an herb crust and fried to a crisp, the eggplant is embellished with a portobello mushroom, sautéed spinach, a sweet slice of tomato, and served over a buttery English muffin. It’s the sort of dish that single-handedly justifies Nick’s 65 years of existence.
Nick’s Café, 1300 N Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. (323) 222-1450.
SYCAMORE KITCHEN
Not too long ago, there were very few reasons to frequent the design corridor of La Brea, unless, of course, you were on the hunt for collectible mid-century furniture. When Karen and Quinn Hatfield opened their bakery/café and started serving farm fresh seasonal dishes, Sycamore Kitchen not only became a neighborhood gem, it also established itself as a dining destination. Silky poached eggs break into a golden yolk over sweet honey pancetta and a perfectly toasted English muffin. Blanketed in a light, subtlety tart hollandaise and flecked with fried rosemary, there’s an art to to this dish that rivals any of the nearby designer pieces.
Sycamore Kitchen, 143 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036. (323) 939-0151.
TORTILLA REPUBLIC
This West Hollywood tequileria presents a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine, and during dinner it’s hard to resist their enchilaldas, dressed in mole, or the short rib spiked with jalapenos. At brunch, take a seat where you can feel the outdoor breeze and start with the mezcal bloody mary. The benedict arrives with two poached eggs over thick wedges of bacon and bright arugula microgreens, on a soft bed of manchego scones. Topped with a creamy hollandaise and accompanied by a side of diced cheddar potatoes, you’ll be inclined to feast yourself into an early afternoon siesta.
Tortilla Republic, 616 N Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. (310) 657-9888.
Filed under: Los Angeles, Top 10
