Poppy + Rose (LV's LA)

In Los Angeles we have elevated brunch to an art form. There is no shortage of great places to enjoy brunch in the City of Angels. Poppy+Rose is hidden in the flower district in downtown Los Angeles and can best be described as Southern comfort food with a California vibe. This is a cute cozy spot to fuel up before you go shopping downtown and has lots of great breakfast and lunch options.

Between the light fluffy pancakes, flaky buttery biscuits and breakfast scrambles, it is hard to make a choice, but you can put your money on the chicken and waffles. In their interpretation of this southern dish, crispy buttermilk fried chicken is served on top of a brown butter Belgian waffle with a dollop of whipped honey butter and maple syrup served on the side.

 

 The atmosphere is bright cheery and pleasant

 

Perfect spot to load up on a delicious flaky biscuit

Sometimes its ok to enjoy a few biscuits:-)

 

 If you are dining alone, simply order and sit at the counter

 

 There are plenty of healthy options such as the lox bagel sandwich with arugula onion and tomato

 

There are also plenty of fresh juices to enjoy

 

The market salad with mixed greens, seasonal fruit, pecans, Parmesan and Persian cucumbers is delicious and healthy if you want something lighter than some of the more indulgent offerings they offer

 

 

 

The fresh flowers on each table is a great touch

If you are not counting calories, definitely try the chicken and waffles at Poppy+Rose

Full and happy:-)

Delicious leftovers to enjoy later

The restaurant is open 6:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. Allow plenty of time because reservations are not taken and service can be slow at times

Poppy+Rose

765 South Wall Street

Los Angeles, CA 90014

213-995-7799

 

 

Bottega Louie (LV's LA)

Do you like great architecture? How about sugar?

Bottega Louie has gorgeous marble floors, whitewalls, gold trim, stunning high ceilings, a beautiful open air setting and plenty of sugar. The restaurant is stunning aesthetically and they have the most beautiful display of sugary confections, which include all manner of delicious things that make our jeans too tight.

I digress

 Bottega Louie is one of the best restaurants in downtown Los Angeles and has a great selection of Italian food and pastries. This loud, energetic and gorgeous space is a combination of restaurant, patisserie and gourmet marketplace.  The marketplace section of the restaurant reminds me of Dean and Deluca in New York and Williams Sonoma. 

At the front entrance is a rainbow display of decadent dessert’s and Macarons in every color of the rainbow. Every dessert you even think you want, I am sure they have it. Loud, energetic and lots of people watching make this a fun spot to indulge in Italian food and sweet treats. If you are looking for quiet and romantic, this is not the spot, but if you want LOUD, Lively and festive with good food, this is it. If you choose to dine during peak hours, expect crowds and long lines. 

Perusing all of the delicious possibilities

  

We started with the Modena salad  with butter lettuce, candied walnuts, goat cheese, shallots and balsamic vinaigrette. It was a delicious way to start the meal and the salad was fresh and had the perfect mix of savory and a hint of sweet crunch from the walnuts

 

 Our server brought this delicious piping hot bread and whipped butter. I could have eaten about five more of these loafs

 

 For the main course we had shrimp scampi with grilled giant tiger prawns, yukon gold mashed potatoes and white wine marinere sauce and to satisfy my carnivore craving, we also had short ribs that were prepared with landon ragu,white polenta, sage and ricotta. Both dishes were very tasty and flavorful

 

Such a beautiful space

Bottega Louie is bustling with people every time I go. So expect it to be very LOUD

with the open kitchen, people watching and Parisian vibe, you will never have a dull moment

 

 After a sumptuous meal. The desserts started calling

 

 I told the cakes, cookies and this fresh berry tart that I wasn't home

 

The desserts kept calling

I tried to say no

so tempting

really tempting

They have such an amazing display of packaged gift items. I always leave with a box of macarons or some other sweet treat

You can treat yourself or someone you love to something sweet:-)

 

The desserts kept calling, so I finally answered. We indulged in warm Beignets and coffee by candlelight. The Beignets were served with Nutella and a raspberry dipping sauce. Both of them were absolutely divine

 I can't think of a more perfect way to end a meal

 

Well, the only thing that tops coffee and beignets, is to buy a box of macarons to take home so you can munch on them later with coffee and a good book

 

Reservations are not taken at Bottega Louie, so unless you go during non peak hours, expect a long wait, but the sugar rush from dessert will make you forget how long you waited for your table:-)

Bottega Louie

700 South Grand Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90017

213-802-1470