ON SUNSET
Luxe Sunset Hotel
11461 Sunset Blvd., Brentwood • (310) 476-6571
Sunday brunch has changed and expanded at this attractive hotel on Sunset, just west of the 405 freeway. While the food options are more copious than several years ago, the setting remains low key and relaxing either indoors (with large windows looking out to both patios) or outdoors on one of the patios. Equally appealing is the music from a jazz duo or trio, which gives the brunch a special note.
Ever since we first had brunch here four years ago, my grandson has been a fan of this meal. Now 16 and an athlete, he eats like a man, making the many options here even more compelling.
We were seated inside by the large windows, in comfy armchairs, where there are curtains between each table, which let us enjoy the scene while we chatted about colleges: East Coast or West Coast. A flute of champagne for me, and lemonade for him, prepared us for the foods to come.
There is a large array of seafood, from fresh sushi with soy sauce, ginger and spicy wasabi to marvelous mussels, large shrimp with cocktail sauce, langoustines, prawns, clams and more. Smoked salmon, too, with cream cheese, bagels, red onion and capers, A variety of charcuterie and breads is certain to please any diner’s appetite.
Omelets are made to order with many selections such as ham, onions, cheddar cheese, various mushrooms, peppers, sausage, bacon bits and herbs. The omelets are beautifully made and very tasty.
In the bar area are a number of large chafing dishes filled with bacon, a variety of sausages, scrambled eggs, potatoes, French toast, pancakes, waffles, crepes, cheese blintzes, sand dabs and other fresh fish. And, of course, syrups, cooked fruits and jellies to go with each selection. There are a couple of soups, too.
After several visits to the various areas for one more delicious bite, we were ready to head to the dessert section with its fresh fruits, pastries, tarts and even a custard pudding. The decadent chocolate tart went beautifully with fresh, hot coffee.
Served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch is $49.50 for adults and $24.95 for kids under 12. My grandson was just as pleased as I was with Chef Olivier Rouselle’s excellent brunch. Furthermore, the atmosphere is still relaxing and there aren’t long lines, which is a pleasure. Valet parking is included for the first two hours, after which it is $1 per hour.
BAMBOO IZAKAYA
1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica • (310) 566-3860
Just in time for summer, Bamboo Izakaya is offering bento boxes to go for lunch and dinner. These are perfect if you plan to attend the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concert Series, or are leaving on a flight from LAX. All bentos are served with miso soup, rice, mixed-green salad and fresh fruit. These take-out bento boxes come in three options: tempura bento, with a choice of salmon, chicken, beef or veggies ($20); sushi bento, which includes a half-roll and six nigiri pieces ($22); and a sashimi bento ($22), with two pieces each of salmon, yellowtail, tuna and albacore-tuna sashimi. These are available daily from noon to 9:30 p.m. Please allow 30 minutes for your order, which are for pick-up only.
Wine Dinner
AKBAR SANTA MONICA
2627 Wilshire Blvd. • (310) 586-7469
On Wednesday, June 19, Akbar Santa Monica presents a gourmet wine dinner featuring the wines of Belle Glos/Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley. Owner/chef Avinash Kapoor has created a special menu to pair with the notable wines from this family-owned winery that dates back to 1971. Virtually all of their wines are available only to wine list subscribers, so this is a rare opportunity to sample and enjoy these highly sought after varieties. The price is $85 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. Advance reservations are required.
Seafood Fest June 23
THE HUNGRY CAT
100 W. Channel Rd., Santa Monica Canyon • (310) 459-3337
From 3 to 8 p.m. on June 23, everyone is invited to enjoy a local seafood and live music festival ($65 per person) featuring such seafood specialties as chorizo-stuffed squid, ale-steamed clams and mussels, ridgeback shrimp with chimichurri and steamed Santa Barbara rock crabs with grain-mustard butter. This festival is designed to be fun for families to enjoy together, with table servings of all the seafood preparations.
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