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Vanessa F.

Joined 1 year ago

IN THE MIX: Pancake review with special guest Lesley-Anne. This weekend I had the honor of having my old boss, Amelia, and my new boss, the SVP of my company, Lesley-Anne, join me as guests reviewers for Ma’amCakes.

The three of us had Sunday brunch at celebrity hot-spot Hugo’s, located on Riverside Dr. and Coldwater Canyon in Studio City, CA. I’d previously heard the phrase “celebrity hot-spot” in affiliation with Hugo’s, and it was proven true when we saw Elizabeth Olsen dining in the restaurant as well.

As Hugo’s has such a diverse menu of pancakes, my first thought/suggestion, is the menu needs to highlight such options in a separate section, as opposed to getting buried among the eggs:

I began my review by asking Lesley-Anne and Amelia their preferences for pancakes. Amelia’s initial reaction was she “was surprised they don’t have chocolate chip pancakes,” while Lesley-Anne stated, “I appreciate they have gluten-free pancakes- especially because they don’t make you feel so bloated.” Now, I appreciate gluten-free pancake options for all those with Celiac Disease; but if L-A is right, and they make you feel less bloated, I am all for it! After enough of a debate that the waiter came and went three times, we finally agreed on the: Almond Energy Pancakes. It should be noted that between the nuts, spiced agave syrup, and the gluten-free factor, I was a bit skeptical that I’d enjoy my breakfast- well, I was pleasantly surprised.

After the first bite of my Almond Energy Pancakes I quickly realized I’ve never had pancakes like this before: they tasted exactly like churros! These pancakes had the perfect combination of nuts, spice, and flavor, and by the second bite, I was immediately transmitted to a fun day at Disneyland.

While we all loved the pancakes, Amelia and I preferred the Maple Syrup over the Agave; its spice and after-taste were a bit too strong, and, I felt, counteracted the sweetness of the pancakes. That being said, the pancakes were delicious, and props to Hugo’s for creating such a unique dish. Lesley-Anne was proven right, and we didn’t feel incredibly full after eating these gluten-free pancakes. In fact, Lesley-Anne even stated, “I don’t feel guilty eating these.”

Perhaps Hugo’s should add some of these quotes, along with “tastes like churros” in the Almond Energy Pancakes’ description, so patrons aren’t as intimidated to try this dish.

It should also be noted that Hugo’s has two other locations: one in West Hollywood, and one in Agoura Hills.

Thank you so much Amelia and Lesley-Anne for being a part of Sunday brunch with Ma’amCakes!

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Doesn't Recommend

Justin O.

Joined 1 years ago

Got sick. Have to give it 2 stars for my illness. I've eaten here several times and it was always pretty good. 3 stars. DON'T GET THE GREEN TAMALES. They tasted terrible and I got sick. I have an iron stomach and these green nightmares kept me near the toilet for 48hrs. It was obviously food poisoning. Can't go back because of one bad experience.

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uscfan55

Joined 2 years ago

Excellent vegetarian and vegan options. I've been going to Hugo's for a few years now. I've never had anything there that I didn't like. Their breakfast options are healthy and filling (especially their oatmeal frittata). For those who like larger breakfasts, their desayuno fuerte and their pancakes are excellent. Hugo's lunch options are also good, but I usually go there for breakfast (which they serve into the afternoon!).

It's a very casual, low-key restaurant. Their prices are reasonable. If you don't know it's there, you might miss it. Definitely check it out!

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citydweller1981

Joined 4 years ago

I love this place!. I've been going to Hugo's for 20yrs. I love the place. The Studio City location can be loud at lunchtime, so I sit outside. Food can be hit or miss at times, but I still go back. I love the breakfast pastas

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thetruth22

Joined 5 years ago

OMG! This place is awesome. Healthy never tasted sooooo good!. Boyfriend took me here this past Saturday and I made him go again on Sunday. I would be very surprised if he wasn't annoyed by now b/c I refuse to shut up about this place. Food is def made with love and it seems the innovative options are endless. I'm a complete health nut and I find it so hard to find good places like this, even my boyfriend loves it and his taste buds are on the far end of the health spectrum. And ask the waiters/waitresses anything about the dish- they are very knowledgeable about the ingredients. After you try this place?free-range, gluten-free and vegan are not so scary words as the taste is not sacrificed. Did I mention that I love this place???

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sammietorino

Joined 5 years ago

Go to Hugo's for a healthy breakfast. Lots of healthy selections. Love coming here for breakfast/brunch. Everything I've had has been really tasty. I'm not a huge pancake person but the pancakes are good. They have this oatmeal fritatta dish which is interesting...oatmeal mixed with egg whites and then cottage cheese and fruit on top. Service has always been good. Highly recommended for breakfast.

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LisaAnnDove

Joined 5 years ago

Amazing food. Their food is so good and it's all natural. They have the greatest choices of drinks, all kinds of lemonades and yummy teas. Try their cuban sandwich and ask to substitute fries for sweet potatoes.. Yum

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esolo

Joined 5 years ago

Hugo's - My FAVORITE place to eat!. Hugo's is my favorite restaurant in the valley, BY FAR! I've been going since they opened, and if it's possible, the menu seems to be getting better and better. Try the cuban sandwich, desayuno fuerte, very green caserole, veggie burger, and very green salad (I like to add goat cheese and chicken). Wholesome. Consistent. Delicious. Enjoy!

Doesn't Recommend

handostomper

Joined 6 years ago

Good Food Inconsistent service. I am a big fan of the food at Hugo's. Great vegetarian cuisine. Unfortunately the service in lacking and the food in inconsistent. I ordered a 14 dollar salad and that was served with missing ingredients. When I mentioned this to the waitress, she said "oh" and dropped off sides of the missing ingredients without any further mentioned. Unfortunately this has happened more than once to me. Besides this, the vegetarian food is great.

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ladyleeroth

Joined 5 years ago

A healthy compromise!. hugo's is great because it has options for the uber health nut (mung bean casserole, kelp noodle salad) but also for those who want a burger or a tuna sandwhich - a great place to bring your parents if they are into standard american fare but you'd like to chow on stuff that doesn't mess with your insides.