Eggs in L.A.: The Hard-Boiled Truth
By Mar Yvette, Senior Eggitor
Whether you like 'em scrambled, fried, over easy or poached, eggs are like the thespians of the culinary industry--they can take on just about any personality you want them to. I've boiled it down to a half dozen places where the egg, in all its various forms, is exactly what it's cracked up to be.
Eggs Florentine
Everyone knows that the key to the 'Benedict' style of eggs is the hollandaise sauce. And the Eggs Florentine at this bustling French bistro is worth the wait. Served on a toasty English muffin with perfectly wilted spinach, the slightly tangy, not-too-thick sauce is a real kicker. Plus, it all somehow tastes better when it's being served by a cute guy with a French accent.
Cafe Du Village
139 1/2 N Larchmont Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
Soft-Boiled Egg
Less is more: The soft-boiled egg at this airy market-cafe is without a doubt one of my all-time breakfast faves. It might seem simple, but just try boiling an egg to acheive the right level of egg white hardness and yolky drippiness. Not so easy, is it? A large brown organic egg is set atop a small ceramic holder with a tiny spoon for cracking. As the yellow juice drips down the side of the shell, I like to sop it up with the accompanying fluffy slice of buttered sourdough. And at $4, it's the cheapest breakfast in town.
Joan's on Third
8350 W Third St,
Los Angeles,
CA
Tuna Tartare (with Quail Egg)
Okay, so this might not be an egg-specific dish (and it's not on the menu every day), but the tuna tartare at this always-busy Sawtelle dinner spot is both delicious and unusual. It's topped with pine nuts, scallions and ... a raw quail egg. The thought of salmonella did cross my mind, but the yoke is no joke--mix it in with your chopsticks and the tartare takes on a slightly more textured, creamy consistency. Asian fusion at its best.
Orris
2006 Sawtelle Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
Huevos Rancheros
First things first: This gorgeously designed space on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel offers the best views in town. Seriously. But beyond that, the huevos rancheros are particularly good. The brunch menu will take about a second to look over, but don't let the basic offerings fool you. Served atop black beans and a crisp corn tortilla, the over-medium eggs are topped with a flavorfully spicy salsa with chunks of garlic and onion. Aside from the dollop of fresh sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole on the side, it also comes with a skewer of fresh fruit. Bonus: While this place is crawling with scenesters at night, chances are you'll have the entire place to yourself during the morning hours.
The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel
1111 Second St,
Santa Monica,
CA
Scrambled Egg Sandwich
Can't decide between breakfast and lunch, but don't feel like a fancy brunch? This tiny European cafe/German market is one of those rare city finds with a small-town vibe, no-nonsense, friendly service and yummy food at delicious prices. While the menu is fairly big, I can't help but always order the BLT, which is the perfect combo of morning food (crispy bacon and soft scrambled eggs) with a thick leaf of lettuce, tomato and sourdough bread slathered in mayo. You can also order it as a wrap, which comes with a green tortilla instead of bread.
Shoop's Delicatessen
2400 Main St Ste A1,
Santa Monica,
CA
Shirred Eggs with Crab
If you thought this Silver Lake caffeine haunt was for gourmet coffee only, think again. The secret weapon is its small menu of couture cuisine. (Don't believe it? Providence chef Michael Cimarusti designed and consults on the menu.) Go beyond the typical eggs-and-bacon route with two shirred vegetarian hen eggs cooked over medium in an earthenware cocotte. Served alongside sauteed Dungeness crab, the dish is both slightly sweet and subtly salty.
Lamill Coffee Boutique
1636 Silver Lake Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
