#thebriks

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[brunchudxs-blog]

The Briks

http://www.thebriks.com/

Yesterday, I had brunch with friends to celebrate one of them getting a new job and another’s success at work. The review i saw posted on a friend’s social media site made me curious about The Briks by L.A. Live. Friends spoke highly of the venue and their brunch. My friends and I decided to try it. Eater LA blog back in summer 2014 noted, “Chef Mario Christerna combines techniques related to where he’s learned to cook including North African, Spanish, French and Mexican cultures.”

Needless to say that the experience prompted the cliche of starting a blog about enjoying brunches, really about how food brings folks together and a willingness to try something new. It’s a great excuse to meet up at least once a month and test out a new brunch place. Between the three of us, I hope we get to share our insight and review of the food, environment, and overall experience. Our rating system is Chingon (a must go) Chido (cool spot) Más o Menos (ok but not impressed) y Chafa (it's about the reputation & not the food).

For me, in this millennium a digital footprint is vital. My review actually starts with the website. There’s no story there about the chef or the concept. The website immediately requires that a potential patron make a reservation. There’s no way to download menu or see what is available. Personally, this was a red flag.

I arrived for our reservation and the venue was too cold. Granted they had turned the heater on but it was a meal to eat with coats on. Until we left did I finally feel the heat from the heater. Feeling the chill, I wanted a nice cup of coffee. Unfortunately, the coffee was sub-par. When offering Brunch Service, coffee must be good as not everyone is going to partake in the bottomless mimosa special offered during their Funky Brunch on Sundays.

Review of the brunch menu…overall it is good offering but limited selections for folks who are vegetarian and /.or do not eat pork. Here I take a cue from chef Bobby Flay who said “There’s 5 vehicles to brunch: french toast, waffles, pancakes, homefries, and egg dishes. You sorta travel the world and bring the flavors to these vehicles.” Honestly, I was expecting those flavors of North African, Spanish, French and Mexican cultures in Chef Mario Christerna‘s brunch offerings. The item that came close to it is the Breakfast Burrito served with merguez (lamb sausage). The green salsa for the chilaquilles had too much vinegar and not a nice blend of green chiles or salt to balance out the flavor. Though the presentation of the chilaquilles in a cast iron bowl was great, the dish was actually served luke warm. If you want to try the stuffed french toast but can’t have the bacon then order something else. Unfortunately the bacon is part of the batter and you’ll miss the other delicious ingredients that make up the stuffed french toast and just get plain french toast. Honestly, the plain french toast and eggs are not worth the price. The menu prices are pretty standard for brunch but it’s a place I’d bring more folks to enjoy for this meal.

We did try to think about something positive. We’d come again for lunch or dinner to try the chef’s offerings that highlight the infusion of flavors that are the heart of this new restaurant in downtown L.A.

The review: Más o Menos for brunch, with a bit of eye roll. May amend for dinner / lunch service.

Next month, we’ll try another venue in downtown l.a. in the meantime, enjoy some good eats and wishing you all a happy new year.