BY KAREN YOUNG
Spoonful in Studio City is having a Gospel Brunch and an Easter Bonnet contest!
While most all 818 restaurants are open on Easter Sunday, there’s a limited number offering special menus. Here’s a handful to get you started.
EAST VALLEY
The three course champagne brunch at this legendary 818 restaurant includes complementary champagne or mimosas and assorted breads and pastries. Choices include lobster bisque, butter lettuce with bay shrimp, avocado and citrus vinaigrette, spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli, eggs benedict,warm poached salmon, grilled lamb chops, pesto risotto with rock shrimp and asparagus, roasted beef tenderloin. Dessert choices include their famous chocolate soufflé, lemon soufflé, warm apple tart tartin, or a chocolate Easter basket with sorbet eggs and fresh berries $55 per person; children’s menu 12 and under $25.12950 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (818) 501-0202.
Outdoor dining is most special at this formidable Italian restaurant that is offering a three course brunch ($42). Choices include ahi tuna carpaccio, homemade small ravioliolini pasta filled with fontina cheese fondue sautéed with butter parmesan cheese and truffle oil, lamb stew with artichokes, veal scallopini topped with ham and fontina cheese, and traditional easter and Italian desserts. 4100 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, (818) 985-4669.
This “Top Chef” owned restaurant is switching it up with a cooking demonstration by celeb chef Favio Viviani himself who will top line a three-course cooking demonstration from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. $55 per person. 4212 Lankershim Blvd Toluca Lake, (818) 760-7081.
This French cafe opens at 10 a.m. and will be offering a two course brunch for $22.95 per person that includes a croissant and fresh fruit jam, choice of juice, wine or champagne and coffee or tea. First course selections include soup and a brunch antipasto with fresh salmon. Second course choices include french toast, salmon, eggs benedict, made to order omelettes, crepes and more. 15013 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, (818) 990-1791.
Put a Mexican spin on your Easter with a la carte selections ($6-$12.50), including Mexican Sweet Roll “Concha” French Toast with fruit cocktail and maple syrup; Huevos Benito(two poached eggs on corn masa sopes, black bean purée and salsa ranchera with roasted fingerling potatoes; Huevos Divorciados (two fried eggs on crisp corn tortillas); Orange Malted Hot Cakes with fruit cocktail; Baguette with black bean puree, queso fresco, salsa verde and pico de gallo. Sip on chocolate abuelita (hot chocolate) or fresh squeezed juices — or just go for a famous margarita. 12050 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818)508-5300.
Put on your Easter bonnets and check out this “soulful celebration.” Listen to live gospel singers as they’re serving up biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, grits, po’boys and much, much more. The house gospel choir ( that also performs every Sunday), will be doing a special Easter performance throughout the morning from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Southern libations include the handmade “Scarlett O’Hara” Bloody Mary or $5 Mimosas. And the bit about the Easter Bonnet is serious — they’re hosting a contest for the best one and the winner gets a $25 Spoonful gift card! 3413 Cahuenga Blvd West, Studio City (on the Universal City side), (323) 512-4800.
Go retro cool at this renovated Studio City establishment and enjoy a huge champagne buffet with french toast and omelette stations, carved ham and roast beef, crepes, blintzes, crab legs, shrimp, salads, eggs and more. Champagne, mimosas, coffee and tea are all included in the price — $39.95 Adults, $19.95 Kids 5-9, Kids under 5 Free, 20% Senior Discount. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides and photos with the Easter Bunny! 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (818) 755-5000.
This restaurant at the Beverly Garland Hotel is welcoming the Easter Bunny to brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The buffet brunch selection includes an omelette bar, prime rib carving station, seafood station (including shrimp, smoke salmon and sushi), a dessert station, champagne, mimosa and lots more. $39 adults; $19 children. 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood (818) 255-7290
It’s old school comfort where owners Boris and Sophia are serving up an la carte Sunday Brunch menu with prices ranging from $10 – $26.95. Entrees include eggs benedict, french toast, Valley Inn omelette, cobb salad, prime rib, grilled salmon, chicken picatta and more. All breakfast items are served with potatoes and fruit. 4557 Sherman Oaks Ave, Sherman Oaks, (818) 784-1163.
WEST VALLEY
It’s an Easter extravaganza at this elegant hotel. Meet the Easter Bunny from 9 a.m.- 10 a.m., get ready for the egg hunt at 9:45 a.m. Brunch takes place in Hampton’s Restaurant from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.with traditional and signature dishes, plus desserts and pastries. $95 per adult and $45 per child age 12 and under. 2 Dole Dr Westlake Village, (818) 575-3000.
Tranquility and gourmet food go hand in hand at this Topanga Canyon mainstay offering an elaborate buffet, which includes an array of salads, a raw food bar, fish bar, waffle bar, bagel bar, hot food entrees, fruit bar and pastry bar. There are vegan, wheat free and traditional choices. $49 vegetarian; $53 full buffet. Beverages not included. 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd Topanga, (310) 455-1311.
This churrascaria will have a prime rib carving station, omelette and waffle station, bbq ribs, six kinds of steak, kebobs and chicken brought to the table, a salad bar with seafood and more, bottomless champagne and soft drinks. $29.95 per person, children under 10 half off. 18663 Ventura Blvd Tarzana,(818) 881-7111.
This getaway restaurant in the canyons of Calabasas is serving a three-course meal. First course includes ahi tuna salad, house smoked Scottish salmon, heirloom tomato salad and thick sliced French toast. The main course eggs benedict, pan seared salmon, sliced leg of lamb sandwich, filet mignon. For dessert, get your pick of pear beignets, dulce de leche flan and chocolate coffee pot de crème. $55 per adult/$30 for children 12 years and under (choice of two courses). 419 Cold Canyon Rd Calabasas, (818) 222-3888.
It’s always big fun at this Calabasas restaurant that’s having a day long shindig. The brunch buffet runs from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. including a made-to-order breakfast bar, crab and oyster bar, roasted meats, international side dishes, salads, fresh fruits, desserts (including a chocolate fountain). $25.95 adults, $13.45 for children 5 – 11, and children under 5 are free. In the afternoon, there will be live bands on stage playing classic rock hits from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. 23527 Calabasas Rd Calabasas,(818) 222-6062.
This recently renovated Woodland Hills restaurant designed with rustic European charm is offering a two-course brunch from $19-$32 per person which includes a complementary bread basket. Free-flowing sparkling wine and mimosas is $16. Choose from dishes such as brioche french toast, eggs dungeness, eggs florentine, salmon salad, filet mignon, roasted halibut, short ribs and more. This is the perfect time to dine on their charming patio. 22160 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills, (818) 704-1185.
More restaurants for Easter: Arnie Mortons, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Castaway, Daily Grill, Cafe Bizou, Flemings Steakhouse, The Odyssey, 94th Aerosquadron.
Also, don’t forget “take out,” including Sweet Butter Kitchen, Nesmon Cafe, Arts, Jerry’s, Solley’s and Uncle Bernie’s, Whole Foods and Gelsons also have a good selection of entrees, sides and desserts.
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