Photo courtesy of Pelican Hill
‘Tis the season
Do you hear what I hear? The holiday season is officially here! Why not take your whole family to a festive brunch to kick off what could become a very special Christmas tradition? Here are a few gorgeous restaurants in Southern California that are my absolute favorites when it comes to enjoying a family brunch. Need help deciding? Below are a few tips and tricks for you to consider when choosing where to eat holiday brunch with kids during Christmastime.
Los Angeles
Hailed by some as the city’s best and most elaborate brunch, the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills fails to disappoint when it comes to their lavish culinary selections. Families can choose from traditional breakfast options like made-to-order Belgian waffles and omelettes, or visit one of the other 10 unique food stations and two live drink bars (freshly squeezed juices and customized Bloody Marys). For those with sophisticated palates, don’t pass up the hand-rolled sushi, dim sum or prime rib. And be sure to save room for dessert because the chocolate fountain and freshly made doughnuts are always popular with foodies young and old. Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills 300 South Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, California (310) 273-2222 www.fourseasons.com
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Orange County
Pelican Grill at the Pelican Hill Golf Club®, offers a delicious selection of Napa-inspired cuisine with amazing coastal California ocean views. For starters, the Irvine Ranch White Corn Bisqu with roasted yellow peppers and crab meat is a perfect way to begin holiday brunch. The Fall Fig Salad with Humboldt fog, frisee, and hazelnut vinaigrette is a wonderful follow-up. Pelican Grill also has a fantastic selection of pizzas and great sides for the kiddies to feast on, and the Artisan Sandwiches and Lobster Risotto are irresistible. Gluten-free pasta is available upon request. Pelican Hill 22701 S Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast, California (949) 467-6800 www.pelicanhill.com
Photo courtesy of Pelican Hill
San Diego
The Grand Del Mar’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture will immediately make you feel like you are on the coast of Italy. The Grilled Flat Iron Steak Salad with oven-dried tomatoes, watercress, pomme frites, blue cheese and champagne vinaigrette at Amaya will make you feel like you’re in Heaven. Mix the two and you can thank me later for reminding you of this culinary paradise. Want something a little more “breakfast-y”? The Brioche French Toast with bananas, chocolate-hazelnut sauce and toasted hazelnuts is something you might consider adding to your letter to Santa. Amaya at The Grand Del Mar 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA (858) 314-2000 www.thegranddelmar.com
Photo courtesy of The Grand Del Mar
Brunch with kids can be tricky. Here are some tips for surviving the celebration with your little elves this holiday brunch:
- Do not wait to make reservations. The earlier you can get seated the better! Even though selections are continually brought out to ensure freshness, or made-to-order, we learned the first round is always the best when it comes to stations.
- Do take this opportunity to snap lots of holiday family photos. There will be plenty of white lights, gingerbread houses, poinsettias and Christmas trees to use as backdrops.
- Do not be afraid to request a corner table. In fact, I highly recommend it. This way your family is not only off to the side, it can be semi-private and more room for your party (and playful pint-sized guests.)
- Do check the menu selections offered for children. Believe it or not, some So Cal kiddies might not be impressed with sushi chefs, but love chocolate fountains and doughnut stations.
Comments
Out here in the IE my family loves to go to the Mission Inn.