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So, I've becomed obsessed with Eggs Benedict. Yes, it may be a heart attack on a plate. Or what one friend called a 'glorified Egg McMuffin' but there's something about the concept of a poached egg atop Canadian bacon and a toasted English muffin with Hollandaise sauce smothering the whole concoction that gets this foodie excited. The tricky part was finding the best Eggs Benedict in LA.
Unlike omelettes, Eggs Benedict does not seem to be a standard breakfast item. Like mimosas, it seems to be a staple of the Sunday morning brunch. Since most of my dining adventures occur on Fridays or Saturdays I looked for a restaurant that serves Eggs Benedict more than just one day out of the week (ruling out Clementine).
I decided to go low-end and sample the Eggs Benedict at two greasy spoons/diners: the newly re-opened Du-Par's at The Farmer's Market, and House of Pies. While Du-Pars is better known for its pancakes, it offers several versions of Eggs Benedict including Florentine (with fresh spinach instead of the Canadian bacon), crabcakes (they replace the muffins), and Avocado and Turkey (am I the only one disgusted by the thought of fresh turkey and eggs?).
Photo by Leilani A. Wertens for LAist
For my first ever Eggs Benedict I went for the Traditional, which came with a side of potatoes. I also decided to order a side of bacon, which was rather overpriced, seeing as it usually comes for free with most dishes at diners (though perhaps I'm too used to places like Denny's or IHOP).
Du-Par's came through with light and buttery English muffins, crispy yet chewy Canadian bacon, perfectly poached eggs and a light and creamy Hollandaise sauce. Though Du-Par's seems rather overpriced for diner food, I wouldn't mind coming back if dining again at The Grove.
After a positive experience at Du-Par's I decided to have Eggs Benedict again, this time at Los Feliz's House of Pies. My Eggs Benedict experience there reminded me why I only go there for dessert. They replaced Canadian bacon with thick slabs of ham that upset the delicate balance of the dish. All I could taste was salty ham. The muffins were also extremely soggy and the eggs rather chewy. All in all, a major disappointment.
Next time I'm going to a pricier cafe... perhaps the Pacific Dining Car. Has anyone tried their version? Also, is Eggs Benedict nirvana really worth $15?
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The blue crab eggs benedict at the PDC is incredible. Start it off with a freshly made Bloody Mary, and it may be the best breakfast you've ever had. Guaranteed to put you back to sleep!
I'm sure that your friend must have many positive qualities, but to call eggs benedict "a glorified egg mcmuffin" is no less inane than it would be to call fresh squeezed orange juice "a glorified orange koolaid." My advice, stop bouncing the food ideas off of that friend and try the smoked salmon eggs benedict at Broadway Deli in Santa Monica.
I went through a big Eggs Benedict phase when I first moved here 6 years ago. I think it was the idea that I could have them any day of the week rather than just on Xmas or Easter (the only times my mom ever made her fabulous Eggs Benedict).
It's been a while since I've indulged, but at the risk of being out of date, here's the ones I remember:
Hugo's on Santa Monica (the best in my survey)
Vienna Cafe on Melrose (go during the week, the kitchen is too slow when it's crowded)
La Belle Epoque in Los Feliz
King's Road Cafe (at Beverely Blvd.)
Lulu's Cafe (Beverly just west of La Brea, the Hollandaise varies depending on the chef)
Sounds like I'll have to give Pacific Dining Car a try for breakfast--haven't been there since a late night steak dinner 5 years ago...
Dan
I, generally speaking, only have eggs benedict for breakfast. I fancy myself as a connoisseur if you will. That being said I have tried many of them and have compiled some of the better ones that I can remember off the top of my head:
Square One - This is probably the best of benedict I have had in LA.
Lulu's Cafe - actually I am in love with the special benedict they have here which comes with Canadian bacon, avocado, tomato and mushroom
The Standard - Their benedict is surprisingly straightforward and extremely good.
If you don't mind popping down to the South Bay, Hennessey's carries several versions of the benny for a reasonable price.
Brent's Deli in Northridge also serves eggs benny any day.
Love the stuff! I'm even happier when they use a Bernaisse instead of a hollondaise.
I recall one of the top ten list on this here site metioning the eggs benedict being quite tasty as well as affordable at Rae's is Santa Monica...
i concur with dan -- hugo's on santa monica blvd is the winner.
I've had the benedict at Hugo's - I thought it was ok but the hollandaise when I had it was very watery and not very flavorful. Try Square One you WILL NOT be disappointed
I will also have to add Square One. A minimalist and expensive breakfast though. Never had a bad meal there though. Brioche French Toast is what I'm looking for right now...
I'm going to BLD tomorrow and I just may try their eggs benedict
do not try the ones at griddle cafe....unless you like a really really mayo-y hollandaise sauce that overpowers everything else.