With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Recession Obsession: Soulful Jazz Brunch in Leimert Park
I Heart Biscuits + Gravy + Eggs + Grits + Butter
The Official Recession has been upon us for fourteen official months. It’s still not a reason we can’t enjoy life. This is LA -- we have a million inexpensive options! A Recession Obsession is meal (or activity) that is fantastic whether times are good or bad -- because it's just that damn good. We last loved on Zankou Chicken and Santa Monica's Tacos Por Favor. Today, we...
Head to New Orleans and you'll find as many musical Sunday brunches as you will crooked politicians with high cholesterol. Or so I'm told. I've only experienced exported versions of these entertaining afternoons.
Sponsor
For $7-$10 per person a wonderful soul food-fueled jazz brunch can be found in Leimert Park (pronounced La-mert.) Your ears and taste buds will quickly recognize you're getting more than your money's worth. That’s why Papa West is LAist’s latest Recession Obsession.
My experience at Papa West was that both the music and food scratched itches I didn't know I had -- and didn't send me further into the red.
Let's Get Jazzy
The band's musical stylings featured head-bopping uptempo numbers as well as lush downtempo tunes. The former placed a collective smile on the dining room, while the latter secured it. Over the course of brunch a handful of vocalists sat in with the band, each bringing different and worthwhile sounds. These guys were worthy of a cover charge... thankfully there wasn't one.
The Grub
My turkey gravy-blanketing-honey biscuits was a little too enjoyable. There's something about that warm gravy-lubricant which makes another round seem like it would slide right down. For the sake of my waistline, I refrained. However, I gladly helped my girlfriend with her bacon. It was the polite thing to do. I continued my politeness on her grits. A shot of hot sauce and they were perfect for this Yankee. Simple. Southern. Wicked.
Sponsor
The Official Recession has been taking a toll on Los Angelenos. It's nice to know there are guilt-free, wallet-pleasing, tasty ways to ignore it for a couple of hours.
- Papa West | 4336 Degnan Blvd | Leimert Park | Los Angeles, CA 90008 | (323) 290-9575
(This video wasn't from my meal, but I still like it...)
Photos by Caleb Bacon for LAist
Ever done brunch in Leimert Park? Comment below!
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
