Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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!
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist