The Gilded Bellini at Cattle & Claw | LA's Newest Pop-Up Eatery

If there’s one thing Angelenos can’t get enough of, it’s a good pop-up! LA’s latest pop-though has nothing to do with shopping…but everything to do with burgers and lobsters!

I recently visited Cattle & Claw, the newest pop-up eatery located in the heart of LA at The Sofitel Hotel. I was so intrigued by this awesome culinary concept. Never in my foodie travels have I ever heard of a restaurant that features two of the world’s most loved foods! I’ve dined at The Sofitel before so I had a strong inkling the hotel’s latest venture was going to be a great one.

For the burger and lobster lovers, the options are truly endless; and the choices are ones you would have only dreamed of! Omnivores of LA can indulge in locally-sourced five-ounce burgers, fresh lobster beignets, curated mason jar cocktails and more.

One of the things that lured me the most about Cattle & Claw? Its inviting and down to earth ambiance without a stuffy vibe, any velvet ropes, and my personal favorite: no reservation needed!  

Pick any other place in the heart of LA and I can guarantee that in most cases, you’ll probably have one of those three things!

Cattle & Claw is set up in the usual Estérel spot, where the stunning dining area is its vibrant outdoor terrace. Lots of gorgeous flowers and greenery line the space with an orange overhead to really set the tone for a sunny, summertime vibe. Even the flowers on the tables matched with burnt orange and reddish hues. I love the laidback, “backyard” type of feel of the restaurant – it really fits perfectly with the concept!   

I couldn't wait to dive right in and truly revel in the moment that I was about to eat a lot of hearty food at once, but I came hungry and ready to indulge.

I knew I definitely needed to try a burger. Fun fact: I am eternally a burger critic since a young age - my dad owns a restaurant in NYC specializing in burgers that has been around for a few decades now, so I have always been super picky about the burgers that I cross paths with! It's pretty much in my blood at this point, lol! I have always found that it's pretty difficult to find the perfect burger - one that's juicy and tasty, versus many that are bland, overcooked or rubbery. But I had a feeling Cattle & Claw was going to be all over their burger game considering it is their specialty! I was seriously impressed - the burger was scrumptious and a mighty one for sure. It was juicy, tender and fresh; so big that I had to cut it in half!  This is one burger here in LA that I wholeheartedly recommend trying if you are a burger lover like me!

Paired alongside a simple, yet refreshing garden salad, to-die-for dips and my number one top weakness in life (housemade fries), this was the ultimate burger moment!!! 

For this first round, I introduced the lobster in with my Lobster Bloody Mary! First off, who else in the world is making a bloody infused with lobster?! This blew me away. I loved how despite how savory the drink was, it was so refreshing rather than salty, which most bloodies are. The hint of lobster was seriously everything. If there is one Bloody Mary that I'm drinking, I definitely want it to be the one from Cattle & Claw!

Next up, the Lobster Beignets! I was so excited to try these. I had never had a beignet before to begin with, but I knew this was going to be one unique delicacy for the books. The 3 yummy beignets were fried to perfection, inside each having delicious lobster but with a super soft, almost cornbread-like consistency. For all my cornbread-loving friends, I can assure you you'll enjoy this dish! Paired with lobster aioli dipping sauce, these beignets were just the cutest, most scrumptious little things. My mouth is watering just writing about them! Not to mention I loved the artsy presentation of the dish as well.

Thought I was done? Nope! Like I said, I came hungry. I HAD to try the Lobster Roll, of course! It was one hearty dish but the fresh chunks of lobster in a remoulade sauce, in between the softest bun was nothing short of perfection. The East Coaster in me definitely enjoyed this (usual) East Coast staple!

I had to try a Mojito too! This was so refreshing - totally the drink of the summer! It was served in a fun mason jar cocktail (that just makes everything better to begin with!) and paired perfectly with my lobster roll. I couldn't even pick which drink I liked more, but I love that there's a really nice selection of drinks for guests in case they prefer one type of drink over the other.

My meal was so enjoyable and I loved being in the middle of all the stunning florals and romantic decor outside. The vibe is so relaxing and low-key at Cattle & Claw which I love and really enhances that summer feel. The combination of the atmosphere and the delicious food really takes you away and brings you into what I like to consider a local escape - right in the heart of West Hollywood/Beverly Hills! 

Before I left, I caught up with my friend Cecile who I chatted with in my video above to find out more about Cattle & Claw, and also Marta who I absolutely adore and who is always such a joy to see whenever I am at the hotel! These ladies are so dedicated to making sure guests have a wonderful experience at their hotel and restaurant, and it really shows in everything they do. They provide amazing customer service and are so friendly - just an FYI for anyone who is wondering about the staff. They are hands down great people!

Cattle & Claw is the perfect place for both locals and visitors to satisfy their carnivorous cravings and devour two of the world's most favorite foods all in one place. You get everything you need here, from the atmosphere to the food to the cocktails to the people. It's all around a fun place to experience and really sets the tone for the summer! But get here when you can, because you have to remember it is a pop-up. Hours from Monday through Sunday are 12 PM - 2 PM and then 5 PM - 11 PM. I don't know about you, but I am hungry all over again for Cattle & Claw! Hope to see you guys there!

The Gilded Bellini at Estérel at The Sofitel Hotel

Celebrity clientele? Check. French garden patio? Check. Breathtaking and colorful outdoor seating? Check. A one of a kind dining experience at one of LA's renowned hotels? Check. We're talking about Estérel at The Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills! 

My latest brunch with two of my close gal friends was at Estérel, a gorgeous restaurant named after the mountains in South East France overlooking the sea, nestled within the hotel. Estérel is known for its two divisions of the space: The Aviary for private cocktail parties, and its vibrant terrace named Le Jardin (French for "the garden"), an extension of their indoor dining space. I had always known about this spot because it's hard to miss while driving down on La Cienega Boulevard.

The luxurious Sofitel Hotel is recognized for its glamorous and dramatic ambiance in addition to hosting a ton of celebrity filled events. Plus, it recently made a cameo on a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. You know, the episode where the girls donned all-white attire and caused quite the scene when Erika had a little wardrobe malfunction! Despite the fashion mishap, I got to see how gorgeous Estérel looking from television, and I was totally lured in! I couldn't wait to bring my friends along and try out brunch!

Upon entering the hotel, I walked down the long hallway towards Estérel. Gorgeous artwork exuding French fashion and Hollywood glamour guided the walk.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the indoor portion was a very sleek, spacious dining area with dim mood lighting. In awe of the trendy space, my friends Morgan, Antonia and I were escorted outside to the outdoor patio where we would be enjoying our brunch!

The moment we opened the door, we were amazed at how bright and colorful the space was. It gave us a very magical type feel. Between the hard to miss contemporary lighting and fountains, a Provençal inspired herb garden, lots of big mirrors, and a driftwood bar with a "living wall" of plants backdrop, I felt like we were sitting in a real life fairytale!

We were greeted by Francisco, one of ambassadors at Estérel. He was incredibly knowledgable about every item on the menu and on the restaurant itself!

We began with a few of his recommendations: a Raspberry Bellini, a Bloody Mary and a Mimosa, coffee, and a beautifully presented fresh fruit plate.

We were so excited to try some of Estérel's most well known dishes. Both Francisco and Executive Chef Pete gave us some great recommendations of what to order.

I went with the Smoked Salmon Benedict, accompanied with avocado. Oh my goodness, was this tasty. I'm a total sucker for smoked salmon, and Estérel cooked this brunch dish to perfection. I'm craving it just thinking about it! 

Morgan ordered the Estérel Breakfast Wrap, a combination of scrambled eggs, avocado, chorizo, bell peppers, and jack cheese all in one. Morgan is a total breakfast burrito connoisseur, and she said this one was absolutely top notch in her book.  

Antonia got the SoCal Egg White Frittata. I had a bite and this seriously was to die for! Made with zucchini blossom, tomato, bell pepper, asparagus, basil, avocado and herb ricotta, the ingredients of this dish created the perfect marriage of savory flavors. Not to mention the gorgeous presentation! 

Following brunch, we headed over to the seating area with cute tables placed in a garden-like areas. Fun and colorful shabby chic adirondack chairs were super inviting and we knew we had to snap a few photos here! With the natural sunlight coming in along with the vibrant colors of the furniture, it made for the perfect photo opp. It was fun channeling our own inner Real Housewives!

I was so impressed by not only the food and the beautiful ambiance at Estérel, but how passionate each and every person was who worked there. Everyone was so kind, generous and accommodating. We were so appreciative that Francisco wanted to get to know us and tell us more about the restaurant, his experience in the industry and all the reasons why loves so much where he works. It's not every day that you connect with such genuine people and it was a pleasure getting to know every person at Estérel, from Francisco to Chef Pete, to the manager Marta. One thing that definitely stands out to me when checking out different brunch spots is if the restaurant really nails every aspect of having the ultimate pleasant experience: Estérel does just that and beyond. 

Estérel is truly the perfect spot for a fun brunch al fresco, a romantic date or a relaxed mid-morning amongst beautiful scenery while enjoying a hot coffee. It's an elegant local getaway, and luckily for all of us, this real life fairytale brunch spot is in the heart of where we always are... 

Esterel | Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

8555 Beverly Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 90048

Photography by Patrick Muñiz

The Gilded Bellini at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

If you're an avid reader of The Gilded Bellini, it's no secret to see that I love covering different brunch spots that have incredible, one of a kind ambiances with great dishes on the menu. You may also notice that I am a huge fan of anything gold (hence, the "gilded" in my name). When I first came across The Boxwood at The London Hotel, gorgeous images of hotel itself and of its restaurant and rooftop were totally up my ally. Effortlessly chic and luxurious with the perfect touch of California cool. Think: gilded, iconic glamour, modern luxury and style all in one amazing spot located along the Sunset Strip. Not to mention, it is a celebrity favorite. I knew it had to be my next brunch spot.

I brought along my friends Kellie, Hannah and my brother Steven to check out this awesome spot I've always admired from the outside in passing. I couldn't wait to get inside and see all of the beautiful aesthetics for myself!

Just by walking into the sitting area located steps away from the entrance of The Boxwood Cafe, you're greeted with plush furry chairs, gold metallic accents on the chairs and doors, lots of contemporary decor, and a ton of natural lighting coming from the open ceiling. Positive, sunny vibes all around.

Entering The Boxwood, there's even more gold! Even the shutters and the host stand were gilded - I was in absolute heaven. The inside had so many gorgeous modern accessories,  making for a luxurious yet home-y feel. 

When entering the dining area, you pass the stunning bar area called The London Bar, a glittering getaway perfect for serious cocktail lovers. It's an amazing spot for some evening sips and has a really awesome, inventive bar program.

After the bar, you enter into the Sitting Room. It has a spacious residential-style setting - from the floors to the chandeliers, you see marble, high ceilings, gold chandeliers, mod decor. Totally fit for bloggers, or anyone who loves to take photos of pretty things!

 To dine, we got seated in one of the private rooms (yay!) and it was really stunning. From the marble table to just simply the exclusivity of the room, I already was impressed.

We were all in more of a breakfast-y mood this day, so we couldn't wait to indulge in some of the incredible items on the menu! 

I got an amazing eggs benedict - the cut of bread was crisp and crunchy, with delectable avocado (my fave), fresh tomatoes and poached egg on top, finished with arugula. I absolutely loved the presentation of this dish because it was so artistically situated on the plate.

Kellie got the pancakes. Need I say more? Cooked to perfection, they were light and fluffy with fresh fruit and powdered sugar on top. 

Hannah got the poached eggs benedict - two poached eggs, spinach, hollandaise and spinach in between a croissant! Oh my goodness, was this good. The croissant added a hint of buttery goodness to the savory dish.

Steven got more of a traditional dish - two fresh organic farm eggs with smoked bacon and chicken apple sausage. Sometimes, the classic route is the best way to go! An equally yummy meal to take care of those hunger pains!

After we finished eating, we couldn't wait to hit the rooftop! The London is known for its amazing rooftop with stellar views of the entire city. And if you know me, you know I love my spots with panoramic views! 

The rooftop is almost like a getaway from the rest of the world. On one end of the roof is the fabulous pool with tons of hotel guests (and some who are LA locals hanging.. because The London pool just the place to be) and the other end is where all the tables are to eat and drink! The decor is all white with fun, summery umbrellas to offer shade from the white hot sun while you're sipping your cocktail. Think: Where's my cabana boy? type vibes!

The day we were up on the roof was super hot, so we knew a few cocktails were definitely in order! 

I had a watermelon margarita - the perfect concoction to quench my thirst on a hot day! I am a total watermelon and tequila girl, so this hit the spot.

While we were sitting sipping our drinks, we actually saw Cee-Lo Green being seated just a few tables away from us which was really cool. Upon leaving, we ran into Ice T, Coco and baby Chanel coming up the elevator! Celebs adore The London because it is so "celeb friendly." Not only is it known for its gorgeous decor and fabulous food, but also for its space for press junkets and for big events.

I just love The Boxwood and The Rooftop at The London. Both offer a completely different experience in the same location.  If you're looking for a more relaxed, quiet dining experience, head to The Sitting Room so you'll be indoors. For a more lively atmosphere (and don't forget the incredible, one of a kind view) make sure to reserve a table at The Rooftop for brunch!

The Boxwood at The London is the perfect spot to get together with friends, for a chic local getaway or for a cute date. The London takes guests, whether local or from far away and transports them to a fabulously elevated destination in the heart of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

The Boxwood at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

Photography by Patrick Muniz