Brunch in the Backyard!Summer is here—and that means having weekend brunches on gorgeous, sun-filled, California days. You could invite a bunch of your best friends over to your backyard. You could spend hours preparing food or buying it prepared from Whole Foods. You could set up tables, buy ice, spend half the party running around and serving, and afterwards, hours cleaning up. But why bother? The Backyard Restaurant at W Los Angeles-Westwood offers all the amenities of your own backyard; including lush shade trees, patio and swimming pool, but adds the elegance and panache of its serene setting and tantalizing food—an innovative mix of Cal-Fresh American cuisine with Mediterranean influences. In addition to their traditional culinary delights, they are now offering a special new one-of-a-kind Tuscan Brunch.
One Sunday morning, Dennis and I headed over for their very special culinary experience. After seating us at a shaded table overlooking the waterfall and pool, our waitperson, Libby, told us the Bloody Marys were extremely popular, so Dennis ordered one. He wasn't prepared for it to be so S-P-I-C-Y! He almost rocketed out of his chair! We know lots of folks love spicy—but not us. So Dennis switched to Mimosas—sweet and flavorful, more his style, and definitely mine—and we toasted each course as it arrived. To start, guests can choose from any of the mouth-watering entrees listed on the regular menu. I had the grilled rib-eye steak with garlic fries. Perfectly done and sizzling hot, this was steak done at its best. The garlic fries were tasty and sharp. Dennis had the Portobello mushroom sandwich on a brioche with heirloom tomatoes and aioli mayo. It was so good that I vowed to have it the next time. The chopped salad served on the side with fresh and crispy chopped celery, corn, and string beans was a flavorful crunchy contrast to the soft mushroom. Other entrees to choose from included:
As soon as your entree order is in, the real fun begins. While you're relaxing with unlimited, complimentary drink specials, the roving waitstaff come to your table with an assortment of delectable side dishes. Ours included: *Pasta primavera salad - fresh cauliflower, broccoli and corn *Grilled vegetables, including asparagus, eggplant, green, zucchini, red and yellow peppers, and artichoke hearts. *Fruit skewers and grape bundles *Italian salami, mozzarella cheese, artichokes, and gherkins *Danish and mini-muffins - including "Wall Streets" from Bread Bar Having the food choices come to you, "dim-sum-esque" is a lot more relaxing than typical buffets, where you have to keep getting up to get your own food. Our host, Jay, told us a variety of side dishes will be featured at different times.
On Sundays—you will definitely want to go back in the evening. Throughout the summer, the Backyard Restaurant will feature free movies by the pool, starting at 8 pm. Guests and patrons can order from the regular menu or select a special gourmet picnic dinner to enjoy while watching the big screen under the starry sky. Sounds like a romantic evening we don't want to miss! The Backyard 930 Hilgard Avenue Marilyn Anderson & Dennis Lanning |
The newly remodeled Backyard Restaurant, with décor by top tier celebrity interior designer, Thom Filicia, provides an idyllic setting for a sumptuous summer meal. Here you can either order from their popular regular menu or choose the new "mobile" brunch. It's price fixe and includes everything you could want on a lazy weekend afternoon. We highly recommend going "mobile!" 
So grab your honey or a few friends for a relaxing, romantic, and luscious way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning or afternoon. Brunch is served from 10 am to 3 pm. The price of the Tuscan Brunch is $49.95—and that includes your entrée, selection of sides, and unlimited complimentary specialty cocktails! 
