Few places tease as well as Sunset Boulevard, with a legacy as legendary as any strip in the country. And it’s not even about the restaurants, with the rare exception, they’ve served as the necessary understudies to the headlining music, boutique, bar and nightlife scene. So when a restaurant goes beyond complementing its surrounds, and enters the realm of defining a destination on its own merit, well then, we pull up a chair and invite you to enjoy the view.
No question, The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (BBCM) scored the location lottery, in addition to it’s inarguably good name. With sidewalk seating on Sunset Plaza, sun washed interiors and French doors to blur the both, there is no time of dine deemed less than ideal. From an al fresco settee atop that darling Moroccan blue and white tile, flanked by century old olive trees, we tried it out for breakfast.
Where we were not just given a choice between sparkling or flat (water), but medium or dark roast (coffee). Tone, set.
The European influence is inescapable in both cuisine and culture. The gratuitous side of sidewalk sightseeing while sipping on some eponymous elixir, it is distinguishingly Parisian. Yet the stun of sun on your back and buzz of well heeled hipsters sauntering about in their leather and stilettos, billionaires beneath baseball caps, neon clad visitors and twenty somethings caught somewhere between the end of last night and the beginning of today, solidifies it. Has to be Sunset Boulevard.
Apropos of locale, brunch favorites bridge the classic with the cutting edge, quelling our simultaneous want for comfort and cuisine au currant. Menu options strike just that balance.
Pumpkin spice French toast features pecan nougatine, skillet baked omelettes (the mushroom one features manchego and kale chips – fun), and if you go with the yogurt parfait, you’ll have to let us know what quinoa granola tastes like. Served with quince and vanilla, I’m optimistic. The zucchini muffin rated with the best of its kind. Served heated and I recommend it with jam.
I went with the seafood omelette with the salmon caviar, because When on Sunset Plaza. Piled high and portioned well, with that dill and crème fraiche, it pairs perfectly with the grilled sourdough it’s served beside. So good. And because it’s in that skillet, nothing goes cold. Will be hard to venture beyond this menu item next round. It stays with you.
The ricotta pancakes, served atop apple cinnamon jam, are cloudlike in consistency with a fun fritter-like quality. They’re small enough – get one to share.
Yet in spite of the top drawer décor, prestigious address, and altogether hip picture, this place remains invitingly at ease. The service is remarkably unpretentious and don’t be surprised if fellow diners strike up a chat with you on their way back from the restroom.
It’s something, accomplishing that hybrid of civil, serene, cutting edge, and classic. For visiting guests this place is kind of a must. Between it’s enviable locale and empyreal cuisine, it easily establishes itself as a go-to when making West Hollywood part of your plan. It can even be the place you go to make your plans. So should finding a venue to internalize our town’s tinsel be on the to-do list, such is easily achievable here. Before the first cup of coffee is finished.
The Details:
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker, 8653 West Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel: +1(310) 360-6900
Email: bbcm@bbcmcafe.com
Centrally located in Sunset Plaza on the famed Sunset Strip. There’s ample free parking (amazing) behind the building. The restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 8:00am to 10:00pm.
Type of Restaurant: Restaurant, Bistro Café
Insider Tip:
Request the patio. And if Mandy’s working, she’s as delightful as the provisions.
Price Band: High
Reviewer’s Rating: 8/10
Author Bio:
Jolie Loeb is a Luxury Lifestyle columnist based in Los Angeles
Photographs by Jolie Loeb
Awesome, close to home and looks very very delicious, looks like I am going out soon.
Ooooh, always down for a new latte spot. Plus that’s like the easiest parking in LA.
Okay…you got me. I hear sirens calling my name fast and furious! It seems a party unto itself….even a casual chatty walk on the strip following your meal couldn’t be anything other than “oh so charming’!
Now this is a trio I could run off to sea with. Lucky for me, I’m just a hop, skip and a hundred jumbo jumps from Sunset Plaza, and with ample parking there’s ample reason to head there asap.
I was so happily shocked by how good the food was and how relaxed the ambiance was at BBCM. The service was friendly and attentive, the coffee was great, and the food was all just slightly better than what you’d expect or even hope for the location. Big step up for Sunset Plaza given the other breakfast options nearby. Definitely worth a trip!
First of all, The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (BBCM) is a great name! Excited to go check it out. I always love a place with sidewalk seating–reminds me of cute cafes and restaurants in San Francisco or Chicago. Thanks for the great review!
You always find the best!
Looks amazing! And on the way to the kids dentist… which means I will find myself there at least twice a year, and deserving of a treat. Those kale chips look divine and the zucchini muffin- you can see how perfect it is!
We got to a try it! Thank you, another outing planned!
Thanks Jolie! I enjoy reading your reviews XO
Your reviews truly take us to the location. Thanks for getting out there and taking us with you.
You had me at ricotta pancakes!!! Heaven! Great review!
Everything looks delicious yet relatively guilt-free. Yum. Must go there.
Wow, everything sounds delicious! I will definitely be trying this one out.
Went there after reading this review and found this place absolutely charming. Interesting menu, good service and the food was delicious. Thanks for the tip Jolie, we will be returning.
I ended up actually going here this weekend! I liked the vibe. Better than Cravings used to be. The food was good and parking was as easy as usual up there. The kitchen could be a little quicker – we had one entree come out about 15 minutes after the others.
We came as a family and were received as Royalty! Our Philadelphia born waiter could not have been more attentive charming or kind. You had me at my perfectly crunchy Brussels topping my mushroom and beautifully scrambled eggs.
There is a little place off the main road in ST. Barts which replicates the vibe here to a tee…..(A Calypso next door as well!). If you lack travel time or patience this is a no brain-or! Make reservations….busy on Sundays!