Booted from Brunch at Blaqhaus (But It Was Good)

The entire 5 years I’ve been living in Los Angeles, working in the Food & Beverage industry, and enjoying a plethora of food and beverage entities in my leisure, this is something I’d never seen, let alone had happen to me..

I didn’t want to tell this story, but it has to be told

I’m rather torn because I’m a longstanding advocate of the, more recently popular, initiative to buy Black and shop small. This is the idea to patronize Black-owned establishments and spend your money with independent/local businesses, in effort circulate dollars within our communities. Participating in this type of spending is a way for all of us, at an individual level, to contribute to a more equal economy (less money to the ultra-wealthy, more money to the not-so-wealthy). I’ve done my fair share of research, and understand how powerful where you spend your dollar is, causing me to avoid saying anything that may discourage that dollar from being spent Black.

I’m rooting for everybody Black

Issa Rae is me and I am Issa Rae. I’m rooting for everybody Black — now, while it’s popular; 10 years ago, when I was still a kid in school before it was even a thing; and 10 years from now, however the trend may go.

The same wrong I would tear a hole in Cheesecake Factory for, I’d let slide from a local Black-owned restaurant. Aside from being rightfully biased, I’m aware of the challenges small businesses face, where large chains and corporations are wildly advantaged. When reflecting on my experience at an establishment, I grade them for where/what they are. I’m not going to sit in a fast food, fried chicken joint and say, “ugh! Maestros would never do this.” Well, duh, [expletive]!

BlaqHaus NoHo is an “Upscale Southern Restaurant”

That description, “upscale”, is the first to come up on their website summary when I type BlaqHaus into my Google search engine. That’s the way they describe themselves. Being that’s where/what they are, that’s the lens thru which I was extremely disappointed by what transpired during my visit.

It was going pretty good… until we were kicked out

This past Saturday morning, one of my girlfriends calls me saying she’s craving something savory. I was still in my bonnet with no plans of going anywhere, after having worked a NYE party and not getting home until the wee hours of the morning. But, with a few more nudges from my girl, I was up, sliding into some clothes and slicking my edges.

for southern brunch, chicken and waffles is a go-to of mine | photo: Black Restaurant Week

We were going to go to one of our regular spots, My 2 Cents, another Black-owned restaurant in Los Angeles touting tasty Southern cuisine, but found out they were closed for the holiday. To stay in the same realm of food offerings, I suggested BlaqHaus. My girl immediately declined. She did not have fond memories of our first visit.

This was us giving them a second chance.

The first time we went to BlaqHaus was back pre-COVID. There was a minor wait after checking in for our reservation, but it didn’t compare to the eons we had to wait for our food once we’d gotten seated and placed our order. Service was extremely slow, and I don’t mean “the kitchen missed part of the ticket, but we’re getting an extra well done burger going for you now” type of slow. That’s understandable, it’s a longer cook time, but not that long. No, it wasn’t that. It was a “the chef went to go find a cow to butcher, as soon as he gets back, we’ll get your burger started.” We didn’t make a fuss. We sat, we talked, we waited. The place was packed. We were being understanding. Then about an hour in, we had to know what was going on. We were told they had a back-of-house staff shortage, so basically one chef was doing everything on her own. I felt that struggle, and didn’t hold it against them. (I still included them in a previous post about best brunch spots in L.A., and didn’t say anything about the slow service.)

“Come onnnnnnnnn,” I pleaded with my girlfriend from her passenger seat, “let’s give them another try. They’d only recently opened then, they had some kinks to work out.”

She reluctantly put BlaqHaus into her GPS and we made our way to North Hollywood.

When we pulled up, it was MUCH more open space than our first visit. We smiled, hoping this meant wait times wouldn’t be long. We’d booked the next available reservation online, 2:30pm, but decided to see if they had room to take us early, and to our delight, they did!

We walked up to the host stand within a few clock strokes of 1:15pm. They seated us right away, we were greeted by our server quickly, and ordered drinks. Being silly, my girl snapped a picture of me giggling while I had my phone out looking at the digital menu, trying to decide what I wanted to eat, and sent it real-time in a group text. The timestamp on that texts reads 1:19pm. When the server returned with our drinks, we placed our food order. We were cheers’ing, after the server walked away with our food order, by 1:26pm, as captured by my InstaStory filter.

I know you may be thinking, “okay, T.K… that’s enough details, get to the part where they told y’all y’all had to leave.” And you see, I feel you, I know I’m long winded, but the details matter in this case.

Our food hit the table at 1:55pm. I have had to soothe unhappy patrons, while I’m working, when their food takes a half hour to come out. I’ve also had to encourage patience in my peers when we’re out to eat together and the food hasn’t come out in a shorter time. At the last luxury hospitality group I worked for, servers would be reprimanded if they didn’t notify a manager that their table hadn’t received food within 18 minutes of putting the order in (because to them it should’ve been out 5 minutes ago at that point).

This ain’t that tho. This restaurant isn’t those, and those people aren’t us. Waiting 30 minutes for food isn’t something, I, nor my friend, would complain about. We were chilling. We were thankful to have our butts in seats, and glad the food came out in a FRACTION of the time it did our first visit.

our food came out plated beautifully

We’d told the server when we ordered that we wanted to order two entrees and split them both. I get half of my friend’s entree, my friend gets half of mine. When she came back to check on us, as is standard within moments of food hitting the table, my friend reminded her that we needed two small/share plates. In the meantime, we snapped pictures of our food and posted videos to our InstaStory. We didn’t want to begin eating until we had the plates to split the food in half, that way my used utensils would only touch what I’m eating and vice versa.

I asked for a refill on my 20-dollar bottomless mimosa. The server responds, “okay, and how would you like the check?”

“Together. We’ll put two cards and split it equally down the middle.” I responded, ignoring the fact that there was still food on our plates. We still had forks in hand. We were actively eating.

She dropped the bill as we continued to nibble. She returned after some minutes and refilled my mimosa.

Our server was a thicker girl that my friend said favors Lauren London in the face. A very petite, chocolate brown girl comes and picks up our bill; mind you, she hadn’t done anything for us our entire visit (— which I point out because it’s strange. When servers help each other, they handle a task such as refilling drinks, or clearing empty plates. Picking up another server’s check from a guest is the last thing you do as a fellow server, unless that server or that server’s guests requests you do so, because each server can only close out their own guest check.). I specifically remember the deeper-complexioned girl because she was our server our first visit, and I remember that from complimenting her perfect little frame.

Our server returns with the checkbook in hand and a slightly confused expression. My brunch date tries to nod the girl away discreetly, but then reveals, “I was trying to surprise her.” Under the table (I assume), she’d taken my card out of the checkbook, so when it was picked up, it only had her card in there. (Side note: It’s usually me doing something like that, so it was so touching for someone to do it to me for a change.)

a look inside the space | photo: NoHo Arts District

Our server looks at the checkbook in an, “oh!” type of way, but not as in “I ruined the surprised.” It was a an “I don’t even know what y’all were talking about” type of “ohh.”

When she came back with the transaction receipt, I had to ask. Why was she looking confused about there only being one card in the booklet if she didn’t even know (or care) that there was only one card in the booklet?

She told me her look of confusion was caused by another server coming to her with the booklet saying “your table was trying to flag you down,” claiming that we were waving the check in the air. Now if the little dark skinned one really told her that, she ought to be shamed for being so cute telling bold faced lies!

They went from hinting that they wanted us to leave, to flat out telling us we had to leave.

A back-of-house staff member came out of the kitchen, in full kitchen garb, approached us saying we’d exceeded our stay way beyond the 2-hour limit and that we need to leave. I don’t know whose face was more bewildered, mine, or the one looking at mine from across the table. “We’ve been here that long?,” she wondered aloud.

Excuse me? My response was that confusion where you’re also a bit offended… becauuuuuuse, WHET?!

“Yeah, we have other people waiting,” she tried to clean it up after noticing my reaction. I glanced towards the clearly visible host stand, with no one around, the open walkway, and the less-than-packed parking lot, then back at her with my eyebrows squeezed together, my eyes squinted and my lips slightly parted. She knew what my face was saying. “Well, we have other reservations booked that’ll be coming in,” she continued to try to clean it up, but it was too late.

She told us they needed the table right then. My friend that I was out to brunch with is very non-confrontational, unlike me, and started to hit one of those, “oh, we were just leaving.” Girl, no tf we were not. I’ve barely even sipped my newly refilled 20-dollar bottomless mimosa. Because I’m working on being more agreeable, and I see my friend shifting in her seat, I decide to compromise.

“Okay, may we finish our drinks at the open space at the bar?” I asked. She gladly agreed, “oh sure, you can take it there, we just need this table.” I guess that made her feel less bad about giving us this unexpected boot.

My friend has already closed the drawstrings on her mini Prada backpack, has it in her lap and has said to hell with her bloody Mary. I politely take my time eating the last few bites of our catfish and grits entree, and then I begin grabbing my purse. As I’m putting my bag on my shoulder and sliding out of the booth, the same girl in the apron comes out of the kitchen and says, “actually… sit down. You want a shot?”

We let our butts fall back onto the seat, and neither of us say. We look up, once again, confused. “How’s tequila?” she continues her offer. “You actually have 16 minutes left.” With what seemed to be a genuine disposition, she tells us to enjoy and walks away.

I clicked my phone screen. It said 2:54pm.

Our server, the one that favors Lauren London, comes back flustered and says, “I’m so sorry about that, I’m getting y’all Don Julio.”

my brunch date at Blaqhaus NoHo

at Blaqhouse NoHo — my dear sweet friend, Shirley, that treated me to brunch as a birthday surprise

My friend and I are suckers, so when she came back with our complimentary shots of top shelf tequila, and she seemed like the job was putting her thru it, we added extra cash to her tip. It’s important to note that they’d already added an automatic gratuity to my friend’s card, in the amount of about $20. Then all I had on me was a 20-dollar bill. I put that in the booklet. Then on top of that, my girl put another two five-dollar bills in the booklet, saying “happy holidays.. I feel bad, they tried to sabotage her.”

I don’t know if her co-workers had really conspired against Ms. Thick Lauren London, or if she was in on it too, to get more tips (if she was, it worked), but what I do know is that I don’t like it.

Baby, give me upscale if you’re giving me upscale

That whole debacle was a mess that could’ve (and would’ve) been handled better with a better service team.

The lack of professionalism and decorum was deplorable for an “upscale” establishment with 17-dollar cocktails.

Oh, T.K., since you know so much about hospitality and the Food & Beverage service industry, how about you tell us how it could have been handled better? Chiiiiiiiild, I could write a whole essay, it would have to be its own blog post, but mentioning something about a time limit before it was time to kick us out, instead of blindsiding us, would’ve been a great start.

I’ve had brunch that came up to $150 for two before, not too long ago, at SoHo House, actually. In addition to stunning views and a luxurious environment, SoHo House has superior service. I’m not comparing the two restaurants, per say, because they’re in two totally different categories, I’m just giving an example of where brunch for two has come out to a similar cost and my mind wouldn’t even question it based off the experience I had.

If you’re going to present yourself as upscale, and you’re going to attach an upscale price tag, please have some upscale service; that’s all I’m saying.

Y’all still go check it out for yourselves

Though I don’t plan to rush back to BlaqHaus, I’d still recommended this spot to someone looking for a weekend brunch in Los Angeles with traditional Southern (style) cuisine. The food was tasty (and plated well), the music selection was one you couldn’t help but sing along to, and the vibes were cool (until we were told we needed to leave of course).

BlaqHaus NoHo
11671 Victory Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91606

Six Spots for a Southern Sunday Brunch in L.A.

After a hike at Runyon the other Sunday, a couple of my old co-workers and I sat parked along the street trying to figure out where we would go to eat. We referred back to an Instagram post I’d sent prior, and as beautiful as the Black-owned Sunday brunch spots list was, it wasn’t functional for us in that moment because only one allowed you to eat there (My 2 Cents — which is where we’d just eaten our previous Sunday linkup; plus, one of the girls wanted mimosas and that’s not something they offer). All of the other places were only doing to-go.

We’re tired of ordering to-go. We want to eat out! And, at these places, you can… literally eat out.

Los Angeles County still has quite the restrictions in place, but businesses are finding a way to stay strong during this debilitating public health crisis. From lining tables along the sidewalk, to turning parking lots into full-blown dining “rooms”, some restaurants have figured out a way to allow their guests to dine onsite with them while still following public health guidelines.

Southern brunch is like soul food for breakfast.

It’s filling, rich, and warm. These ain’t no avocado toast type joints. We’re talking thick, creamy grits. We’re talking alcoholic beverages and not worrying about it being 5 o’clock somewhere. We’re talking sweets; dessert isn’t reserved to dinner in this culinary category. (My diabetes-ridden family has me slightly paranoid and playing it safe with this one, but occasional indulgence won’t have me pricking my finger anytime soon, hunh?) We’re talking bacon-fat-cooked anything. Who’s tossing out good grease after a single use?! (Remember, soul food was born out of American descendants of African slaves using leftovers from what they had prepared for the master’s meal). Whew, don’t get me off on a tangent. Let’s get into this list!

My 2 Cents

5583 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019

You see, I’m going to be completely honest; their shrimp and grits is absolutely mouth-watering (my mouth is watering as I type this, no joke); it’s one of my favorites, but I’m still hungry after I finish them. The serving size is small. Maybe it’s only my little fat self, but I’d say you have to order something to accompany them, like maybe some biscuits, if you want to feel full. But wait, this is L.A., where people are more health-conscious than where I’m from, so someone who’s interested in lighter fare while still getting to enjoy that savory Southern cuisine may opt for this menu item.

I have been here multiple times with different friend groups, where we all order various meals and I’ve not heard one single complaint. If I haven’t ordered it myself, I’ve nibbled off of someone else’s plate (which I’m good for doing) and everything has been tasty. Their menu doesn’t confuse you with two many options, and you really can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.

Stevie’s Creole Cafe

5545 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019

If the two sisters, daughters of Mr. Stevie, that run this place, don’t know my name, they definitely know my face. It’s hard not to become a regular after eating their food. It’s so good that when I met Mr. Stevie, I had to ask him where he’s from. He told me he’s from Los Angeles, but he must’ve done some mighty good research because his Louisiana Creole-inspired fare is rather convincing. It’s not my Teedie’s, but it definitely satisfies my cravings for comfort food while in Los Angeles.

If you’re anything like me and can always make room for dessert, add an order of beignets when you visit. Baby when I tell you, they’re worth every single calorie, they’re worth it! Go bike or hike it off later ☺

Delicious at the Dunbar

4229 S Central Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90011

The name “Delicious Southern Cuisine”, the location in the historic Dunbar Hotel (which was once the heart of Black Los Angeles), and articles about the restaurant that focus on talking points such as a “promise to return to South LA decadence,” could easily lead one to believe that this is a Black-owned establishment. It is not. (It’s the only one on this list that isn’t.) Let’s hope those characteristics are only coincidental, and weren’t intentional to seem Black-owned in hopes of getting more of the Black dollar. I digress.

The executive chef immigrated to Los Angeles from Puebla, Mexico when he was 20 years old. He started off washing dishes at a spot in South Central LA where Civil Rights leaders would meet, went on to work at other long-standing soul food restaurants, and eventually worked his way up to Cook, then built his own foundation, that he was able to pass along to his daughter. (That’s the story I much rather hear.)

This Latina-owned restaurant boasts Southern cuisine with a Mexican-Angeleno twist. I haven’t yet ventured into the menu items with a Mexican flare, but if it’s prepared as well as any of the other dishes I’ve had, I’m sure they’re good too. For brunch, I’m stuck on the french toast because it’s crispy then a tad gooey in all the right places. Yum!

Now these next three are on my list for my next available Sundays. Though I haven’t visited yet, I personally called each one and confirmed that they are indeed offering Sunday brunch and that patrons are able to dine onsite.

BlaqHaus NoHo

11671 Victory Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91606

According to the raging reviews, this place is poppin’! Out in one of the valleys surrounding L.A., this restaurant offers all of your brunch classics, including mimosas! It’s giving bourgeoisie and down-to-earth vibes at the same time. This looks like a spot where it’s totally appropriate to arrive all dolled up.

Yes, sis, go get cute and sip your bubbly in their open-air patio dining area!

Serving Spoon

1403 Centinela Ave
Inglewood, CA 90302

This spot gives me “hey, baby, come on hea, sit down and eat you some food.” They hashtag their posts with #AintNoBetterBreakfast. And a scroll thru their feed also shows they’ve had quite some notable guests over the years, from L.A. Clippers’ Paul George to soon-to-be Vice President (we hope) Kamala Harris. It’s not some fancy smancy place that people would go to only for the look, so the actual food itself must be pretty darn good!

M’Dear’s

2450 E Carson St
Lakewood, CA 90712

A visitor to Los Angeles said in an Instagram post, “it’s like mama’s kitchen.” This little diner can make you feel at home and fill up your belly.

Gather your girls and go have brunch!

(But don’t gather too many, because even in open air spaces, Los Angeles County is still only allowing restaurants a party maximum of six; so if you show up with more than six people, they’re required to split your group into separate tables.)

Save this for later!

Who knows how long these restrictions will remain in place?! And even when they’re lifted, this is still a great list to choose from because you’ll know these spots have been in operation, even through the tough times.

All of the restaurant names in large font are links that you can click to go directly to their website, if you’d like to check out their menu or more about them.

Maybe you’re reading this and it’s not Sunday yet, or you aren’t in L.A. at the moment, or you already have plans for this upcoming Sunday… Just save this Instagram post, retweet this article, or share it on Facebook to easily come back to it when your ready to have a yummy Southern Sunday brunch in Los Angeles!