Casey Dacanay

I’ve always been a sucker for a great brunch menu.  There’s nothing quite like taking an easy Sunday morning and eating your way into the afternoon.  My love of brunching began when I was in elementary school and once a month after church we would head down to the country club for the brunch buffet.  There was a phase when my taste buds only desired a grilled cheese sandwich and virgin strawberry daiquiri.  While I still love both of those items, my palate these days is a bit more curious and I welcome new flavors and textures.

Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited to dine at Bluebird Brasserie in Sherman Oaks for brunch and you best believe it was the highlight of my week.  It’s not often that I’m excited to go the Valley, but when food is involved you can count me in!  Its exterior is eye catching and bold and only the introduction to this Belgian-inspired brewpub.  Stepping inside is like being transported to an airy beer cave.  To the left is an in-house brewery that keeps the taps filled at the bar, including a hoppy Mullét IPA named for Jean Claude Van Damme’s iconic hair cut.  His photo also graces the back hallway so I imagine someone there is a fan! I do also have to take a moment to point out the incredible brickwork that was custom designed for this space.  The arches are absolutely stunning and definitely set the mood for the dining experience.

Aside from the brewing aspect, the menu includes perfectly paired items for both omnivores and vegans without sacrificing flavor or selection.  It’s a restaurant where friends with varying dietary preferences can simply enjoy each other’s company and some delights.

While I waited for the rest of my party to arrive, I was served local Sherman Oaks coffee from The Coffee Roaster.  They are located just a few blocks down from Bluebird so you can bet the roast is fresh!  We started off with a nice, light Butter Lettuce Salad dressed perfectly with green goddess and topped with fried capers, giving it a slightly salty kick.  The extra crunch they provided gave the salad an unexpected zing!  Tartines came next, with all kinds of goodness.  My favorite (and the most popular at the table) was the vegan Almond Ricotta, Roasted Tomato and Herb Vinaigrette Tartine served on toasted country loaf.  It was full of flavor and the textures blended wonderfully without making the bread soggy.  The Shaved Ham, Gruyere and Dijon Tartine was also quite tasty.  The toasted was piled high with ham and generously dusted with pillow soft cheese and chive confetti.  While still delicious, it didn’t have quite the same textural pleasantness as the vegan tartine.

Again catering to vegans and non-vegans alike, the “meat” course came next.  I’ve tried the Impossible Meat burger at other establishments before but none of them compare to the one at Bluebird.  I was so excited to try it that I failed to take a picture!  On the menu, you will see it as the  Merguez-Spiced Impossible Meat, Frites and Sauce Andalouse Sandwich.  Definitely expect a little kick out of this one!  The chilies of the merguez blend are cooled slightly by the vegan mayo in the andalouse, the traditional Belgian accompaniment to fries.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Your fries are built into the sandwich so you no longer have to alternate between bites.  Brilliant.  I paired this with a tasting of house-brewed Belgian style beer Stay Gold.  It’s fruity aroma and sweetness was a refreshing contrast to the sandwich.  For the non-vegans, Eggs with Prime Flatiron Steak with Maître d’Butter is an option. The steak was so tender and juicy that it basically melted in my mouth.  Top this with a drizzle of yolk from the fried egg and you have a mini masterpiece.

I’m not sure how it came up, but the Boon Oude Kriek was brought to my attention as one of their must-try guest beers.  And so I did!  It was sweet, smooth and rich; like drinking liquified strawberry jam.  I’m not a big beer drinker, but that’s a brew that I could go for anytime!  Bluebird has definitely expanded my idea of what beers can be – and should be – a shown me that I just need to keep searching for the right brew for me.

Liege Waffles

And what Belgian inspired brunch is complete without waffles?  I saw these listed on the Bluebird website and knew that I just had to have them!  No matter what your dietary preference might be, Chef John has you covered with an eggless vegan version as well as traditional waffles.  Served with fresh berries, whipped coconut cream and Vermont maple syrup, these are sure to be a crowd pleaser!  The slight crunch of natural sugar crystals blended right into the soft, warm waffles and gave way to a zesty, cinnammony flavor. Sadly, I did have to share the platter with my friends although I’m sure I could have polished them off myself!  This was paired with the Rosé and was the perfect close to the brunch.  For those die-hard waffle fans out there, waffles are available at dinner….just ask for the dessert menu!

I only wish this lovely brewpub was closer to home!  Luckily, owner Tony Yanow and the Artisanal Brewers Collective is opening a new location in Westwood this Fall, aptly named Broxton.  While the menu is still under wraps for this brewpub, I have no doubt it will be equally as good.  For now I’ll have to content myself with The Stalking Horse Pub in Los Angeles or Brennan’s in Marina Del Rey.

Bluebird Brasserie is located at:
13730 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

818-849-6970