Tao Group’s Beauty & Essex restaurant in Hollywood has launched a new sumptuous Sunday Brunch.
The 10,000 square foot complex includes a front pawn-inspired retail shop filled with guitars, vintage jewelry, art and other collectables. Diners enter through the shop which leads to a variety of lounges and dining rooms.
The downstairs lounge looks elegant in daylight with purple suede bar chairs, gold and crystal light fixtures and burgundy love seats and couches. The dark grand main dining room includes elegant pearl strand chandeliers, wall art featuring twirling ballerinas, antique décor, cozy beige leather sofas, round wood tables and a 20-foot oval skylight. The outdoor patio is beautiful and relaxing for a mid day brunch.
Owner Chef Chris Santos’ globally inspired brunch menu includes the restaurant’s signature grilled cheese, smoked bacon and tomato soup dumplings; avocado toast; shrimp and grits; goat cheese and roasted tomato frittata; chicken salsa verde breakfast burrito; steak and eggs; quinoa bowl; mini Croque Monsiuer bites; roasted beet salad; oysters and Oreo cookie pancakes.
Desserts are decadent and fun. Must tries are boozy milkshake shot with bourbon; berries and cream with butter cake and fresh berries and the chocolate pot de crème.
The cocktail menu contains a variety of house made choices including the new Cinnamon Toast Crunk with cognac, almond milk, vanilla nectar and cinnamon toast crunch cereal; Bubbles and Berries with champagne, vodka, St. Germain and strawberries; the Beauty Elixir with gin, rosé sparkling wine cucumber and strawberry and the Old Dirty Bramble with tequila, blackberries, honey ginger and lemon juice. The bar also offers many classic cocktails and bottomless mimosas.
We loved the huge variety of comfort dishes served in easy to share sizes, the delicious drink selection and the beautiful indoor and al fresco atmosphere. Beauty and Essex is located at 1615 N. Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood. Brunch is served from 11am to 4pm on Sundays. Reservations at 323.676.8880.