Mama Shelter is an upscale boutique hotel chain with locations in Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East. Hollywood is their sole North American location, and I recently had an opportunity to experience weekend brunch at Mama Shelter Downstairs.
LA’s pandemic health guidelines have loosened up, and most Angelenos have returned to dining indoors. With more people working, it is not surprising that weekend brunches are popular as many seek dining opportunities to socialize, catch up and stay connected.
Executive Chef Jonathan Kim (Water Grill, Providence, Bashan, and Sunset Marquis) now directs the Mama Shelter Downstairs kitchen. Entrees include Chicken Pozole, Waffles, and Sausage Gravy, Smoked Salmon with sesame seed bagel, and scallion cream cheese. I think Kim’s menu better reflects LA’s diverse food scene.
It was warm that day, and there wasn’t much neighborhood foot traffic. Upon entering, I was surprised and delighted to find the restaurant at near capacity. Couples and families were smiling, talking, and enjoying themselves.
The hotel is known for its beautiful design elements, and the restaurant reflects that goal. The interior bursts with color, and a whimsical mural of LA interlaced with philosophical quotes nicely sets the tone for its diners.
Dishes that caught my attention include the Eggs Benedict with Mexican Chorizo, Pork Belly Fried Rice with Kimchi topped with a fried egg, and the Avocado Toast with halloumi cheese, english pea, yuzu honey, and togarashi pepper.
While granola mixed with Greek yogurt ($15), wildflower honey, and chia seeds may not seem that tasty, the combination of wildflower honey and the naturally sweet strawberries naturally sweetened the yogurt. This dish is satisfying and quite filling.
Gilgeori Toast ($14) is a well-liked salty-sweet sandwich sold by many street-food vendors in Korea. A fried vegetable patty made with cabbage, slivered carrots, onions, chili aioli, and egg with melted American cheese. Kim’s version is a unique intersection between Korean street food and the American classic grilled cheese.
Kim tops his Huevos Rancheros ($16) with julienned fried tortilla strips making this an IG-worthy pic. Black beans, queso blanco, avocado, cilantro, and two fried eggs lay underneath, making for a nice upgrade to the classic Mexican breakfast.
While they don’t advertise themselves including a coffee bar, they have a fine selection of coffee and espresso drinks. Tea offerings include lattes such as London Fog, Matcha, and Chai.
Weekend Brunch hours Sat-Sun 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dinner service is Wed-Sun 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Metered street parking is available.
Mama Shelter Downstairs, 6500 Selma Ave, LA; mamashelter.com/los-angeles