Odys + Penelope takes you on a culinary retreat right in your neighborhood

Named as one of the Hottest Restaurants in Los Angeles by numerous magazines, Odys + Penelope has been heating up the La Brea neighborhood since January 2015. Those familiar with Chef Karen and Quinn Hatfield have probably dined at either Sycamore Kitchen or Hatfield’s (now closed). Located in an old printing press, the interior is industrial, chic and rusty. I was particular intrigued by the firewood cove wall and high ceiling.

Why is there firewood on the wall? Because Odys + Penelope is all about ‘smoke’ and ‘grill’. Most food are cooked (charred) on the Brazilian churrasco, a wood-fired grill, the Argentinean brasero and other wood-burning apparatuses in the kitchen. The cuisine is Californian that is simply but flavorful using locally sourced and sustainable meats, seafood and seasonal vegetables.

The menu consists of small and large plates, all can be shared family style. They recently launched weekend brunch which was what we came for.

We started with a delicious Peach Hibiscus Bellini. During the month of September, when you order an entree, you get the Bellini free. Not sure if the promotion is still on so check with them.

In case you didn’t notice on the picture, the bar is quite big. O+P serves an impressive list of red and white wines, sparkling wines, bottled beer and craft cocktails.

The Warm and flaky skillet cinnamon rolls were perfect! I love that it was not drenched in icing but lightly sprinkled with sugar to give it enough sweetness. Grilled prawns + cauliflower “grits”, smoked paprika butter was amazing! The shrimp was lightly charred and sweet, the ricotta cheese cauliflower grits was smooth and buttery. We liked it so much more than the traditional grits.

Now on to the Yeast raised chocolate chip buckweat Belgian waffle, whipped creme fraiche.  I’ve had plenty of waffles and this was the best waffle I’ve ever had! No joke! In fact, I told the GM that I wanted the recipe! It was airy with a light crisp on the outside with lots of chocolate chips inside the waffle. I would eat this waffle everyday if I could!  

There are sides you can also order. We chose Ginger chicken sausage, fresno chili-apple jam and O+P house cured and smoked bacon. The chicken sausage is to die for!
Our server highly recommend Nduja sausage + potato hash, escarole, cherry tomato, cipollini onion, fried organic eggs. I, too, highly recommend this. I never skip salad when it’s on the menu. Summer chop, peach, cherry tomato, lemon cucumber, feta, grilled corn, mizuna, almond, it was beautiful in every way. Lastly, Adobo fried rice, organic sunny-side up eggs, radish salad, sambal. This was such a pleasant surprise. It sort of reminded me of Korean Bibimpap but a fresher take.

I didn’t think it was possible to like EVERYTHING but I did. The flavor profile in every dish was well-balanced and on point. The ambiance was beautiful and service was friendly and attentive. I can’t wait to bring my friends here for our next get-together!

Odys + Penelope
127 S La Brea
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323)433-1057