From its storied beginnings forging its way into downtown LA history, Bottega Louie sparked the pulse of Los Angeles, helping to transform a once gritty cityscape into a vibrant culinary destination. And to this day, it reigns supreme for a white and pink weekend brunch indulgence.
A Pioneer in a Changing Landscape
Bottega Louie’s story is one of vision and seizing opportunity. Back in the late 2000s, downtown Los Angeles development embarked on a developmental project to penetrate its oldest spaces, beckoning brothers Keat Bollenbach and Christopher Bollenbach, who saw enough potential in a burgeoning downtown to take a bold step.
Christopher Bollenbach, partner and CEO, recalls in a 2018 interview, “We looked at a lot of different possibilities, but we decided that downtown Los Angeles was such an interesting opportunity because of what was going down here from a real estate perspective and a development perspective… ”There were large amounts of buildings being repurposed for condo usage, and so we saw that happening, and we thought it was a really good opportunity.”
With a freshly signed lease thanks to the commercial experts at CBRE, as the buildout of the formerly abandoned space began to reshape the enormous 15,000 square foot base of the historic Brockman Building on the corner of 7th and Grand upon its opening in 2009, natural lighting from the ceiling to floor windows would expose marble floors, rows of white pillars, seas of finely set dining tables, and freshly cut flowers.
Bottega Louie’s open kitchen took center stage, with the west wall of the room lending its space to a wood-fired pizza oven. On the opposite side, with its widow exposed to Grand Avenue, a white and pink decorated French patisserie is soon to become the town’s favorite supply for delectable macarons.
A Modern Day White & Pink Brunch for the Senses
Staying true to its pastel color scheme, Bottega Louie is renowned for its brunch, as passerby’s can clearly observe. When the room is filled, the soundscape of Bottega Louie is equally captivating. Under its high ceilings, there is a lively buzz of conversation, with the occasional outburst of joy and the soft clinking of the wine and cocktail glasses.
The extensive wine list features house wines and sparkling options like Prosecco, Moet, and Don Perion. There are also a variety of flavors, classic cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys, and even good old-fashioned fountain Italian sodas for a touch of nostalgia.
For brunch, Bottega Louie Belgian waffles are light and fluffy, adorned with a tapestry of ruby red strawberries, a cloud of Chantilly cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
For a timeless masterpiece; Eggs Benedict. Perfectly poached eggs atop toasted English muffins, embraced by thick-cut Canadian bacon for a savory indulgence. Wilted spinach adds a vibrant pop of green, while rich hollandaise sauce ties the symphony of flavors together.
French Delights
Transported to Paris with their Croque Madame, made with Jambon de Paris ham and creamy Gruyère cheese harmoniously enveloped in a blanket of Dijon mustard and béchamel sauce, a sunny side-up egg sits atop this masterpiece, to add a touch of decadence.
Plates of French toast offer aramelized pain de mie, acting as the canvas for dazzling pear compote, sliced buttered almonds, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Raspberry and maple syrup choices. While lighter options of freshness with, Heirloom tomatoes, bursting with flavor, are paired with the creamy richness of stracciatella burrata. A drizzle of olio di basilico (basil oil) and a sprinkle of petite basil elevate this dish to new heights.
Bottega Louie’s brunch hums with energy, reminding diners of the vibrant downtown culinary landscape. Here, wood-fired pizzas, delectable plates, and delicate pastries share the stage within the historic facade of this iconic downtown Los Angeles restaurant.
