Food & Spirits

Kick Back, Relax And Chow Down At Grub

Cash for your car

Driving down Seward Street in Hollywood, one would not think to look for a hip L.A. eatery. However, once you pass all the post-production houses that fill the area, you’ll find Grub, a quaint creative little restaurant that is sure to fulfill any appetite.

Offering their unique approach to the food industry, owners Betty Fraser and Denise DeCarlo have created a welcoming, cozy and delicious atmosphere where one can go for a light meal or indulge in the oft-needed reassurance of comfort food.  Blending fresh quality ingredients with a mouth-watering presentation, Grub has gone from an industry secret to a well-known hot spot.
Grub Owners
Starting out together as employees at a California Pizza Kitchen several years ago, Betty and Denise decided to strike out on their own. With no formal training or even a business plan, the ladies formed their own catering company called As You Like It.  Quickly becoming a hit with their made to order menus, the Grub Gals (as they are affectionately known) realized their location was in need of a dine-in spot.  They soon opened Grub to the public, giving the hard working production types around them a convenient place to lunch.     

Word of mouth rapidly spread and soon television came calling.  With featured spots on Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels, The Today Show, the WE Network’s Holiday Home Invasion and Betty’s appearance on the second season of Bravo’s Top Chef, Grub has become the place to go for a delicious bite in a pleasing and relaxing atmosphere.

Voted Best Lunch Spot in 2003, 2004, & 2005 and Best Brunch Spot in 2005 & 2006 by Los Angeles Citysearch and one of Zagat Guide’s Top Five Breakfast Spots in Los Angeles for 2007, I had to find out what all the fuss was about.
Grub Mug
One beautiful Friday afternoon, I had the pleasure of lunching on Grub’s very cozy and peaceful patio.  With a plant lined wall blocking out all the noise and hubbub of the surrounding environment, I was able to relax and enjoy my very pleasurable dining experience. 

As Betty welcomed me to her establishment, I quickly realized that the cheery and charmingly converted 1924 duplex that is now known as Grub, is a direct reflection of it’s owners.  Betty, as was her restaurant, was lovely, warm and inviting as she welcomed me to my table and detailed the highlights of her menu.

While Grub’s tasty offerings include everything from salads and sandwiches to their Famous Mac and Cheese and "Joe-Mama"-cita Sloppy Joes, Betty informed me their signature plate was the After School Special.  Consisting of cheddar and swiss cheeses on dill butter flavored sour dough bread, this classic is served with their Creamy Dreamy Tomato Soup and has become a perennial favorite among patrons.

As I eyed the Big Ass Ice Cream Sandwich for dessert, I decided to keep things on the lighter side.  Trying to save room for my sweet tooth, I passed on fun sounding appetizers such as the Love You Long Time Rolls and enjoyed the array of vegetables and dip served in lieu of a breadbasket.  As I decided on the Geisha Chickie salad, I sampled Grub’s crisp homemade ginger ale, made with real ginger and accented with a sugar rimmed glass and lime.

Encrusted with Panko-Cashews, the Geisha Chickie salad’s chicken is served over a bed of warm mixed greens with a tamarind apricot glaze, toasted coconut, mandarin oranges, crispy noodles and onions, all tossed in a tangerine-kaffir lime vinaigrette dressing.  From my appetizer to my drink to my salad, it was a very satisfying and refreshing meal. 

Since I was so good at lunch, I ordered the dessert that taunted me all through my meal.  As the Big Ass portion serves eight people, I opted for the Half Ass size and dug into the neopolitan ice cream filled chocolate chip cookies drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce and topped off with a dollop of whipped cream. It was definitely the perfect way to reward myself.

Open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm and lunch Monday thru Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, Grub is a delightful, appealing experience that won’t break the bank.  As most items range in prices from $3.95-$11.95 this trendy breakfast and lunch only spot is sure to continue hitting just the right note with first timers and regulars alike.

Grub is located at 911 Seward St, Hollywood, CA 90038.  For more information go to www.grub-la.com.  
 

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