Barrel & Ashes
In these lingering “it doesn’t quiet feel like autumn” warm September days, it’s easy to continue with summer habits – and one of my favorites is enjoying freshly and expertly smoked barbecue, the likes of the melt in your mouth meats at Barrel & Ashes in Studio City. Thankfully, since barbecue knows no time constraints, this traditional American eatery serves its meats seven days a week, including weekend brunch (my preference, as always). A collaboration between restaurateur heavyweight Bill Chait and two former chefs from Thomas Keller’s culinary empire – Chef Timothy Hollingsworth hails from the French Laundry, while Chef Rory Hermann worked at Per Se and Bouchon – the fare at this casual joint brimming with Southern hospitality is just the ticket when I’m craving tender and flavorful barbecue. The restaurant’s famed hoe cakes are truly worth the hype – my favorite is the Hangover Hoe Cake with fried egg, chili, cheddar, green onions, and pickled chilies – and “The Best Damn Chick'n Sandwich Ya Ever Had” truly is just that (and pimento cheese never hurts anything!). And of course, who can pass up an excuse to try Frito pie? – my Iowa-raised boyfriend’s face was priceless when I had him explain to me exactly what that dish entailed! Topping everything off with a traditional Lynchburg Lemonade makes this country food too delicious to resist.
Skirt: Deadly Dames Darling Dames Skirt in Zebra Print
Top: Deadly Dames Vamp Top in Zebra Print
Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Spicy
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW® Pomade in Soft Brown
Purse: Kate Spade New York
Left: Horse's Neck with bourbon, ginger ale, angostura, and lemon.
Right: Lynchburg Lemonade with George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, lemon juice, honey, and allspice dram.
Frito pie.
The Best Damn Chick'n Sandwich Ya Ever Had with pimento cheese, jalapeño, and cole slaw on a milk roll.
Smoked Pork Benedict with smoked pork roast, tomato, hollandaise, and english muffin.
Hangover Hoe Cake with fried egg, chili, cheddar, green onions, and pickled chilies.
Watermelon Salad.
Breakfast Hash with onion, peppers, and charred romain with a fried egg.
