THERE’S A NEW PLACE TO BRUNCH IN DTLA… THE TUCK HOTEL IN THE FASHION DISTRICT

Tuck Hotel opened it’s door on Spring Street a few weeks ago. The owners transformed the old abandoned 1922 building (that used to be a brothel) into a modern European-style boutique hotel… and we do mean boutique, the place only has 14 guest rooms. It also has a restaurant that serves brunch every day from 8am to 3pm. The restaurant space (for non-hotel guests) is pretty simple, but the menu is not. Chef Juan Pablo Torre is from Spain and the menu is clearly influenced by his Spanish heritage.

My husband and I met some friends there for brunch a few days ago. Okay, it was brunch so we started with a round of Bloody Marys. My husband ordered his “extra spicy.” Well, that’s when the chef came to our table and questioned our definition of the word spicy, and good thing he did. He was ready to crank up the heat by adding Serrano chili. Thank you for asking chef. My mouth appreciates it.

At brunch, we always order something “for the table.” It’s our way of justifying our over-ordering habits. If it’s “for the table” then no one really looks like a pig ordering two dishes. So first up with the Pancakes stuffed with Ricotta with a side of panna cota, drizzled with honey and topped with granola and berries. OMG!

I ordered the Tortilla de Patata ($12), which apparently is just a traditional Spanish omelette. This dish was amazing. I’m not sure how the chef makes it, but there was runny egg yolk concealed inside it. AMAZING! OMG! OMG! OMG!

I was so in love with my dish, I didn’t pay much attention to what everyone else ordered. Someone got the 24 Hour Smoked Brisket Sandwich ($9) with caramelized onions, cilantro and a fried egg with a side of Tuck fried potatoes ($2.50). Someone else got the Chopped Arugula Salad ($8) with tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado, and added smoked turkey ($4). All I cared about was my Spanish omelette.

The food was great… and the service was even better. Hopefully when you check this place out Peta is working. She was one of the friendliest servers ever. Thank you Peta! Thank you Chef. If you are looking for a place to brunch in DTLA, head to the Tuck Hotel.