Brunch 03.30.2014 - Our Corner Googie Coffee Shop

Pann's, Westchester

Happy Sunday, Lovelies!

Have you ever found yourself just craving diner food?  Some good comfort food?  Perhaps after imbibing a bit too much the night before?  No?  Liar.

There's no shame in the fact that we all stray from the clean eating program that most of us strive for from time to time.  It happens.  We're human.  And even most health professionals will agree that indulging occasionally is important for keeping yourself sane and on track.  So, if you're going to stray, make sure that it's worth it.  

Enter Pann's.

Opening its doors in 1958, Pann's has been deemed "one of the last and best of the iconic futuristic coffee shops designed by the prolific firm of Armét & Davis." by the Los Angeles Conservancy.  Armét & Davis, an architectural firm that was integral in the Googie movement of the 1950's and 1960's, designed numerous buildings in Southern California.  If this style looks a bit familiar, perhaps you're thinking about Johnie's Coffee Shop or the Norm's chain.  The Googie coffee shops have been described as "places where George Jetson and Fred Flintstone could meet over a cup of coffee."  And how fun is that?

This style within the more encompassing Mid-Century Modern style is known for its futuristic aspects.  Unfortunately, this style is really only still seen in kitschy coffee shops and gas stations which are few and far between.  Pann's is still owned by the original Greek immigrant family and in 1993, the second generation owner completely restored the restaurant to its original glory - even going so far as to get the neon sign restored instead of replaced, which goes to show how important preservation is to the family.  And that is something that the Los Angeles Conservancy acknowledged with a coveted Conservancy Award.

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Alright, Googie history lesson?  Check.  

Moving on...  Brunch.  At a coffee shop?  Yes!

Even if bottomless mimosas weren't being offered, you can never go wrong with All Day Breakfast.

Especially when you have one or two options to choose from.

Bridget and her husband, Mike, have been to Pann's a few times and I have been excited to try it for a while now.  I'm not sure why it took me so long to join them, since it is just down the street from the apartment.  

Two reasons this was a fabulous Brunch.  We never saw the bottom of our mimosa glasses and these biscuits could be the best I've ever had.  Holy Moly, they are AMAZING!  Seriously.  I can't even talk about it. 

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In addition to the biscuits, I ordered Crusted Fresh Salmon Patties with grits.  So, the patties were great, but I learned that while I LOVE cheese grits, I don't like regular grits.  Not at all.  Good to know.

Bridget ordered Uncle Bud's Mississippi Cheese Eggs while Mike had the Country Fried Steak.  Both were very happy with their choices.

And because we were at a diner, we kind of HAD to order pancakes.  I ended up taking them home because they definitely do not skimp on the amount of food they give you, so there was no way we were finishing these.  And even hours later, they were absolutely delicious!

Carbfest?  Yes.  Were we running the risk of taking a nap at the table?  Uh huh.  Was it worth it?  Absolutely!

If Pann's breakfast options are any indication, this is the place to go if you're looking for really great diner food at any hour.  No question.  And the atmosphere?  You can't argue that it's super far out!

Or that they have a fantastic lighting concept.

While this may not be the same diner used in the opening scene in Pulp Fiction as many people claim (that was a second location owned by the family that has since closed called Holly's which was located in Hawthorne), this restaurant is definitely worth a visit!  Make sure you get a biscuit.  Trust me on this one.

I have an awesome Brunch planned for a little later, so I'll let you go so that you have some time to consider where you'll be Brunching today.  Pann's perhaps?

XOXO!!