Sunday Brunch 10-15 - Woodland Hills?

[Kuisine]

Hi Chowhounds,

Once again I appeal to your collective knowledge.

In two weeks we'll be attending a wedding in Woodland Hills, staying at the Warner Center Marriott.

We're looking for a suitable place for brunch the day after for a group of 10 or 15? Preferably a brunch buffet place, but order a meal would probably be fine too. Any ideas in the area or maybe down toward the beach between maybe Topanga and Malibu?

Thanks a bunch in advance!

[Kuisine]

Well, thank you all for your suggestions! Due to the Mother's Day date, it was decided that an at home brunch at the bride's parents house was a better plan... I ended up not even going!

On a side note, anyone who had been to Paradise Cove Cafe for the time period where they wouldn't let you drink outside will be relieved to know that rule is no longer in effect and you can once more eat and drink with your feet in the sand :P

Thanks for all the replies!

[Bob Brooks]

Saddle Peak Lodge is a wonderful idea for a relatively pricey experience. Beautiful location and great food.

If your requirements are more practical, you might consider Maggiano's, which is located in the mall across from the Marriot. It's a chain, of course, but they're very good with large groups, and it has an attractive atmosphere.

[Kuisine]

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Sagebrush - the bride rejected as "too everyday" - in point of fact we'd JUST been there to kick off her bachelorette party :P

Inn of the Seventh Ray looks absolutely gorgeous from their website pics but the groom rejected it as too "crunchy granola"

Paradise Cove Cafe - we love, but also wouldn't feel "special occasion" since it's part of our regular rotation

I will definitely be exploring the other great suggestions. Thank you all for your help!

P.S. It was brought to my attention that the Marriott itself has a champagne brunch on Sundays - has anyone been? Any thoughts? Is it horrible, acceptable?

[Diana]

Tell the groom that it is no longer "crunchy granola" The brunch has a fabulous "full brunch" option that will provide him with all he needs.

[Golem]

Marriott's brunch is okay, but no big deal. It's convenient to where you're staying, but if you want "really special," you'll have to drive. I think Duke's of Malibu is outstanding, but not because of the food. The view and location is the best. Saddlepeak Lodge has amazing food but you'll need a second mortgage to pay the bill.

[ozhead]

Saddle Peak Lodge is expensive, but for brunch it's not grotesquely expensive. Entrees (large portions) are $14 - $18 -- e.g., "Saddle Peak Lodge ‘Eggs Benedict’ with Country potatoes" is $17, "Wild Boar Cranberry hash with
two poached eggs" is $14. Sides (country potatoes, game sausages (3), nueske bacon, bagel & cream cheese, goodie basket (3 items), or homemade Kennebec potato chips) are $6, and desserts are $7 and $8. If you're looking for an "experience" as well as a good brunch, it's pretty hard to beat. Here's the URL for their brunch menu: http://www.saddlepeaklodge.com/brunch...

[dshm]

There's The Odyssey in Granada Hills, kind of out of the way, but decent brunch options and good view on a nice day. If possible, eat out on the patio (you may have to request in adance).

[Diana]

Right next to a landfill, too!

Seriously, the food there isn't too hot.

But it really is next to a landfill.

[PC90026]

We just got married at I7R, and were in this same situation. We decided not to have brunch at I7R, just to shake things up, but unless the groom hates all things non-typical with the burning passion of 1000 suns, tell him not to rule it out! Brunch is fantastic there, it's not unreasonably priced, and the place is terrifically beautiful -- a great place for a post-wedding experience. We took our group to Paradise Cove, figuring it was the best of all worlds: good food, reasonably priced, wide array to appeal to many choices, they could seat 20 of us without agita (i.e., they took the reservation without any hassle about banquet rooms and extra seating fees, which both Duke's and Moonshadows did), and - hey - it's got its own beach! What's better to non-SoCal visitors than to show off a pod of dolphins while they're eating Sunday Brunch?

[brandygirl]

I also like Sagebrush Cantina, which is a lot of fun. If you want something more upscale, try Saddle Peak Lodge.

[ozhead]

Both of these are excellent suggestions. Saddle Peak Lodge has three rooms upstairs, any of which could accommodate the size party you mention, and if it's a nice day brunch on their patio is a real treat. It is, as Bob Brooks says, "relatively pricy," but the experience makes it worthwhile. Sagebrush Cantina serves quite a good buffet brunch; particularly good are the meats they smoke themselves (especially the brisket), the salads, and fruit-infused vodka shooters. It is also very roomy, especially the outdoor (but covered) area on the south side of the restaurant, and the mariachi band is a good one. It is not cheap -- $22 or so? -- but you do get a lot for your money. Also, they start serving brunch at 9:00, a feature I like.

[chica]

Duke's in Malibu - good brunch, great drinks, decent prices, and a view that's hard to beat.

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe - also right on the beach, large portions, but validated parking with small fee.

You might also consider Moonshadows, which will be a bit more expensive. Also a great view, whether inside or on the patio. Sagebrush Cantina is Mexican and has a relaxed outdoor setting - I like their tacos, good salads.

[Diana]

Wow. I wouldn't reccomend the food at any of these places...but the views are nice.

For Brunch go to the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon. Outdoors, gorgeous, nice, and you can order brungh buffet or off the menu

[Emme]

I agree w/ Inn of the Seventh Ray for more elegant food.

For Greek, maybe Taverna Tony's in Malibu.