Farm Shop - Brentwood Country Mart

[lizziee]

Brentwood Country Mart used to be the place to go in its heyday. We spent many, many afternoons noshing at Marjan’s Deli, munching on Reddi Chick (still there) and happily shopping at its small vegetable and meat market. Celebrities and locals abounded with their children – happily sitting on the outside picnic benches or sitting around the glowing center fire pit. It was the farmer’s market and meeting place on the Westside.

Then Marjan’s Deli left, a larger grocery store took over the smaller markets and finally with the arrival of City Bakery the ambiance was destroyed completely.

I am happy to report that The Country Mart is back! Jeffrey Cerciello who spent 10 years as the culinary director of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group’s casual dining division is the key “ingredient” to Farm Shop. “Chef Joshua Drew and pastry chef Brittney Turnquist are on board to do the menu, market offerings, and catering. Drew hails from upstate, specifically Bouchon and Ad Hoc, where he was the senior sous chef. Turnquist also comes from the Keller family, having worked with Drew at Bouchon. With Cerciello at the helm of this ship, it’s like a Keller restaurant cousin!”

http://la.eater.com/archives/2010/07/21/jeffrey_cerciellos_farm_shop_slightly_delayed_more_details.php

Eventually, Farm Shop will feature a butcher, cured meats, larder, wine and cheese shop, fresh fruit stand, prepared food section and artesanal shops with gift items i.e kitchenwares, linens, tabletop wares.

The space is family friendly with a large communal table in the center, but it is also suitable for couples and those looking for very good food.

The kitchen is open with an intense, focused BOH staff.

For now Farm shop is open for breakfast and brunch. In the future there are plans to open for lunch – soon and finally dinner with an Ad-Hoc type of menu featuring family-style dinners with wine and beer. I have it on good authority that Farm Shop will be serving Ad Hoc’s famous fried chicken – worth a drive just for that.

With that kind of pedigree and given how close it is, we had to go on the second day that brunch was served. Given they have only been open a week, you would expect service to be haphazard and disjointed. Service was impeccable.

Pastry Basket with pear danish, marinated pomegranate, butter croissant ( you could be in Paris) and lemon poppy seed with seasonal home-made preserves and spring hill butter

“Steak and Eggs” – Pastrami, roasted mushrooms, green tomato ketchup, sunny-side eggs – portion size is huge and my husband took some of the pastrami home for a later snack.

“Hangtown Fry” – Frittata with grilled Hobb’s bacon, fried oysters, pickled chilies – another very generous portion and unlike so many frittata’s not the least bit rubbery or overcooked.

The take-out bakery is open.

The key to Farm Shop is the the high-quality of the best ingredients, the excellent execution done by first class chefs, the friendly, knowledgeable service staff and an ambiance that will return the Country Mart to its glory days. My husband plans to go for breakfast next week – I can’t think of a higher recommendation.

Pics here:
http://lizziee.wordpress.com/2010/12/...

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City Bakery
225 26th St # 25, Santa Monica, CA

[Jason_King]

I had the friend chicken dinner there and everyone at the table loved it. I knew the fried chicken was going to be good, but what surprised me was how great the sides were (warm potato and beet salad, stuffed peppers). The entire experience was very warm and homey, although I know other people feel differently.

It's not cheap, but the quality of the ingredients and execution was well worth it in my opinion.

[kevin]

yeah, their dinner meals are very pricey, especially when you also consider the factor that you are dining in a mall food court.

[TonyC]

The restaurant is a full blown restaurant, and sends out zero vibe of a "food court".

Not sure how many food courts have full free valet... It is no 3rd Street Farmers Market. Many people, including my self, love the feel of the room, especially during brunch, when the sun just beams in and highlights the bare wood. Cheap, this is not. Then again, neither is Bouchon.

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Bouchon
235 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

[Jason_King]

My wife and I really enjoyed the feel of the room as well. It felt appropriate for a special occasion (which ours was) as well as something more informal. There were a bunch of families there, and I couldn't help but notice how the kids seemed to be devouring all the vegetables.

[scottca075]

From the LA Times yesterday.

http://www.latimes.com/features/food/...

[maudies5]

Have now been to Farm Shop several times for breakfast, brunch and lunch (never dinner).
This was my most recent experience: Called yesterday for 8:30AM Sunday reservation for party of 6 and specifically said we would need a high chair. We showed up at 0830 this morning. 4 adults , a 3 year old and an 18 month old. Restaurant was packed. Yes, they had our reservation but had not yet set the table and all of the high chairs were occupied. The hostess said she would try to find a high chair from outdoors. Not a great beginning. When we were finally seated, I asked the hostess if there was a children's menu. Same response as before: "Yes, but it isn't printed. We offer pancakes, bacon, french toast, scrambled eggs ." Our server kindly said she would put the kids' order in immediately. Unfortunately, their orders took over 30 minutes and , in the meantime, we walked to the counter and bought a croissant to tide them over. Their kiddie plate arrived with 4 silver dollar sized pancakes and 2 strips of bacon for $6.50. By the time the kids had finished their breakfast, ours finally arrived.; 2 oatmeals and 2 french toasts. Took 15 minutes for the first cup of coffee to arrive. That is just crazy. I have no complaints about the food. It was good breakfast fare. The service is way off base. This restaurant has some serious FOH problems. After we were finished, I couldn't get anyone's attention for the check. Fortunately, the little kids did not have to endure further waiting as there is a play area just adjacent to the restaurant. I never did receive the check. I walked to the register and settled in the bakery. We were unanimous in our opinion that , as a family, we would not return. We all agree we should have gone to Tavern (or Larder at Tavern). Better food, better prices, better variety and much better service.

[westsidegal]

maudies5,
don't ya just hate whe a meal goes awry like that?
your post entirely convinced me to stick with strategy i've been using:
go in in the morning and get an almond croissant to go.

you'r description of restaurant-hell was so well-crafted it made me cringe. . . .

[maudies5]

Thanks, Westsidegal. it truly was "restaurant hell." I didn't even mention the part where we asked the server if she could bring a piece of bread for the little ones and she said she would have to charge us (this, after they had been waiting and squirming for half an hour). We said, fine. Just bring us a slice of bread. She forgot. That is why we wound up buying a croissant in the bakery. In contrast, I think of how well the little ones have been treated at Tavern. There, they even offer to top off their Sippy Cups:) Perhaps it helps that Suzanne Goin is the Mom of 3 toddlers:) Not about to try Farmshop for dinner. Much rather go over to Milo and Olive and get a great pizza and delicious veggies.

[kevin]

though farmshop's fried chicken on sunday evenings is not bad, which i have tried. it might be because the bakery is not in operation during the evening that their services issues are slightly remedied in some way.

the prices are still high, and i actually have never been there for breakfast, lunch, brunch, nor pastries. just for the fried chicken dinner so far.

[epop]

What a waste of time. A bunch of us ordered brunch and none of us liked anything we ordered. It is 60% overpriced over the other overpriced meals on Montana and for what? I didn't enjoy my brunch one bit. Chicken liver was eh. Served in a large bowl for four people with two half pieces of toast. What's that about? So they can charge for bread? Fries that everyone raves about are fine but not worthy of the hype. The omelets (i think 20 dollars) are misconceived and rubbery. They don't even look appetizing.

Why would anyone eat here?

Flat or Sparkling?? I should've known from when they started with this that I was in for an annoying, overpriced breakfast.

[NYCnowLA]

i had a nice lunch there. the salmon rillettes were great. And when they asked me flat or sparkling, i respond with 'just ice water please'. i had a lovely time - too bad you did not.

[epop]

i do the same with the water question. To me it is usually a sign that they're going to try ripping me off, item by item, pushing this and that, over the meal.

[maudies5]

Turns out there is a kiddie menu. However, it isn't printed and one has to ask for it. Once you ask for it a server recites a few items (without prices mentioned). I'm a bit chagrined that if you don't ask you won't be told that this menu even exists. FYI, I took my 3 year old grandson there for brunch. He loved his very light and thin pancakes and bacon. Wish those pancakes were on the regular menu. They were delicious.

[Phurstluv]

Good information, as usual, maudies5!!

[mrsjoujou]

This place is good, but pricey. The steak and eggs was not huge as you mentioned. There were four small slices of pastrami and we never got the rye bread. There was no mention of potatoes on that dish, so my husband got a side order of potatoes. The pastry basket was good, but not the best we ever had. We liked the almond croissant and prosciutto and leek better than the danishes. We had two coffee and the total with tax and tip came to fifty. If they lowered their prices a little, I am sure I will be there more often.

[kevin]

20 bucks for that steak and eggs dish, and it's pastrami not steak? i don't get it. but also no potatoes just rye bread, pastrami, and two eggs for 20 bucks? it does sound very expensive, and reminds a little of the restaurant called Norma's in the Le Parker Meridien hotel in NYC that serves breakfast dishes in the mid 20s, although a lot of their dishes are very inventive.

anyone, tried the $10.50 side order of french fries that JGold raved about?

[yogachik]

I refuse to pay $10.50 for fries, no matter who raves about them. Especially when the best fries in town are two steps away, at Reddi Chick, for a couple of bucks.

[maudies5]

Yet, another who loves the fries at Reddi chick. No way can anyone justify $10.50 for an order of fries. Ridiculous!

[kevin]

I do too. Wrap those fries in crispy chicken skin. Or just dip it in the Bbbq sauce?

I just realized for some of the dishes at Farmshop. It's cheaper just to compose your meal as sides. Weird but possibly true.

How's the ice cream at Sweet Rose creamery. ? What would you compare it to? And when is it closed until?

[wienermobile]

Their flavors have a great fresh just made taste, in the mint chocolate chip the fresh mint just jumps right out at you. Really good ice cream. They are open till 10 weekdays and 11PM on Friday and Saturday nights.
http://www.sweetrosecreamery.com/

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Sweet Rose Creamery
225 26th St #51, Los Angeles, CA 90049

[maudies5]

Sweet Rose Creamery offers such delicious ice cream. I love this wonderful addition to the Mart. My understanding is that all of the restaurants (e.g. Huckleberry, Rustic Canyon and Sweet Rose Creamery) are closed for about another week. Not sure if it is because everyone needs a rest after the holidays or because co-owner, Amy , is having a baby right about now. :) All best wishes for a healthy baby, Josh and Amy.

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Sweet Rose Creamery
225 26th St #51, Los Angeles, CA 90049

[wienermobile]

They open back up January 10th.

[maudies5]

Thanks. Sorry I missed the freezer sale on January 2 when everything in the freezer was 1/2 off.

[mrsjoujou]

Well kevin the menu didn't mention the potatoes, but it came with some, however they did mention rye bread and we didn't get any!!! I loved locanda verde at tribeca much better and it had better prices too.

[fdb]

I asked for some bread with my salad and was charged $2 for 2 triangular pieces of very dry brioche.

[westsidegal]

thanks so much for mentioning that, fdb, because charging for bread is a pet peeve of mine.

(one of the reasons i love having dinner at Fig so much is that they serve perfect hot-from-the-oven complimentary bread.)

[baloney]

LOVE locanda verde and completely agree that it is much better than Farmshop. All the baked goods at LV were "pretty good" to "fantastic" and nothing I had at Farmshop(various scones, muffins, biscuit, cookie, croissants) has been even "good".

If Conant can bring Scarpetta here, can one hope that LV join us on this coast as well?? Apple donut.........

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Scarpetta
225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[fooddude37]

It's a mistake. Fries are not 10.50 there

[kevin]

really?

coool

how much then? thanks.

[Servorg]

Side order is $5.50

[coffeebrownies]

Sort of a general business plan observation: While the Westside is generally expensive, most of the meals eaten in those restaurants are paid for by expense accounts (kind of like flying first class...). For instance, I haven't known anyone who has actually paid for their own breakfast at the Pacific Dining Car. However, Brentwood Country Mart, is generally a casual place for families. It will be interesting to see if it can sustain at those price points or if it has priced itself out of its niche.

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Pacific Dining Car
1310 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

[maudies5]

Thanks, coffeebrownies. I share some of your thoughts. While I can't say with certainty that most of the Westside restaurants, e.g. PDC are expense acct. restaurants, I do share your belief that the Brentwood Country Mart has historically been a very casual, family oriented destination.
A few thoughts: There is a custom of folks ordering at different venues. What happens if 2 want to eat at The Farm Shop and one wants a burger from Barney's? Does Barney's burger go indoors? Can one bring Farm Shop outdoors? I see this as very upscale food in a neighborhood environment. I remember when City Bakery first opened. Their salad bar looked amazing. I believe they charged $16.00 a pound for the salads. It wasn't long before they reduced their prices.
I am thinking about how well the Farm Shop will fare during inclement weather? No valet parking and the Mart is usually dead when it rains. Truly, having lived in Brentwood my entire life, I am eager to embrace and welcome new venues to my neighborhood. I am just concerned that this may be too ambitious an undertaking for the oh-so-family-oriented Mart. Of course, I will try it. I wish them well.

[yogachik]

I was there in the rain, and it was crowded, but not overly crowded. I look forward to the timing kinks being worked out in the kitchen, and it would be great to get someone's attention when needed, for butter or pepper. For food, it's so difficult for me to judge based on brunch, I'm so not the brunch person. But I absolutely was not wowed by the croissants, Bite Bar's are soooo much better.

[kevin]

i also noticed they were pretty packed for late lunch hour on Sunday when it was pretty darn rainy.

maybe brentwood is hungering for such a place prices be damned.

[Servorg]

"I haven't known anyone who has actually paid for their own breakfast at the Pacific Dining Car."

While that may be somewhat true of the 6th Street PDC I doubt it is the case with the Wilshire Blvd. location. I know my dozen or so breakfasts there have come out of my personal piggy bank with nary an "expensed" meal written off.

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Pacific Dining Car
1310 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

[kevin]

I would ponder a guess that most chowhounds pay out of their own little pockets.

[dkennedy]

I agree that Brentwood is hungering for such a place Kevin. I know I am. I hope the dinner menu and the larder live up to the high expectations I have set for them. While the country mart is a family place, I think there is room for a sit down restaurant that takes things up a notch. I have kids and I come to the mart often for a baked potato or a burger, but I don't want to eat that stuff myself. I am excited to have another option for myself. The tartines are divine and if your kids want to eat Redi-chicken, you can take your tartine to go.

[lizziee]

We have sampled brunch at Farm Shop, then breakfast so it seemed fitting that we try lunch.

The Food Shop isn’t cheap, but portion size is more than generous and we noticed a number of tables sharing dishes. Also ingredient quality is extraordinary so you actually get what you are paying for.

Crispy artichokes, burrata cheese, winter squash and pepitas - This dish was excellent. What makes Jeffrey Cerciello’s food distinctive is that each component on the plate is very carefully defined to maximize the perfect flavor profile. I would never imagine ordering squash this way, but with the burata, crispy artichokes, pepitas and even the greens, the whole was greater than the parts.

Steak Sandwich and Fries – prime rib, fresh horseradish cream, arugula and wild mushrooms - The meat was perfect -as good as any major steak house could offer…perfectly rare prime rib that melted like butter in your mouth. The addition of fresh horseradish cream plus the wild mushrooms and excellent bread made this a real treat and not your ordinary steak sandwich. The fries were equally outstanding and the home made catsup was fabulous. (For the record we noticed a number of tables ordering the fries as a side.)

Fresh and Smoked Salmon Tartine, toasted rye bread, caper berries, pickled vegetables and butter lettuce – again the ingredient quality of the salmon was superb – don’t think supermarket overly salted lox or salmon that has seen better days. The salmon was as good as any you would find in a fine dining restaurant. Casual atmosphere does not equal a casual approach to execution or sourcing of ingredients.

Bread pudding, candied hazelnuts, pear and vanilla anglaise– delicious and a perfect seasonal dish.

The Farm Shop is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and we can’t wait to go for dinner and have the fried chicken as served at Ad Hoc in Yountville.

pics here:
http://lizziee.wordpress.com/2010/12/...

[kevin]

ok, i'm sold on it, either that prime rib sammy or the steak pastrami and eggs, and potatoes breakfast, what time do they close for lunch today, and or other days? if i don't get there in time, i may have to settle for reddi chick.

[lizziee]

Well, my husband waited 2 days before returning to Farm Shop. On weekdays, it is the breakfast menu only - no brunch. He had the French Toast with pear marmalade, raisins and Hobb's bacon. He loved the Hobb's bacon so much, he has me searching for an on-line source. Anyone? He also said the French toast was delicious.

Pics here:
http://lizziee.wordpress.com/2010/12/...

[maudies5]

Lunch menu just posted on Grub Street.
http://losangeles.grubstreet.com/2010...

[la2tokyo]

I'm sure they're good, but 12 for french fries is probably pushing my limits.

[la2tokyo]

Sorry, something is wrong with the prices Grub Street posted. Everything listed below desserts is $12.

[maudies5]

It appears as though all desserts are $12.00. I fear that these prices are going to be a bit of a turn-off. Although, the food may, indeed be fine dining food, one is still at the Brentwood Country Mart, not at Bouchon.

[fooddude37]

That's a mistake, desserts are like 7 or so

[tablefor1]

Really enjoyed this write-up, thanks lizziee!

[fooddude37]

The pastrami is made in-house.

The prices are on the steep side for breakfast/brunch, but consider:

The brunch omelette is filled with the salmon rillette used at Bouchon.
It's served with a croissant made in house and is probably the best croissant in L.A.
It's also served with a side of Weiser farms fingerling potatoes cooked on the griddle and topped with caramelized onions and sea salt.

So to compare it to your "typical" brunch or breakfast isn't really a fair comparison. Portion sizes are indeed large and could easily be shared.

[maudies5]

I don't recall anyone comparing it to a "typical" brunch or breakfast. I have no doubt that the ingredients are stellar (BTW, many fine restaurants buy from Weiser Farms). Heck, I buy from them every week at Santa Monica Farmer's Mkt. The only concern I was expressing was a concern about the pricing. The Mart is very family friendly. I still haven't received an answer as to whether a children's menu is offered.

[Servorg]

Pricing for breakfast is certainly no more expensive than what one finds at the Pacific Dining Car on Wilshire. When they eventually get some content the website is http://www.farmshopla.com/ and I note that they are offering "Home Delivery" as part of their service.

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Pacific Dining Car
1310 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

[Servorg]

A friend of mine contacted Farm Shop to get their hours (still no website content) and they provided him the following run down:

Bakery 7am-6pm, 7days
Breakfast 7:30am-11am M-F
Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm M-F
Brunch 8am-2pm Sat & Sun

[Servorg]

So their website now has content (including sample menus and published hours and a phone number to contact them) and it's included with the place link below.

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Farm Shop at Brentwood Country Mart
225 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402

[westsidegal]

although i haven't had a whole meal there,
i must concur with fooddude37on one of his/her points:
the morning i stopped in there to pick up an almond croissant, the pastry they gave me was better than top-flight.

[kevin]

which restaurant is this in regards to? or rather bakery?

[kevin]

They are going to be serving the Ad Hoc, Thomas Keller's family style restaurant, fried chicken on the dinner menu? I'm so there. It sounds great.

I'll also give it a whirl beforehand too. The pastrami, fried pots, eggs sounds great. Is the pastrami house-made or what?

Thanks.

Is it order at the counter and they bring your breakfast/lunch to you?

[lizziee]

This is a real restaurant - servers, menus etc. I don't know if the pastrami is house-made, but given the sourcing, it is or at least the best.

[maudies5]

I grew up at the "Mart" as did my kids. Our kids even had a charge account at Reddi-Chick:)
Marjan Deli was the heart of the Mart, along with Joe at Book Nook. Our kids learned to say "would you like seasoning salt on your fries" as they were learning how to speak.
To be fair: the new restaurant sounds wonderful. I am glad that it offers servers and menus.
I am concerned that the prices may be a bit off-putting, especially for families (who have to watch their budgets). Again, Thanks.

[kevin]

I guess there under the impression that this is Brentwood regarding the prices. ...

[maudies5]

Kevin, re: the prices: I can easily envision a family of 4 spending $100.00 for breakfast/brunch. Not a good scenario. Is there a children's menu? Lots of families frequent the Mart..

[dkennedy]

This is not intended to be a family spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner- unless you are moneyed.. The prices are high but the dining experience is just that, an experience. It would be a nice place to go with your kids for a pastry and a hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is world class, BTW

I think the intent is to provide a farm to table option on the westside. When the larder is finished, I believe it will offer amazing cheeses, meats and a selection of quality pantry items. I can't wait!!

Dinner is going to be a set menu (one option only or perhaps two if they do a vegetarian variation) changing nightly, similar to Ad Hoc.

[Phurstluv]

Like there is no place other than this in the area that serves farm to table?? Or Market driven??

What are Tavern, Rustic Canyon? I'm sure there are even more places. And there is a larder at Tavern, that is hardly a new and unheard of concept.

Although those that live in the area are what most would call "moneyed" it doesn't automatically mean they will frequent the place, especially if it is not "family friendly". These are the people who take their kids to places like Tavern, Katusuya, Toscana & Vincenti.

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Vincenti Restaurant
11930 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Toscana Restaurant
11633 San Vicente Blvd Ste 100, Los Angeles, CA 90049

[Servorg]

"These are the people who take their kids to places like Tavern, Katusuya, Toscana & Vincenti."

Of course, out of all those places only Tavern does breakfast. I think that Brentwood can support another higher end place. And the fact that the Country Mart is not in the heart of Brentwood, with easier parking, will help it too.

[Phurstluv]

"This is not intended to be a family spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner- unless you are moneyed.."

Was just responding to this remark. I also note that they are not the only place in the area to offer breakfast. T

[Servorg]

But they have a fairly unique concept, given their emphasis on market driven food and breakfast and ease of parking/in and out of the Country Mart. It's going to come down to how people see the value of what they have to offer. And their "home delivery" is a good concept too for that area of LA.

[fdb]

I'll be running for the fried chicken!

[la2tokyo]

What were prices like?

[maudies5]

See most recent post by Wienermobile with link to menu.
I think the prices are high.

[AAQjr]

The prices are high. They should be too, they are using quality ingredients. They are prob paying double the price of a cube of eggs from Sysco. Plus baking is skilled labor, and costs. And the westside location. I can't afford to go there often, but I will check them out and don't begrudge them the price.

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Sysco
, Diamond Bar, CA 91765

[lizziee]

It's isn't cheap, but portion size is very, very generous. Breakfast would be less expensive than brunch, but even at brunch splits are definitely an option with the addition of some sides. I agree with AAQR - these are first class ingredients prepared by chefs, not line cooks. Pastries, except for breads, are all made in house. If nothing else, I am going for that fried chicken as soon as dinner starts.

[la2tokyo]

It doesn't look much more expensive than Tavern, so for those of us in the area who eat breakfast at Tavern this looks pretty exciting. Can't wait to try it.

[SilverlakeGirl]

Oh, my heavens! Great photos. I'm going.

[bulavinaka]

Great job, lizziee! Farm Shop sounds like a hit in the making. With the "store/larder" end of the place coming soon, it reminds me of the serious eats that our neighbors to the north of us enjoy and respect. Sorry for my ignorance, but what is, "BOH"?

[lizziee]

BOH - Back of the house

[maudies5]

I visited Farm Shop a couple of day ago and asked to see the breakfast and brunch menus. Everything sounded marvelous but I was concerned that that prices were very high for morning food. I think that the owner did a great job remodeling that horrible City Bakery space. Farm shop looks very inviting. Lizziee, do you have menu prices available?

[carter]

Doubt you can get out of there for less than $20 per person.

[wienermobile]

Farm Shop Breakfast and Brunch menus with prices:
http://losangeles.grubstreet.com/2010...

[Phurstluv]

I agree, maudie5, the prices seem a bit steep.