Seriously, when does Pann's have corned beef hash??

[arb]

Went for breakfast on Sunday, and was so disappointed, they didn't have it! Forced myself to have eggs and wings.... (Poor me....) I know the best way is to call first, but sometimes I like to plan ahead! Is it reliably a Wednesday thing?

[PaulF]

I tried Pann's fried chicken for the first time last night. So, so good.

At the waitresses suggestion I had the half chicken. It was a ton of food, my son ate the breast for breakfast this morning.

Quick question: When ordering fried chicken at Pann's, do you prefer the four/six wings or the half chicken? Like I said, I had/shared the half chicken at the server's recommendation. But the whole time I wondered if the wings were the way to go.

Thanks.

[Servorg]

My wife prefers the six wings and if I'm getting chicken I normally get what you had along with the steamed spinach and a baked potato. Or I get the patty melt (also with spinach) or breakfast sometimes. But once in a while I get the six wings and waffle combination (more often in the morning for breakfast if they aren't doing the CBH or I don't feel up to polishing off the Country breakfast). It all depends on what sounds good to me that night.

[PaulF]

Thanks for the reply

I sort of realized after the fact that since I had one of the wings, I could have answered my own question ... but I asked it anyway. (We ordered the same thing, except I went for the mashed instead of baked. The spinach was really excellent, btw.)

Pann's, for what it's worth, was not at all crowded last night. Weekend breakfast is packed.

Thanks Servorg for indulging my admittedly dorky question. I appreciate it.

[Servorg]

Sundays can really be a zoo if you go after church lets out. I love talking about Pann's and encouraging folks to go. I don't want them hurting for business. These days if I'm going there for breakfast I go when they open at 7 AM and am usually out by 7:30...so crowds don't enter into the picture. We normally go on Saturday nights for dinner and the wait could be as long as 20 minutes or so, but lots of times we get seated right away. I don't like eating on the patio so I'll always wait for an inside booth.

[AAQjr]

Patio?

[Servorg]

They have an enclosed patio off the north side of the main dining room that you access by a door about 3/4's of the way back as you walk east from the entrance (with the counter on your right).

[kevin]

the patio looked nice, a couple weeks back, when i visited for the corned beef hash.

i never knew they even had a a patio.

[Servorg]

I don't particularly like it due to traffic noise (and fumes too could be an issue I'm sure). Plus I really like the way the inside of the main restaurant looks.

[Dommy]

When it's just the two of us, we prefer the counter...

--Dommy!

[Servorg]

One of the pleasures of dining out with my wife is the "social catch up" time that we get without interruption from phone calls (cell phones off) or computer or t.v. or what have you. So we like to sit across from one another and talk over the table while we wait for our food. Once the food comes there is a definite slow down in conversation for a little while... ;-D>

[arb]

I think it's a mood question, ie whether you're wanting more protein or more grease and batter. ;) The half chicken is awesome, tasty moist well-seasoned chicken. The wings - ah, the wings, Greasy crunchy bliss. Not that it's over-greasy for fried chicken, it's very well-cooked, but you don't order fried wings unless you're interested in a greasy chin!

[coffeebrownies]

Victors Deli used to have great Corned Beef Hash. Every day. While I haven't been there for breakfast in ages, that was always my gold standard. (And I am thinking that Pann's is far too random to even attempt.)

[Servorg]

"(And I am thinking that Pann's is far too random to even attempt.)"

Certainty is but a phone call away.

-----
Pann's Restaurant & Coffee Shop
6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

[kevin]

They had the CBH today and probably will tomorrow too.

[arb]

Tried again at Pann's (I'm the original poster), still no luck.

The craving's been so bad that I had CBH at Canter's the other day, although I remember not loving it there. It's been years since I had it. Still don't love it, but for different reasons. My recollection was that it was their good corned beef shredded, but without enough potatoes, and kind of dry. This time it was more of a paste - corned beef, potatoes, I guess onions, and (the kiss of death for me) green peppers all ground together.

It's also been years since I had S&W hash - do I remember right that theirs homemade CBH also has green peppers in it? To me, that's just wrong!!

[Servorg]

The most likely (and that's not exactly a sure thing) day by far is Saturday. Call ahead and ask is the best policy if you don't want to face CBH dismay again! ;-D>

[arb]

Yeah, you're right, Sevorg, that's the best way. This time I was experiencing a dual craving; primarily for CBH but I was totally willing to settle for eggs and wings. ;-) If my arteries harden any more I will turn into a solid.

[kevin]

I called them over a dozen times until I hit pay dirt last Saturday.

The more I think about it, the more I think I like it. But it is a very healthy portion of corned beef hash (and by healthy I mean a substantial portion). I may just have to eat half of the portion and wrap up the rest so my arteries don't clog up too much.

[Will Owen]

@ arb: I spotted no peppers in the portion of S&W hash that I had - none that I recall, anyway - but I did see shreds of carrot, which I found simply weird. To be perfectly honest, I very much prefer Hormel or similar canned CBH to this, and should I return that's what I'll get. And sourdough toast instead of those deeply strange "biscuits".

[Dommy]

Oh no! :( I'm sorry to hear that... we had early on Saturday morning... it was glorious! :)

--Dommy!

[Servorg]

Glad to hear that someone other than me finally had it...and that they too thought it was as good as I did/do. At last, CBH vindication! ;-D>

[PaulF]

We've had it quite a few times. Usually have it on Sat or Sun am. Once they didn't have it.

You def have to ask for it. The waitress doesn't mention it with the specials and when we asked why she said the chef doesn't like them to "push the hash." We all (four of us) had it though.

Usually we call first.

[bulavinaka]

I was there on Sunday as well, and I got shut out. Calling first IS the way to go. As mentioned above, the CBH only shows up as a special when the chef decides - usually on Saturdays, according to the hostess I spoke with.

A copy of the Chowhound props is taped to the glass case to the right as you walk in - boy do they know how to tease...

[PaulF]

The fortunate thing is that Pann's has many tasty items on their menu. Last time we went and they didn't have the CBH I had the patty melt (I think it's Servorg who recommends that). It was really good (though I'm a no cheese dude -- so the patty melt had no melt in my case).

Anyway, if they don't have hash they have many other good breakfast and lunch items so you really won't have a bad meal if you go without calling and they don't have the CBH.

[Will Owen]

Agreed. Fond as I am of CBH - okay, obsessed, then - I never have really missed it there. The only real disappointment I've had getting breakfast was back when the biscuits were all made early and they'd run out; I believe now they're made all day. I love assembling a breakfast from their regular choices. BUT. I would like to try their hash.

[Servorg]

"Fond as I am of CBH - okay, obsessed, then...I never have really missed it there."

But, Will - how can you possibly know that unless, and until, you have it? I never even knew it existed there in such a sublime form until Penny set me wise one Saturday night (Serendipity, though art a beautiful work of perfect symmetry). Now it preys on my mind like a long lost love... ;-D>

[Will Owen]

Servorg, the last thing in the world I need right now is an irresistible passion that makes me drive from Pasadena down to the Heavenly Triangle at least once a week! I didn't miss it because they didn't have it, and with my limited experience (and gas money) I'm going to continue thinking that. Unless I happen to be down there some Saturday morning, of course, then Duty shall call and I will obey.

[AAQjr]

LOL, let's not go crazy! It's pretty good I love me some corn beef hash and I always add poached eggs when they're not included but are they the best ever? Nah..

I loved the ones they did at waterloo and city back when the did brunch (Please come back!).

[Servorg]

Please point me to a better L.A. version with all possible haste...(especially the first time when the corned beef was cubed and so tender it melted in my mouth).

[AAQjr]

Some things like Fried Chicken and corned beef hash it is not possible to get great versions of in Los Angeles. Merely very good.

[Servorg]

So, okay. Then point to me another L.A. area place with equivalent CBH to Pann's. I'll definitely be happy with that.

[AAQjr]

I really like the dish and Pann's, It tends to be a little salty for my taste and a bit small. Heck I'm half a mile from Pann's I don't have reason to look too hard but I haven't found any in Los Angeles that I am in love with. I also don't think a patty melt should come with yellow plastic cheese.

Bah Humbug ;^) btw so what do I get then? Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs.

[Servorg]

I am always open to alternative places for excellent CBH so feel free to recommend away when you have a place that hits a home run. With regard to Pann's version, I haven't found a better one in L.A., and that's a pretty big market for sure. I always get the biscuit with the CBH at Pann's. Their biscuit is also right up there with the best I've had in town. Funny, I think the patty melt and the yellow cheese are made for each other. I've still not had the "gourmet" patty melt out at the place on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City that has BBQ and other items (and supposedly great fried chicken too) that I am totally blanking on its name right at this moment...

[foodnmusic]

Boneyard Bistro...Sherman Oaks

[Servorg]

Thanks. That is definitely the place I couldn't place... ;-D>

[ns1]

oops n/m, misread :)

[Servorg]

No...no CBH at Boneyard B. I was riffing on the patty melt at Pann's and mentioned (not by name because my aphasia kicked in hard at that moment in time) wanting to try the more "gourmet" version that BB serves.

[AAQjr]

I love patty melts, but for me it has to swiss cheese. Thats traditional and just works the best flavor wise. It doesn't have to be gourmet. I had them almost daily at SaMo hospital volunteering as a kid. Really pretty good.

[Servorg]

Just about every online source lists either American (or Cheddar) or Swiss cheese as traditional for a patty melt. I find that Swiss doesn't complement the beef patty as well as American or Cheddar. Cheddar can be too oily at times, depending on the quality.

[AAQjr]

took me a while to find but way back in the day Saveur Issue 84 had an article claiming it's origin was Tiny Naylor's in SaMo back in the 40's or 50's was with griddled rye, onions and swiss. And yes I know their recipe online offers the other heathen cheeses ;)

In any case sour rye, sweet carmalized onion, griddled beef and funky swiss is perfection itself.

[Servorg]

If that origin is, in fact, true then it looks like someone made some significant taste improvement with the addition of American cheese along the line somewhere...

[AAQjr]

lol :p There is no arguing with personal taste.

[coconutz]

That sounds delicious AAQjr. Right up my alley too. If you find such a creation, be sure to make a new post about it.

[AAQjr]

Of course you can ask for swiss on your pattymelt at Panns! Just because they didn't send it to me that way after I asked doesn't mean you won't get it, lol.

[foodiemahoodie]

Patty melts served by a hospital? Clearly some kind of long term planning on their party.

BTW - prior to this post I'd never heard of a patty melt with Swiss cheese.

[AAQjr]

I know it is sad that it is not common, but try it that way and see if you like it. YMMV. LOL at 13 or so I didn't see the irony but their food wasn't bad.

[Servorg]

I was at Pann's when they opened this morning at 7 and they did not have CBH so I defaulted to the Country breakfast with biscuits with sausage gravy with sausage patty's and fried potatoes with onions and green peppers. I also threw a couple of eggs over easy on to the order. Man that was good. Now I have another favorite! Dammit AAQjr - why did you have to go and confuse me further! ;-D>

[AAQjr]

My attempt to recreate my favorite breakfasts in the south. It really is good! The problem with Pann's is that I don't have a bicycle to burn off all the extra calories ;^)

[Servorg]

Two and half hours of bicycle calorie burning (plus an extra 25 minutes changing a rear flat in the middle of dead silent Rustic Canyon at 2:30 AM - "please don't eat me Mr. Coyote!") and Pann's undid it all and then some this AM... ;-D>

I just wanted to thank you for pointing out this breakfast option to me. It is another home run, for sure.

[kevin]

damn, what are you doing biking in 230in the am.

by the way, i haven't ridden a bicycle in ages, can i still get a decent one for maybe up to $175 bucks and which bikcycle would that be?

[kevin]

damn, i contacted them a bunch of times this weekend. and they said they didn't have the corned beef hash.

i keep on thinking they might have it, but sadly they never do.

im sitting in a proverbial pool of tears right about now.

[Servorg]

I think it's a conspiracy to whet our appetites even more than normally done by creating a CBH "shortage" and then finally filling the shortage in a frenzy of CBH madness... (not sure when the frenzy filling will commence however...). ;-D>

As to your "pool of tears" - you can get some exercise by "lapping them up" (g)

[kevin]

Can you or Dommy at least tease us with a photo?

i could settle for the three wings and a waffle combo, but then i'll be visting way too often, and the rest of my houndly sleuthing at other joints across town will seriously suffer.

[Dommy]

Sorry to hear it's been such a rare bird lately! :( I guess it's the victim its own success... In the meantime, here is my twitter photo of the CBH at Panns...

http://yfrog.com/gzsbxbkj

As you can see... they do it up nice and crisp, mixed in with fuffly hashbrowns and with big chunks corned beef in it.

For comparisons... here is the one from Du-Pars I had today... also housemade... but more in the patty form. Tasted good, but not even in the same league...

http://twitpic.com/6u6tik

Oh, and Pann's poached eggs were WAY better....

SO winner all around... Panns!

[Servorg]

I used to think the CBH was pretty damn fine at Du-Pars until I had Pann's. Now I am so totally spoiled and in love with the version at Pann's that I've been ruined for others! Dommy, have you had the biscuits with sausage gravy and sausage patty's at Pann's? I'm sure you have, but it was another overlooked breakfast gem on my part until AAQjr. turned me on to it and I tried it Saturday morning when the CBH was missing in action.

[ns1]

@kevin seriously, i want to try this much vaulted CBH!

on a side note, I got a nice bianchi hybrid on craigs for $200.

[PaulF]

We contacted them this am, too. No dice(d corned beed).

We went do S&W Diner instead. Ran into a bit of traffic due to the Diabetes 5k. Parked on Cardiff, walked over, put name on list. Twenty minute wait.

We like their CBH. It's not the same (or as good) as Pann's. Three of us got the homemade hash, none of us has ever tried the canned. Had mine with poached eggs, delicious (really delicious) fried tomatoes (coated in corn meal) and a biscuit, which is sort of a biscuit cut like cake, like cornbread. S&W is fun -- it's packed and very low key and they give you separate checks for everyone at the table (my kids insist I pay for them).

Four people, for CBH b'fasts, one huevos rancheros: 38.99 + tip.

[nosh]

I'm a huge fan of S & W's breakfasts -- you can order about any meat (CBH, homemade or canned, ham, bacon, sausage, pork chop, meatloaf, turkey, beef patty, etc.) along with two eggs and choice of side (pancakes, waffle, hash browns or country potatoes and toast) for a big and economical nap inducer. Cash only.

[susancinsf]

>(especially the first time when the corned beef was cubed and so tender it melted in my mouth).<

Interesting. based on my experience at other places (i have eaten at Pann's but haven't had the CBH there), I think of cubed corn beef as being dry...

[Dommy]

That is the canned stuff that is then reheated and fried... This is housemade corned beef. Extrodinarily tender and then lightly crisped (of course you can always order it extra crispy) that is why it's extraordinary.

The thing about Panns is that they could have slid into diner dispair using canned, or fozen sysco ingredients. But they do make the extra effort to make their dishes fresh and with care. I mean, even their side dishes. Here is one of my last meals there:

http://yfrog.com/h0gaabtjj

The wings were hot and super crisp and juicy like always... but the Spinach also freshly made and just barely wilted. And both tasted SO good doused in hot sauce... ;)

--Dommy!

[Servorg]

So funny, Dommy. I almost always get the spinach with my patty melt and I always add a good lashing of hot sauce to it...and the quality of their corned beef really does anchor the CBH and takes it to another level.

[kevin]

damnit, you guys, you are really tempting me. but whenever i've called or gone there, they just didn't have the Corned Beef Hash. and i've tried frequently.

i may just give up now. though their fried chicken wings and waffle are exceptional.

[Servorg]

I went to Pann's at the opening bell on Sunday (7 AM - I was the first customer through their doors) and, while they didn't have CBH yesterday I still scored with the 6 wings and waffle combo. Delicious and I didn't feel shorted in the least by no CBH. I should have ordered a biscuit too, but didn't want to "gild the lily" any further on the damage in terms of carbs consumed...lol

[kevin]

yeah, and i gotta cut back on the saturated fat and oils. ah, the bane of being a chowhound.

wow, six wings.???

i went for the waffle, three wings, and two eggs over easy combo last time i was there.

[susancinsf]

For some reason I've had bad luck with the cubes even when the CBH was clearly not from a can...oh, I get it: I think you mean the corned beef itself is from a can, in which case, yes, that makes sense....whenever I see cubes my heart sinks as I realize the restaurant didn't get it right, but never really thought about why I don't like the cubes until now.

Ok, trip to LA in order to try and hit it right for the CBH. and if I don't, I will get my usual-for-Pann's wings, but with spinach next time. That looks great. Thanks for the pic!

[Will Owen]

It took me so long to discover the spinach! The regular "Chef's vegetables" are a cut above the usual, being prepared from fresh, but still basically school cafeteria food; the spinach is so good, though, it's almost worth going just for that.

[Dommy]

Yeah... I discovered the spinach by accident... basically I like a little greens with my Mac N Cheese... and decided to order the two together... GREAT call...

--Dommy!

[Will Owen]

Me too. Spinach with mac'n'cheese was standard fare when I was a kid, so the first time I tried Pann's mac I thought, "Oh goody, they have spinach. Bet it's good."

[PaulF]

The fact of the matter is, Pann's is a very good all around dining experience. The original owners are still there walking around pouring coffee. The food is very good. The staff is nice and the service just fine. And the patrons are a wonderfully diverse mix representative of Los Angeles.

I'm not sure how this last part matters -- but for some reason it does to me. It feels like "L.A." to me, like home.

[Dommy]

I totally agree... although you can say the same thing about the Pantry and Titos tacos (and many have) but the reason why I still go to Panns is that I can have all those diner favorite, prepared properly with care and I know they should taste exactly like great diner food should... To me, that is PURE confort of home... especially with a few shakes of hot sauce. ;)

--Dommy!

[PaulF]

Dommy, while we're on the subject -- do you ever order a steak in a diner? If so, which diner?

The reason I ask is that I've been craving a good steak, but to be honest we're a family of four so dinner at a fine steakhouse is tough for us. With college tuition and car insurance for teens, 200+ for dinner is not something we do that often. But psychologically I can never bring myself to order a steak in a diner (like I can't bring myself to eat cheaper? cheapish? sushi). So, have you ever had a steak at Pann's or the Pantry or some place like that and would you recommend it?

[AAQjr]

Staying in the area, how about having a steak at the Buggy whip. Another place that has been around forever!

[Dommy]

Hi Paul--

Sadly no, the truth is P and I doing eat a lot of beef for environmental reasons and when ever we do get the steak cravings, we just splurge on something from McCalls and grill it at home.

Anyway, since we are saving at home I can appreciate your dilemma. I will say though, for not too crazy priced steakish meals, the best I've had were Casa Sanchez's Carne Asada. And The Nickel Diner has this CRAZY good wedge salad with a huge steak for like $13 bucks. Be warned, I like my steak rare...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dommichu...

Finally, it's dine LA and steak deals abound! :)

--Dommy!

-----
Nickel Diner
524 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

[PaulF]

Sanchez' asada is sublime.

We can walk there and often do.

Thanks for the recs, appreciate it.

[kevin]

dommy, do you got any pictures of the Corned Beef Hash at Pann's???

thanks.

[Servorg]

Kevin, I am just back from having Pann's CBH and eggs this morning. It was perfect. They really have spectacular corned beef and it was generously chopped up into the potatoes in larger and so very tender pieces.

You asked me about the price in another thread and I made sure to look at the bill this morning. It's $10.95 plus tax and tip. One other tip. While they put tabasco on the table they also have cholula if you ask for it.

My only minor quibble was that their biscuits were a little late coming out of the oven so I had whole wheat toast instead. Life can never be perfect evidently, but this morning was close! ;-D>

[bulavinaka]

Here you go teasing us again... So when is Pann's going to commit to having this as a regular menu item?!

[Servorg]

Just as soon as I take over as Pann in Chief...

[kevin]

Fuck yea.

I just had the corned beef hash too. I was surprises that it was shredded corned beef and even large chunks of corned beef as well as large cubes of potatoes. More of a deconstructed hash. But very tasty.

And sadly for my cholesterol, blood pressure, and waistline, I demolished the whole thing.

It was considerably too salty for me. And it is heavy too though luckily for me I enjoy the fact that it is only offered on a highly erratic schedule.

Also, the hash came with some poached eggs. And I did have the biscuit which was not too buttery and still quite delicious.

By the way, I was going to post separately but you all beat me to it.

[Servorg]

Congratulations for finally "scoring" some hash...(g)

My only disagreement is the "too salty" comment. I even added extra salt to mine. Salt is probably THE most variable taste going in terms of personal preference (exacerbated by the fact that each of us seems to be more, or less, salt sensitive depending on the day of the week and our biorhythms).

[kevin]

You do have a very valid point on the salt issue. And yes I prolly am very sensitive to salt.

Nevertheless, it was delicious though not in the way I am used to with your garden-variety corned beef hash. And on third thought it was ultra tender too. Though I'm not sure why it's prepared in such huge chunks/cubes and why it's only offered so infrequently.

And at about 15 or so with a drink, it's ultimately very filling and a better deal pricewise compared to the egg/waffle/fried chicken wing combo.

After devouring my corned beef hash for breakfast, I was not hungry until dinner late this evening and I do consider my self to be quite the quintessential trencherman most of te time.

[Mr Taster]

Never had the CBH at Pann's, but I loved the version at Nick's Diner.... it's the unusual spicing that makes it. Black pepper and cumin, I think? Whatever it was, it punched me in the mouth. Free (weak) coffee on weekends.

Mr Taster

[Servorg]

I've now had it once on a Saturday night after which I wrote my first review and then again on Labor Day (Monday) the 5th of September when I walked in the door at 7 AM right after they opened. One of the two of the couple in the booth in front of me ordered it to that day. Did you ask your waitress (or waiter) about when the most likely time to find it was? I would have to figure Saturday. But it's become elusive (and maybe even an Urban Myth) in the extreme.

[arb]

Did ask the waitress - she shrugged apologetically and said basically it's whenever the chef feels like it. She said she'd tell him that a lot of people are asking for it.