Brique – a unique brunch experience only in L.A.

My family members chose this spot as a special treat for our Valentine’s Day breakfast, and it was truly such a sweet treat! From the moment we walked up to the periwinkle-colored shop to taking the first bite of the French toast, the entire experience was visually tasteful, trendy, and certainly unique. We arrived a few minutes before Brique opened, but the guy working was nice enough to open a little early, probably because he saw how eager we were to get inside. It’s not a sit-down restaurant, so we just walked up to the counter to order. While waiting for our food to be ready, we browsed the adorable merchandise they had in-store, which included their t-shirts, sweatshirts, and even their signature syrup. After a short wait, we received our French toasts in the cutest to-go bag I have ever seen: their signature logo with a periwinkle background. Their marketing is spectacular from the color choice to their “Excuse my French… toast!” slogan to the aesthetic of their “brick-style” French toasts. Everything appeals to the eye, and the stomach!

I ordered the single serving of the Original Brique Toast served with their signature peanut-butter coconut maple syrup, crispy coconut flakes, and vanilla bean whipped cream. I know this may seem like a sugar overload, but honestly, everything balanced out very well. The peanut-butter coconut maple syrup is their signature factor, and I have never tasted this kind of flavoring before. In terms of texture, the coconut flakes were an amazing addition to the toppings. It wasn’t too overwhelming either, as the amount on top of the toast was perfect. The vanilla bean whipped cream was just the right level of sweetness and creaminess. All in all, the burst of flavors made me enjoy each bite more and more, and I was surprised by the new flavor combinations the toppings provided.

What makes Brique so special is that it was inspired by a creation made by private chef Racquel Rockquemore-Breiz, better known as “Chef Rocky,” for celebrity client Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. The coconut flavoring is fitting for this dish because it relates to Dwayne Johnson’s Samoan heritage where coconuts are commonly eaten raw or grated and used as a basic ingredient in various dishes. The coconut flavoring in the syrup, as well as the coconut flakes on top, pay homage to Samoan culture beautifully.

This spot is aesthetically pleasing, making it optimal for an Instagram photoshoot! It also has a lot of cultural and social significance because of the celebrity affiliation with Dwayne Johnson and the influence of his Samoan heritage on the recipe. Not to mention, the French toast is a pop of distinctive flavors that you just cannot find anywhere else. This is a must-try at Century City! I will definitely return and am planning to introduce all of my friends to the spot. I also feel like it’s an ideal spot to introduce to tourists who desire a unique L.A. dining experience.