Liz L.
Yelp
Norma is a new, upscale, elegant spot on La Cienega in the heart of the West Hollywood celebration scene. I chose it on a whim with no particular expectations except that the interior seemed to be beautiful. And it is!
We chose a weekend afternoon so there would be more parking options. You will have to snag a meter on La Cienega as there is restricted parking on the residential side streets. Be prepared to walk a few blocks -- it's worth it.
Stepping inside, I immediately thought of Norma Shearer. There is a cool '30s club atmosphere that is sophisticated and somehow calming. We had reservations in the lounge and were taken to a comfortable bench under a warm skylight. The lighting throughout the restaurant's multiple rooms gives it a quiet theatrical vibe. I relaxed in waves as the meal progressed.
Ryan, our main server, was bright, cheerful and accommodating. He seems to love working at Norma, rightfully proud of it, and wanted us to love it too, which we did.
The menu is eclectic. There are things from exotic places to accompany the expected brunch. If you study the menu, you will see what I mean. Sauces, treatments, presentations that are elevated and unique. We wanted eggs benedict and got the lox benedict on an everything bagel with cucumbers, hollandaise, onions, new baby potatoes with zhug (from Yemen) and parmesan crumble, larder sour dough with cinnamon and a strawberry/kiwi preserve, scrambled eggs, and broccolini with tumie coco hot sauce. It was all superb. I ordered coffee and received a generous breakfast cup laced with cocoa-colored froth dotted by tiny obsidian bubbles that braceleted around the rim (see my pictures). It was espresso, as smooth and luxurious as silk.
A carefully selected playlist piping upbeat club music at just the right volume wafted around us. The entire place was gleaming and, since we came between meals, as people streamed out from the morning crowd, I was able to take pictures of the elegant decor.
The bill was actually a pleasant surprise -- quite reasonable considering the location, the expensive appointments and the quality and freshness of the food itself.
Serendipity! Loved Norma and will return for dinner.