If you’re anything like me, food is the epitome of my love language. There’s nothing like grabbing brunch with your girl gang every Sunday, rain or shine. This Sunday is an especially unique opportunity to celebrate your friendships with a Galentine’s brunch at a pop-up restaurant!
What’s unique about the pop-up food culture in LA is the sheer amount of cultural fusion and experimentation in the things they offer. From crispy Korean tater tots to “boats” of food made of biodegradable food scraps, the variety is simply endless. If your girl gang LOVES to brunch and also a trendy, sustainable lifestyle, supporting the small business pop-up shops is the way to go:
- Chimmelier Korean Fusion
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A spinoff on the original crispy chicken sandwich paraded by Chick-Fil-A and Popeye’s, Chimmelier creates a Korean twist by adding refreshing toppings like oiji (lacto-fermented pickles), dashi and a perilla leaf on top of a spicy Korean fried chicken patty. The sandwich comes with a side of the crispiest and spiciest tater tots, offering a finger-licking meal for even the pickiest brunch lover. They have pop-ups all over LA (including at Feast on the Hill!), but are most known for the one at Smorgasburg on Sundays.
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- Shrimp daddy Hawaiian Grill
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Another cult classic for delicious popup foods is the infamous “Pineapple Boat” Bang Bang Shrimp combo from Shrimp Daddy Hawaiian Grill. Not only does serving food on a biodegradable platter increase the eco-friendly foodprint of the shop, but it’s also a great way to mix together the culturally authentic flavors of the meal for a fantastic brunch experience. Currently, they only serve at Smorgasburg on Sundays, but may open another brick and mortar shop soon!
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- Wanderlust Creamery
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I don’t know about you, but the best way to end a day of brunching is taking a bite (or lick) of delicious creamy ice cream. What better way to try some cultural fusion than heading over to Wanderlust Creamery? Though there are multiple brick-and-mortar shops around LA (including one in Santa Monica!), Wanderlust’s popup offers a range of special flavors changing every month! I’d highly recommend getting their seasonal flavor bars if you go, choosing between passionfruit, sakura or ube.
Galentine’s brunch is probably my favorite tradition going into Valentine’s Day celebrations, and something I’ll continue whether or not I’m in a relationship. If you and your girl group are as big of foodies as I am, be sure to support small businesses this season for a unique, sustainable and super fun holiday. Happy Galentine’s Day everybody!