Kiss Me, Kate

KATE MANTILINI
9101 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills
310 278 3699

Cuisine: Everything Goes
The Scene: The Whole Neighborhood
Must Try: Eggs Benedict with a Bloody Mary
Star Rating: 3 of 4
Average Cost: $12.95 - 38 Entree


Monday 7:30 a.m. – midnight
Tuesday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - midnight



Talk about an old favorite. Opened in 1987 (recently in Woodland Hills) this is our hangout for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In fact, it’s Scott’s lunchtime “commissary” with three visits a week. It’s the atmosphere, it’s the food, and of course it’s two of the most handsome waiters in Los Angeles: woofable Jason Smith with dimples big enough to get lost in, and Brian Timpani (who moved to Bastide, and has yet to resurface).

We don’t think there is another restaurant in Los Angeles that does so many things so well. Michael is all about the Bloody Mary’s and claims Kate’s to have the finest in town. They are hot but not eye watering and perfectly spiced; just like Jason the waiter. Their mix is their own and it shows. Kate’s Eggs Benedict are superlative; we have tried to find better but we never have; they come accompanied by tasty hash browns.

The menu is vast and was created by restaurateur visionaries (Hamburger Hamlets) Marilyn and Harry Lewis. A dashing couple, Harry the former star of “KEY LARGO” and Marilyn, author, producer and clothing designer (Cardinelli), made these restaurants a family affair with sons Adam and David running the show. Lunches, dinners and late evening snacks (what else good is open until 2 AM weekends?) all have things that make us hungry just speaking of them.

The Dining Duo loves Cole slaw and Kate’s has the correct combo of spices and mayo. Standouts consist of Marilyn’s own recipe for her extraordinary Chicken Pot Pie ($18.50). Kate’s had Mac n’ Cheese before it became chic in Los Angeles and theirs is amongst the best. The White Chili ($17.50) is amongst the best chili around. Healthy alternatives include the spicy Dominican Chicken Burrito (which is a total misconception as it’s clean and healthy and a “word of mouth” secret) for $16.50. The Life Rice Chicken is a diet conscious dish that still teases the palette with an assortment of light spices and onions ($17.50). And the wild Salmon is bursting with Omega 3s.

Forget healthy? Then go for it with the most sinful deep fried French toast triangle of yum you’ll ever taste. Scott’s favorite food group is “pancakes” and Kate’s serves up the best delicately thin crepe-like pancakes smothered in butter and syrup. It all makes the Dining Duo drool. Or was it Jason, the waiter?