New Brunches at Stella Rosa and Redwhite+bluezz

Nola-style chicken and waffles at Redwhite+bluezz

By Lesley Balla

Find new brunching inspiration on both ends of town this weekend. In Pasadena, Redwhite+bluezz kicks off a New Orleans-inspired menu complete with fried green tomato caprese, crawfish po' boys, eggs etoufee, and shrimp and grits. And since we know you're a fan of boozy brunches, there's bottomless Champagne, beer and mimosa offerings ($15) as well as cocktail "jugs" for $18. Brunch starts at 10 AM, the live jazz kicks in at 11 AM (70 S. Raymond Ave.; 626-792-4441).

Over in Santa Monica, chef Jeff Mahin now does Saturday and Sunday brunch at Stella Rossa Pizza Bar. In addition to the regular menu, with fall updates like the mizuna salad with ‘crispy’ poached eggs and smoked bacon lardons, there's now prosciutto and egg pizza, breakfast tartines on house-made bread (fried eggs with tomato jam and caciocavallo cheese; pulled pork with butter beans, smoked bacon and herb aioli), and baked bread pudding with rum raisins, orange caramel and creme fraiche. The brunch menu - plus cocktails and the extensive beer list - are available starting at 10 AM (2000 Main St.; 310-396-9250).