Pasadena · USA
The Langham Huntington
Short ribs, a perfect egg and a crisp muffin: a Benedict that lives on its textures.
Notebook
The Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict with short ribs. Perfect egg, spicy heat, the short ribs harmonise with the creaminess of the whole dish, the hollandaise takes a bit of a back seat. English muffin nicely crisp, giving a good interplay of textures.
Translated from my German notes.
The Langham Huntington is one of Southern California’s storied grand hotels: opened in 1907 as the Hotel Wentworth, later acquired by railroad magnate Henry Huntington, and operating under the Langham name since 2008. Breakfast here is accordingly not a quick coffee on the go.
On the plate
Instead of ham, braised short ribs sit beneath the egg. It is one of those house variations that make you wonder whether they do the classic justice. This one does: the tender, spiced meat harmonises with the creaminess of the whole dish, and a pleasant heat keeps it lively. The egg is perfectly poached.
The hollandaise takes a bit of a back seat. Against the robust meat it struggles, and that is exactly what costs the full point. The English muffin, on the other hand, is nicely crisp and delivers what defines this plate: a good interplay of textures between crunchy, tender and creamy.
Who it’s for
For anyone who knows the classic and wants a heartier take. If you expect the hollandaise to be the star, you will find it in a supporting role here.
Guide text written with AI assistance, based on my notes.