I hadn’t been back to Campanile in a long long time, since it was still kind of newish and the hot place to be, since Mark Peel and Nancy Silverton were still married, since Nancy was still actually working at La Brea Bakery.

We went for brunch. First of all, the bloody mary: tomatoes and veggies were spiced up and roasted, then pureed, then poured into a tall glass with vodka. Now THAT’s how a Bloody Mary should be made! I like ’em spicy, and this one was plenty spicy, and very delicious. And all for only $10, a real bargain these days for this level of drink.

The eggs benedict: everything was good except the english muffin, I think it was whole wheat, it was just too dry and dull. The eggs were perfectly poached, the bacon was very wide, thick slabs, very high quality. I think more hollandaise would have helped the muffin.

I seem to recall the interior was different back then. I don’t remember any of this castle-like motif from way back in the day. But then, I don’t really remember it that well.

Excellent food. Mark Peel distinguishes himself amongst many other star LA chefs. Constantly changing menu based on whatever is fresh, along with a great wine list.

I have been here twice now, once for their Grilled Cheese night and another time for a regular menu items. Let me just say that the Grilled Cheese night won.

Let’s also preface that La Brea Bakery is next door and of course the bread for the Grilled Cheese is from that bakery.

The regular menu items were so so, maybe it just wasn’t their night, the service was just okay as well. Which was fine with me.

If you are there for the Grilled Cheese specials, dine with friends so that you can sample all of their specialties. You are served with huge portions of french fries and salads. My favorites were the open face Braised Lamb and the Classic.