I heart Hugo's

So one night, me and the BF were all set to enjoy some yummy, greasy food from one of my fave places, Barney's Beanery, but were sadly turned away for some party Seth Green was throwing for his Robot Chicken crew. For five minutes, there was no one I hated more than Seth Green. But tragedy turned to truimph when the detour forced me to try out a new restaurant that I hadn't before and my love affair with Hugo's began.

Still seething from the disappointment I needed a party drink so I immediately ordered a Sangria, and it was utter heaven. Filled with delicious fruits, yet not too sweet, the BF hated it so I happily got it all to myself. A vegan Quinoa Black Bean Burger on garlic bread with garlic fries completed my first meal and I was forever hooked.

But before you just assume this is yet another LA hippie haven that only serves veggie foods, the Hugo Burger -- a masterpiece of Angus beef (or turkey), cheese, chilies, guacamole, onions and everything else you could possibly dream of on a ciabatta roll -- is in serious competition for the best burger I've ever had.

From the blueberry ice tea to the award-winning brunches, I love this place.

And some trivia I learned from their website: the restaraunt was founded by Terry Kaplan. So why isn't it named Terry's? Well the space was originally a butcher shop run by a man named Hugo. Mr. Kaplan kept the name in deference to Hugo's widow after he took over the business. Awww!

Hugo's Restaurant (8401 Sant Monica, West Hollywood)