bonding over BRUNCH: Maysville

RER 1.31.15

Some things can definitely catch you by surprise, like how fast time flies. The years blend and bend until you have no concept of how long it  has really been. And then you all sit down, eventually—staggered arrivals—and the faces are so familiar and nothing has really changed, but at the same time, so many things have. It’s a feeling when you come together like time has forgotten to move but events have transpired and developments felt.

RER 1.31.15

RER 1.31.15

But it’s at that table at Maysville in the Flatiron District, eating super sweet and cakey citrus glazed doughnuts as an amuse-bouche to the amuse-bouche, drinking orange saturated mimosas, you realize it all feels the same. Immutable time.

Your brunch bites are secondary to the conversation flurrying around the table as future plans are divulged and pasts stay where they belong. Something about the crisp winter sun streaming in, reflecting in the mirrors, echoing the clean lines, has taken things out of context but each note is recognizable.

RER 1.31.15

Pretty French toast, sticky with honey, tangy like orange and smooth as ricotta tastes sweeter out of habit. Warm tones and thick slices bring comfort and a little piece of home, made special with golden honey and bronze orange marmalade.

RER 1.31.15

Bitter Brussels sprouts, gravy heavy sauce Mornay and salty smoked deli ham, comes to life with shared laughter and secrets. Taboo and leftover memories are eliminated with a thick brick of fried grits and its warm creamy center, echoing the textures of the crisp green leaves of the Brussels sprouts and the decadent sauce.

Chef’s Breakfasts are made less ordinary with birthday plans and getaways and stroller talk. Eggs over-easy, eggs scrambled— same difference, when there are more important details to discuss and crunchy potatoes to forget.

RER 1.31.15

You linger after the eats and mimosas are long gone and questions of ‘what’s next’ and ‘when’ cross your minds and reach your lips. No set plans in place, but you all know there will be a next time before too long, another chance to evade time and pick up where you left off.

RER

1.31.15

RER 1.31.15

the most bomb BRUNCH: Brenda's French Soul Food

RER 8.22.14

There are few words to describe the deliciousness that was our meal at Brenda’s French Soul Food in San Francisco. This was the most bomb brunch the most bomb meal I’ve had in a while (though, this was the beginning of a run of pretty delicious food, stay tuned).

RER 8.22.14

We went all out and pigged out—there was no other way. So what the three of us had a wedding to attend in two days and wanted to fit in our cocktail attire? Brenda’s was so worth the calories and even the awkward looks when we ordered half the menu…

RER 8.22.14

Beignet flight

Please, do not skip the beignets. You’re doing yourself a huge disservice if you do. We got the flight, a taste of everything in the fried dough department. That plain ol’ classic beignet was beyond delish—warm, soft and fluffy middle, sweet and not too greasy. We weren’t wild for the Ghirardelli chocolate filled one, but the cinnamony apple beignet was reminiscent of fall delights. The last was a savory beignet, oozing with cheese and crawfish dusted with dark and spicy chili powder—ridiculous.

RER 8.22.14

Fried Chicken

This skin was crispy and flavorful, keeping all the moisture in the meat of the chicken parts. The thin fries were great company, but the biscuit was out of this world. It was sweet and salty, doughy, hot and fresh. Perfect with butter, perfect without, perfect with gravy…just perfect (sigh).

RER 8.22.14

Hangtown Fry

The house favorite combines fried oysters, bacon, and scallions, served with chucky potato hash and a too delicious biscuit. It seems peculiar, but it was really tasty. Plump fried oysters, crunchy and soft at the same time, littered a mess of scrambled eggs, while the bacon brought salt and the scallion added a light freshness. Truly yummy.

Pork Belly Special

This was just out of control. The breakfast special was a giant bowl of creamy, cheesy, smooth, almost divine grits, topped with a thick rasher of fatty tender pork belly, a perfectly poached egg, some spicy onions and bright green scallions. The base of extraordinary grits made each element melt in my mouth, dense, rich and made like a true New Orleans grandma. I would have an affair with those grits.

RER 8.22.14

Special Peach Clobber Pancake

As if we hadn’t gorged enough, we (I) had to try the special pancake. Lucky our full bellies, we were able to order just one. Of all the things we tried, this peach studded pancake with crunchy nut and sweet crumble was the least great. The thin caramel syrup and thick whipped cream added moisture, but hardly hid the pancake’s lack of flavor. Still pretty tasty.

Go to Brenda’s and eat all of the food! It’s an order.

RER

8.22.14

 

second YELPing...

RER 6.8.14

It was Sunday Funday, so that meant double brunch date. The four of us headed to The Bistro at Grove Square for brunchy food and brunchy drinks. The sun was shining and it was warm out, perfect for a little meal sitting outside. Even though it took three breakfast dishes to satiate me and by boyfriend, it was still a good time with bellinis and giggles. Check out more of the review on yelp.

RER 6.8.14

RER 6.8.14

RER 6.8.14

RER 6.8.14

Don’t forget to follow on facebook, instagram, twitter, yelp and pintrest to keep up with all the food adventures.

RER

6.8.14

RER 6.8.14