Brunch Philly

Oasis Living Cuisine, Frazer PA (Part II)

2012-01-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

While the shop at Oasis Living Cuisine is quite simple, the products are unique and competitively priced. They offer everything from raw "ice creams" made from nut-milk, to honeycomb, maca powder, hemp-seed spreads, and chocolate-covered kale chips. They also have an array of books available about eating & living a raw lifestyle.

In addition to their eclectic selection from others, Oasis offers their own product line of flavored raw nuts (from cinnamon to ranch), nut-based crackers, sprouted granola, "cheese" and more.

Their dehydrated kale chips have an airy crunch to them. I tried the coconut curry flavor, which is a playful mix of sweet & spicy. The lingering aroma of curry mixed with a hint of apple cider vinegar, evokes an old world melting with new. I could could see these pairing nicely with a curry chicken or sagg paneer. Or perhaps as the base for a raw foods version of a classic Indian dish.

Oasis also has a wide-array of raw chocolates. Some are sweetened with honey, others with agave. All of the chocolates are dark. It is clear that they use a high quality cocoa source that produces a decent consistency & flavor. That said, the texture is not as smooth as what you would find in a traditionally-made high quality dark chocolate.

Many of the truffles that I tasted had an almost crumbly texture, resulting from the combination of honey and nut fillings. I was underwhelmed by the fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry), but the coconut, mint, and ginger truly shined.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, vegan & raw food chocoholics will be delighted to know that Oasis will have holiday themed, hand-crafted, raw, vegan chocolate truffles.

Their 2012 Valentine Truffle Collection includes flavors such as raspberry, blackberry, mint-to-be, burnin' love, and coconut cream--all crafted into beautiful hearts of different shapes. I especially like the blackberry: a beautifully dusted, oblong purple heart with a tart bite to it.

If you go:

134 Lancaster Ave, Frazer PA 19355
Phone: (610) 647-9797
They accept credit cards.
Oasis Chocolate
Oasis Online Store

Oasis Living Cuisine, Frazer PA (Part I)

2012-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

In a classic case of "you can't tell a book by its cover," Oasis Living Cuisine is located in an older looking stretch of shops across from an empty field in Frazer, PA. Its neon 'open' sign and plastic seating does not scream "healthy brunch here," but it is in fact a mecca for raw foodies.

Oasis Living Cuisine offers a selection of raw pizzas, shakes, salads, desserts, organic juices and both raw & traditional wraps. Additionally they have a small shop of raw items that are difficult to find elsewhere (including indulgent raw chocolate truffles!).

On a recent visit I tried the Stuffed Avocado, with carrots, Brazil nut pate, and cashew sauce ($5.75).

A subtle hint of spice, creamy nut sauce, and perfectly ripe avocados make for a delicious mix of flavor and texture.

My brunchmate ordered a traditional Cheddar Avocado Wrap, with cheddar cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and hummus spread on your choice of wrap (including a gluten-free option) and choice of chips or carrot sticks ($7.50). The wrap was quite tasty, and nicely complemented by the crunch of chips, but unfortunately it lacked avocado in one half.

On another visit, I tried the Avocado Flax Wrap ($7.50), which is very similar to the traditional wrap except for the cheese & wrap itself. The flax wrap has a chewy texture to it, with an intense "flaxy" flavor.

While its a bit of an acquired taste, it is a welcome option for creating wraps for both raw food and gluten-free diners alike. Oasis Living Cuisine also sells the wraps to go in their shop.

The Chocolate Banana Shake is made with nutmilk, raw cocoa powder, banana, and agave ($5.75). The shake has a good consistency with a strong banana flavor and an understated touch of chocolate.

In my next post I will explore the shop at Oasis Living Cuisine as well as their raw chocolates. Stay Tuned!

If you go:

134 Lancaster Ave, Frazer, PA 19355
Phone: (610) 647-9797
They accept credit cards
Open Mon-Sat
Oasis Living Cuisine

Cafette, Philadelphia PA

2012-01-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

Tucked away in the heart of Chestnut Hill you will find the tiny dining gem: Cafette. On what otherwise looks like a residential street, you are not extremely likely to happen upon Cafette accidentally. But it's a treasure to seek out, close enough to reach by train, bus or car. It is an ideal brunch spot on a day when you plan to explore the shops along Chestnut Hill's Germantown Ave.

It was much too cold and snowy to sit outside this past weekend, but in nicer weather Cafette offers a patio for bunching. Inside is perfectly cozy and the front room we sat in had nice acoustics even when it got a little crowded. Although, where I sat got a little too cozy--some consumable items I had in a bag hanging off my chair melted from the heat of the floor heater!

I ordered the Apple and Candied Walnut Salad, served with greens, bleu cheese, dried cranberries and lemon citronette ($9). The greens were fresh and the lemon citronette was tart without becoming acidic. The bleu cheese was incredibly strong, lingering for hours. I remembered why I'm not always a big fan of bleu cheese, but that said, it was clearly a high quality bleu.

My brunchmate tried the Homemade Flapjacks, "double-stack served with your choice of blueberry, bananas Foster or peach cobbler toppings and Vermont maple syrup"($9). The peach cobbler was a good choice, as that alone would make for a delicious brunch! The peaches were nicely accented by a cinnamon-maple flavor.

The flapjacks were light & airy, just a bit thicker than a crepe, without turning tough. They had a delicate hint of lemon to them. And, something I always love, the toppings are served on the side so you can choose how much to add.

My brunchmate tried the fresh squeezed orange juice (of the not-so-pulpy variety)and I tried a Sipp Ginger Blossom soda, "spicy ginger and tart lime infused with vanilla." Both fine; nothing overly outstanding about either beverage.

For dessert, I ordered a chocolate chip cookie. Topped with chocolate shavings it was quite pretty to look at. If they had served it warm, it would have melted my heart. But it was still delicious at room temperature. If it was not a Famous 4th Street Cookie, it may as well have been since it was basically identical in taste and texture.

A delightful place to brunch in the winter, but from the looks of it I think Cafette probably hits their real stride in warmer weather. But anytime of year it is worth stepping off the main drag of Chestnut Hill to brunch at Cafette.

If you go:

8136 Ardleigh Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: (215) 242-4220
They accept credit cards.
Cafette

Sauteed Portobello with Mashed Rutabaga and Orange Cranberry Sauce

2012-01-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

Sauteed Portobello with Rutabaga Mash & Orange Cranberry sauce is a delicious wintertime meal.
It is hearty enough to stick to your bones, but not so caloric as to ruin any New Year's Resolutions.

Mashed Rutabaga is a nice change from traditional mashed potatoes. Flavor-wise they are slightly sweeter than white potatoes but not as sweet as yams.

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

1 bag of fresh cranberries
about 1 cup of orange juice
1-4 tablespoons of maple syrup

Rinse cranberries & put into pot. Add enough orange juice to cover about half-way (about 1 cup). Add sweetener to taste (keep in mind that as the sauce reduces, the flavors become a bit sweeter, so you can always add more at the end too!) . Cover and heat on simmer for about 30minutes, stirring occasionally and keeping an eye that it does not boil over. Once thick, side aside to cool. Or serve warm over ice cream.

Rutabaga Mash

Ingredients:

3 medium sized fresh rutabaga
about 1/3 cup of So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk
1/2 cup of sour cream (or vegan alternative if desired)
sea salt
lemon pepper
cheddar cheese (or other) as desired

Clean rutabata and cut off any rough parts. Slice into 1/2" chunks. Simmer, covered, in salt water until soft throughout. Transfer to blender or food processor. Add sour cream & milk, as needed, to blend.

Add salt & lemon pepper to taste. Once smooth, transfer back to pot. If desired, add cheese. Heat over low until warm & melted.

Sauteed Portobello

Ingredients:

1 yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon of ghee (or vegan alternative)
2 portobello mushrooms
sea salt

Melt ghee (ghee is clarified butter--it can withstand high heat cooking and adds a great flavor!). Add the onions and cook over low heat, stirring often, until onions start to turn clear & caramelize.

Clean the mushrooms and gently salt them. If there are stems, slice them off and add to the onions (they taste really good!) Add mushrooms to pan, stem side down, keeping heat low. Stir occasionally, to keep onions & mushrooms from burning. Turn once.

As mushrooms cook, they will start to brown & release water. Turn heat up a bit to burn off the water, stirring constantly. The center of the mushroom will go from white to brown once cooked.

Rutabaga mash & cranberry sauce serves 4.
Portobello Saute serves 2.

Kitchenette Uptown, New York NY

2012-01-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Kitchenette Uptown is filled with charm. Our table is made from a pastel painted wooden door, covered in glass. The decor reminds me a bit of Sabrina's in Philadelphia. And like Sabrina's, you can order brunch food any day of the week. On an early Sunday evening, Kitchenette Uptown was fairly empty but I imagine that is probably not the case earlier in the day. The waitstaff is friendly and prompt, and the food is delicious.

While tempted by their unusually flavored shakes (Red Velvet and Campfire S'more are among the options) I stick with a traditional chocolate milkshake ($6). Sadly the whipped cream is clearly from a can and not fresh, but the consistency of the shake is perfect. I could do with it being a bit more dark chocolatey, but for most palates they have it about right. And it is served in a mason jar!

I try the Chick Pea Burger, made with mashed chickpeas, carrots and roasted red onions and served on pita with side of tahini ($13.50). Really delicious, but also really messy to eat since the chickpea consistency is slightly closer to hummus than burger. The mild tahini compliments the burger nicely while not overwhelming it. The burger comes with a side and I ordered the butternut-squash. It lacked flavor and needed a bit of salt and perhaps some maple syrup to brighten it up.

Coming off of a week of eating totally raw, this meal was overwhelmingly filling.

My brunchmate orders the Shepherd's Pie – with ground beef, carrots and mashed potato crust ($14.00). Total comfort food, the beef is tender and the overall dish has a gentle sweetness that pulls the flavors together.

Prices are quite reasonable for New York, the vibe is fun and friendly, and the desserts look delicious (if only we had room!).

If you go:

1272 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027
Phone: (212) 531-7600
They accept credit cards, but offer a discount if you pay with cash.
Kitchenette Restaurant

Vedge Restaurant, Philadelphia PA

2012-01-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

When husband/wife team Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby decided to close Horizons last July, Philadelphia lost a vegan dining treasure. Delicious food, slightly upscale yet affordable, Horizons was a place that both omnivores and vegans alike enjoyed.

Rumor has it Landau & Jacoby received an offer on the building that they could not refuse, so they closed shop and moved to 13th and Locust. Moving is not something new for this team. Horizons was originally located in Willow Grove, PA. But Landau & Jacoby decided it was time to end Horizons and reconceptualize their menu and focus more on a vegetable-based, locally sourced menu. And so, Vedge was born.

First things first, Vedge is NOT Horizons. If you go with the expectation that it is, you will be disappointed. One look at the menu and you realize that Vedge is a place for foodies. Menu words such as roasted maitake, farro, gochujang tofu, kohlrabi, carpaccio, and kimchee crema will enthrall foodies while confusing everyone else.

The second notable difference, and a bit of a surprise, are the portion sizes. As our server described, "I'd recommend ordering 2-3 items to get up to an appetizer or main course serving size. All of the plates are just slightly larger than tapas."

For my first dish, I ordered the fancy radishes, roasted & marinated, smoked tamari, nori, avocado, shishito ($8). It was very pretty to look at. The avocado was decorated with toasted sesame seeds and the strips of nori were quite playful. Radishes are not something I normally eat or enjoy, which is why I decided to try it. The marinated radishes were really good. The others were palatable, which is more than I can say for most radishes I've tasted in my life, but I feel like the price of this dish reflected the presentation more than substance. As my brunch-mate put it: "I like to go to restaurants to eat food, not look at food. This seems to be a restaurant where you're supposed to look at the food."

My brunch-mate ordered the portabella carpaccio, salsa rustica, arugula crema, olive oil, crostini ($9). The portabella was very nicely sliced, but would not have hurt from a bit more seasoning. The tiny bit of arugula crema I tasted had a nice sharp flavor that worked well with the dish, but I was not a fan of the salsa rustica.

My next course was a winner. Whipped turnips and sunchokes topped with roasted maitake mushrooms ($6). The creamy hot dish was similar to mashed potatoes in consistency, but with a hint of sweetness. And the maitakes gave it a satisfying crunch to each bite. Comfort food you can feel good about eating, and a dish with more than one bite of food.

I ordered this off of the "dirt list," which is a list of vegetable sides that changes daily, so who knows what the chances are that it will be available again. I do know that I will be doing my best to recreate this tasty side. If it's on the menu, order it!

My brunch-mate next tried the roasted maitake, creamy celery root, seared turnip, truffle, red wine($14). Given the amount of food on the plate, this is most certainly a dish that you are paying to look at. The creamy celery root was quite similar to mashed potatoes in texture and taste. The maitake was nicely prepared, but not memorable.

For dessert I ordered the "Choco-Taco," hazelnut tuile, mole ganache, burnt wood ice cream, and charred pineapple salsa ($9).
The hazelnut tuile was good but could have used a dash of salt to balance out its sweetness. The mole ganach was a nice dark bitter chocolate, but there was not enough of it for my liking. I was not a fan of the burnt wood ice cream or the charred pineapple salsa. Change those two items and we could be talking. The taco was topped with coconut whipped cream, which was nice and fluffy but left a strong coconut aftertaste.

I will be very curious to see how Vedge grows and if there is enough of a market to support the upscale vegan tapas vibe they have going. Right now the menu is a bit of a hit or miss (unlike Horizons where everything was a hit or a smashing success), but hopefully with a bit of time they will refine the menu and portion sizes. Will I dine here again for dinner? Probably not anytime soon. Will I go here for happy hour or late-night drinks & appetizers? Absolutely.

If you go:

1221 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215.320.7500
They accept credit cards.
Vedge Restaurant

2012 Raw Foods Challenge: Retrospective

2012-01-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

Eating raw this week was a lot easier than I expected it to be. A lot more enjoyable too. And I feel really good. No food comas, or mid-afternoon slumps. No extreme cravings or that feeling of hunger that inexplicably remains sometimes after consuming a high calorie meal.

Yesterday I ate a brownie bite that looked fantastic, but after a week of eating unprocessed raw foods it tasted gross. I almost spit it out because of the super-sugary-preservative-flavor it delivered. I did not intend to stay on a totally raw diet, and I haven't, but in the two days since the challenge ended I chose to eat totally raw for both breakfast & lunch. And I have a feeling that I may continue to keep that up. If you've ever considered eating a diet of simply raw foods, I encourage you to try it (I'm not a doctor or dietitian, so you may want to talk with yours first). Even if you're not up for a radical change, try eating raw for one meal a day. You may be surprised at how energized you feel.

One of the best things I discovered about trying a raw diet is how many vegetables, fruits and nuts I've overlooked. For instance, I discovered that burdock root isn't half bad when chopped up with carrot sticks & served with dip (pictured above). And I've also discovered that eating raw doesn't have to be super complicated and you don't need to run out and buy any special kitchen gadgets to do it.

At the end of the day, moderation in any food choices seems to make the most sense. And perhaps that's what I liked about eating raw, it encouraged me to incorporate new foods and expand my diet.

Almost Raw Salad

Ingredients
3-4 cups of spinach
1-2 leaves of swiss chard
handful of raspberries
1oz soft herb goat cheese
1 cup adzuki beans
1/4 cup of mango chopped into small pieces
1/4 cup pomegranates
juice of 1/2 a lime

Rise & dry greens. Break cheese into small pieces & coat the greens. Mix together all the other ingredients and squeeze lime juice over everything.

2012 Raw Foods Challenge, Day 7

2012-01-08T11:44:00.001-08:00

Raw Foods Challenge, day 7.

Today is the last day of the challenge. If it had been the first, I probably would have put off eating raw so I'm glad it was the last.

I met brunch mates for breakfast at a diner. I planned ahead and had a delicious smoothie with fruits, greens, and coconut water. At the diner I decided that I would eat non-raw if I wanted to, but instead decided to order grapefruit.

For lunch I had some nuts, honey, raw cheese, and fruit. I've found this to be such an easy lunch and does not get old because it is easy to vary the type of nuts & fruit (and to a lesser extent the raw cheese). Usually after lunch I usually crave something sweet, but the honey is sweet enough to satisfy that desire.

For dinner I had Brad's Raw Sun Dried Tomato Chips with Awesome Food's Egg-less Salad and a Citrus Kombucha. The salad has a nice crunch of celery and great mix of spices. It tastes great with the chips, I only wish that raw prepared foods were not so expensive. The combined retail price of these three items cost $16.07. Fine for a treat, but not an everyday meal.

Later in the day, I bought some raw mango slices to snack on. I've had mango slices before. Neither liked or dislike them, just neutral. But today they taste amazing. Not sure if my taste-buds have opened up or if I just got an especially good batch. I am thinking it is the former.

Overall I've really enjoyed experiencing a raw foods diet. Trying it for a week is a challenge that while difficult at first, is not impossible by any means. This experience has made me more conscious about foods and how they make me feel. I already was what most people would consider a healthy eater, but eating raw has opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on food.

2012 Raw Foods Challenge, Day 6

2012-01-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Day 6. I had a smoothie with fruit & greens for breakfast. Raw trek mix, fruit & honey for lunch, and raw guacamole with Brad's Sun Dried Tomato Chips. I don't really like these chips on their own, but with the right pairing the flavor explodes. They are really good with guacamole.

Raw Guacamole

Ingredients
1 avocado
juice from 1/2 fresh lime
lemon pepper
1 tablespoon chopped onion (optional)
dash of sea salt (optional)

Mash everything together until smooth & creamy. Serves 1-2.

2012 Raw Foods Challenge, Day 5

2012-01-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

Day 5. I was not very hungry today. Not sure why. But I felt satisfied by all that I did eat, and when I broke down the nutritional information for today, I was a little low on protein but otherwise good.

Breakfast was kombucha and some clementines.

For lunch, I ate this:

For dinner I had leftover salad, some Go Raw Trek Mix, a bit more cheese & honey, and this smoothie:

Ingredients
1 banana
handful of frozen strawberries
handful of frozen blueberries
1 cup of spinach
1 container of TJ's mango puree
1 tbs. of ground flaxseed
coconut water (less water='soft serve style' more water='drinkable')
pomegranate seeds

Blend everything except for the pomegranate seeds. Pour into glass & sprinkle seeds on top.

2012 Raw Foods Challenge, Day 4

2012-01-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

Day four started with oatmeal. Soaked oats are not at all like cooked oatmeal that's cold. When you eat cooked oatmeal when it's cold, it's usually a solid lump. Raw soaked oatmeal's texture is much more like hot oatmeal. But you need to plan ahead on this one for it to turn out right.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of oatmeal
1/2 cup of water
dash of cinnamon
raw honey to taste
fresh or dried berries

1 day before you want to eat it, mix the oatmeal, water and cinnamon. When blended, put into the fridge. Give it a stir once or twice over the next 24 hours. The next morning add the berries & eat!

For lunch I had almonds, clementines, honeycomb, and cheese.
And for dinner I made a salad:

Ingredients:
about 2 cups of spinach
lemon-cashew dressing (See: the "pasta sauce" recipe from Day 3's dinner)
handful of raspberries
handful of blueberries
carrot
grape tomatoes

Toss everything together & coat with the lemon-cashew dressing.

2012 Raw Foods Challenge, Day 3

2012-01-03T16:31:00.001-08:00

Day 3. I honestly was not sure I would make it this far, and I thought it would be a bit more difficult than it has been. I don't plan on keeping a totally raw diet after this, but it has been an interesting undertaking so far & I haven't really felt cravings, hunger, or lack of energy like I thought I might.

Breakfast was clementines, apple slices, raw cheddar cheese, honeycomb and almonds. Super easy & a delicious sweet start to the day.

For lunch I had leftover salad & raspberry chia kombucha. If you've never had kombucha, it is definitely an acquired taste. The first time I bought a bottle I thought it had gone bad. However, it grew on me when I was under the weather once & discovered how quickly I felt better after drinking some--it's filled with B vitamins & probiotics.

For a mid-afternoon snack I had some raw dark chocolate & leafy kale chips.

For dinner I made some raw "creamy pasta."

Ingredients:

1 carrot
1 zucchini
a handful of grape tomatoes
about 1 cup of raw cashews
Juice of 1 lemon
about 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
water as needed
lemon pepper
chipotle pepper

Combine the cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice & water. Blend until smooth.
Add lemon pepper to taste.
Grate the carrot & the zucchini into strips.
Pour the sauce over it & top with tomatoes & chipolte pepper.

2012 Raw Foods Challenge, Day 2

2012-01-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of the Raw Foods Challenge. I started the day with a delicious smoothie. I combined 1 cara cara orange, some frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, ground flaxseeds, a handful of spinach, and some coconut water. I was pleasantly surprised at how filling it was, not to mention yummy.

For lunch I had a raw pumpkin bar & some Brad's Raw Kale (the addictive snack that lead me to this challenge to begin with). The pumpkin bar was only so-so but handy to eat on the go.

For dinner I made a Berry Spinach Salad. I really love putting fruit into my salads. This one turned out rather well.

Ingredients:

About 4 cups of spinach
1/4 cup of Trader Joe's Go Raw Trek Mix
1 clementine
a handful of raspberries
a handful of blueberries
a handful of pomegranate seeds
leftover tomato-avocado salad (or just some avocado & some tomatoes)
Idiazabal cheese, made from raw sheep's milk

Mix everything together & eat!

Recipe Video: Avocado Tomato Salad

2012-01-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

This is Brunch Philly's first video recipe. I tried the salad with raw onions this time, but realized that it's better without them.

2012 Raw Foods Challenge, Day 1

2012-01-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I decided to start this year with a challenge.

Specifically, Brad's Raw Chips 7 Day Raw Foods Challenge .

I always figured that if I would ever try a raw foods diet it would be in the middle of summer, but today marks day one of the seven day challenge. Each day I'm going to be writing about the experience and posting recipes and photos.

Today I started breakfast with a delicious fresh grapefruit, something I love in the mornings anyway so it was hardly a challenge. Preparing it is super easy with a grapefruit knife.

For lunch, I had an apple, a handful of steam-pasteurized almonds, a slice of Amish raw milk cheddar cheese with microbial rennet, and a piece of somewhat local raw honeycomb.

Despite what you might think, honeycomb is totally edible and quite tasty when paired with nuts, fruit & cheese!

For dinner I'm making one of my summer favorites, Tomato Avocado salad (with the onion and fresh squeezed lemon pictured below). However, I think I may have messed up a little bit. My recipe includes balsamic vinegar, which I thought was raw, but after a quick search on the internet it seems most (if not all) are not. Oops! Hopefully that won't disqualify me, but all in all this has been a pretty raw day.

Another new thing for Brunch Philly this year, I'm going to be posting occasional recipe videos. The first one will appear later today and is for tonight's dinner, Tomato Avocado Salad. Stay tuned!

Lacroix Restaurant, Philadelphia PA

2011-12-31T19:11:00.000-08:00

In December 2010 two brunchmates & I thoroughly enjoyed brunch at Lacroix. Since it is now a year later that I'm finally writing about it, this is not so much a review as a reminiscence.

Our table overlooked Rittenhouse Park, where the trees were covered in white lights. The view was a magical winterland of people & dogs walking through the snow.

For the first course, there was a table of delicious bite-sized treats to choose from. I remember a mix of sweet and savory, from a butternut squash soup shooter, sushi, shrimp, lox, bagels, fruit and more. The small bites were perfect since it allows you the ability to try everything without becoming full too quickly.

The second course was set up in the kitchen. At first you feel almost like a naughty child, entering a space normally off-limits. But the cooks & servers welcome everyone and manage to move with impressive efficiency among the guests.

Second course options included waffles with fresh fruit and whipped cream, crispy bacon, carved to order meats, gnocchi, and some of the best Brussels-sprouts I've ever tasted. I'm not always a fan of Burssels-sprouts, and I also don't really care for Pine-nuts, but somehow the two were combined to create a taste I crave.

For dessert, there was a table of mini options including creme creme brulee, cheesecake, eclairs, cakes, and more. They also have ice cream, sorbets, and a chocolate fountain with multiple items for dipping (fruit, pound cake, pretzels, marshmallows, etc).

If I had to do anything over about the outing, I would have gone for the valet parking rather than the meter down the block. In the relaxed dining environment, two hours passed quite quickly & I ended up with a parking ticket. Given how memorable the meal was, I am very much looking forward to the next opportunity I have to brunch at Lacroix!

If you go:

210 West Rittenhouse Square - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (215) 546-9000
They accept credit cards.
Lacroix Restaurant

Super Delicious Kale Salad

2011-12-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

This salad combines bitter, sweet, salty, creamy, and spicy into one power packed burst of flavor. You might not think of pomegranates, raspberries, chili-lime, mango, chocolate, kale and vanilla-blueberry as going together, and I wasn't sure myself how this would turn out, but it had me wanting seconds. Serve with quiche, eggs Benedict, or soup for brunch or with a pasta & wine, (It pairs well with this wine) for dinner.

Ingredients:

1 container or bag of baby kale
1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
1 clementine
5-6 fresh raspberries, broken into pieces
2 squares of dark chocolate, broken/smashed into tiny pieces
dash of nutritional yeast
dash of lemon pepper
1/2 container of Trader Joe's Vanilla blueberry goat cheese (or other soft goat cheese)
dash of olive oil (citrus flavored)
dash of balsamic vinegar (I used a Mango flavored one that found in Florida)
1/8 cup of Trader Joe's Chili Lime cashew nuts (or other nuts)

Rinse the kale & spin dry. Take the goat cheese & crumble into small pieces. Rub the cheese over the kale, coating it. Add the pomegranate seeds, clementine, raspberries, chocolate, and nuts. Add the oil and then the vinegar, tossing everything. Add the yeast and lemon pepper to taste. Toss again and serve.

Makes 4 servings.

Stuffed Avocados

2011-12-24T20:49:00.000-08:00

Stuffed Avocados are a super easy snack, light lunch, or fun hors d'oeuvre that's sure to please!

Ingredients:

1 or more ripe avocados
Salsa, hummus, or other dip
Spices to taste (chipotle, pepper, garlic, etc)

Slice avocados in half, peel off the skin & remove the pit. Fill the space left by the pit with your dip of choice. Sprinkle with freshly grated black pepper, or other spices for color. Serve with chips, veggies, cheese, or as is with a fork.

Northportfishington Cookiefactory, Philadelphia PA

2011-05-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

Cookies for brunch? Probably not the best idea, but Cinnamon Buns, Monkey Bars (banana bread & cream cheese delights), and apple cider donuts certainly are!

Before I continue, full disclosure: I am acquainted with Mike Landers, the master baker & owner of Northportfishington Cookiefactory. In fact, I was lucky enough to be one of the early taste testers back before the company even existed. That said, Mike does not know that I am writing this review (well, at least not yet anyway), and in fact he may not even be aware of brunchphilly.com, so in order words: I am receiving nothing in exchange for writing this. Okay, now back to your irregularly scheduled review:

For starters, the Cinnamon Buns. I never really liked cinnamon buns until I tasted these. They remain the only ones I have ever truly enjoyed.

They have a perfect cinnamon-to-topping ratio, are not too sweet, and pretty much float across your tastebuds. One of these is the perfect companion to any morning beverage. The only drawback is that if you don’t eat them within a day, they go stale. You can partially revive them by heating—which, even when they are fresh they taste best warmed for a minute or two-- but the day olds just can’t compete with the fresh ones.

Next, another surprised for me, the Oatmeal Cranberry Cashew Cookie. It’s usually a requirement for my cookies to have chocolate. While I don’t think an additional of chocolate chips would hurt these babies (hint, hint), they are perfectly fantastic just the way they are. The cashew bits are small enough that you’re not overwhelmed, and the cranberry adds a deliciously tart flavor. These cookies have a nice crisp edge, but are totally soft in the center.

Seasonally, you can sometimes find the mini Apple Cider Donuts. These also surprised me, because I’ve never been huge on donuts. But these babies are perfect to dunk into a mug of hot cider—that is, if you can wait long enough for the cider to warm up before devouring all of them. They are moist and covered with a gentle dusting of cinnamon and sugar.

If there is anything on the Northportfishington Cookiefactory’s bakery list that I’m not crazy about, it would be the brownies. They’re fine, but not outstanding. And personally I find them to be a bit too cakey and lacking the super crispy edges that a perfect brownie requires.

That said, if you’re all about cakey brownies, you might love these.

Final verdict? Even if I knew no one at Northportfishington Cookiefactory, I would still be to the moon about their yummy products!

While there are several coffee shops around town that stock some of the items, the one place I know I can always find the perfect Cinnamonbun brunch is at Greensgrow Farmers Market. Grab a bun, and perhaps a pint of fresh berries or a plant or two while you're there, and it’s a perfect start to a spring weekend!

If you go:

Click for a full list of where to find Northportfishington Cookiefactory’s products
Greensgrow is located at:

2501 E. Cumberland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Most options are cash only.
NPFCF Facebook

STYER’S GARDEN CAFÉ

2011-04-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

With spring officially in the air, there could not be a better time to venture to Styer’s Garden Café. About 30 minutes west of Philadelphia, Styer’s is certainly worth the trip. The café is hidden inside a beautiful greenhouse in the middle of the Terrain Garden Center. If you are at all a gardener, there are plenty of tempting plants, terrariums, gardening accessories, and more to look at before or after dining.

The greenhouse was a perfect temperature the day we visited, but I wonder even with all the windows open what it would be like on a hot summer day. The décor feels like you entered a farmhouse auction: chairs, table, and utensils are a unique mashup of old and new.

For a distinctive beginning to the each meal, Styer’s serves their bread baked in a garden pot---delicious, fresh and piping hot it is a toss-up as to which is better: the bread or the butter it is served with.

We started off with the Artisanal Cheese plate ($18). Served with quince, pear, and cranberry preserves, honeycomb, and crostinis.

The cheeses were a nice mix of super sharp, funky, and mild and we quite enjoyed discovering which flavor combinations worked best together. The fantastic honeycomb, pickled onions & peppers, and intense mustard were all uniquely delicious in the right combinations. The plate also came with “fresh fruit,” but alas this simply meant a bowl of grapes.

Our 2^nd course was brought out almost immediately after the 1^st, creating quite a bit of shuffling to fit everything onto the table.

I had the Quinoa cakes served with harissa yogurt, arugula and pickled vegetable salad ($7). (Visible at the bottom edge of the cheese photo). While I am not sure quite what I was expecting, it was not the strong curried flavor these cakes delivered. Not straddling any middle ground, you will either love or hate these cakes filled with bites of quinoa in each one. They were exceedingly memorable, which I cannot say for the mac & local cheese ($6).

A bland mixture of cheese, topped with breadcrumbs, with surprise mushrooms at the bottom, this mac sank to the pit of my stomach like the titanic.

One brunchmate ordered the salmon frittata ($11), served with greens.

Another brunchmate ordered the pancetta sandwich served with grilled asparagus ($13)

For dessert we split the raspberry chocolate cake, which was intensely rich dark chocolate with a very subtle hint of raspberry flavor.

While the main dishes were fine, Styer’s strength really is in the simplistic: the bread, the cheese, and their beverages were great—their spiced chai was particularly good. For an afternoon tea in a beautiful setting, you cannot go wrong with Styer’s Garden Café.

If you go:

914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342
Phone: (610) 459-2400
They accept credit cards.
Garden Cafe @ Styer's

Cuba Libre, Philadelphia PA

2010-11-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Cuba Libre is one of the first places I ever brunched in Philly. I’ve been here many times, and while the atmosphere, presentation, and service have remained consistently good, sadly the quality of the food has shifted from exotically bold to touristy bland.

But first the good news: the complimentary mango butter with toast is still as delicious as always. Even less than die-hard butter fans may have to fight the urge to eat it straight from their knives.

On a recent visit I order my once-favorite Torrejas ($12), a hazelnut and almond encrusted French toast stuffed with Frangelico-Mascarpone cheese and “druken” strawberry-honey drizzle. The honey flavor of the topping is quite strong and it is certainly more than a drizzle. Given the intensity, I’d suggest asking for it on the side.

What this dish really rides on, though, is the bread. When properly chosen, it delivers a perfect combination of crispy (complimenting the crunch of the perfectly toasted nuts) and soft (to soak up the Frangelico-Mascarpone filling). This time, the bread is way to thick and “bready.” While the filling is nice, the bread ratio is too high in comparison and the strong sugary flavor of the topping overwhelms any hint of Frangelico that may have existed. While the first few bites do taste delicious, by the end I am suffering from an overwhelming sugar-coma and have no desire to finish.

The savory dishes also suffer from a heavy-handed sugar shaker. My brunchmate orders the One-Eyed Ropa Vieja Hash ($13), a beautifully cooked brisket, served in a sweet tomato stew with vegetables throughout and topped with a fried egg. My brunchmate is thrilled with the freshness of the ingredients (the corn looks and tastes like it is right off the cob) and there is a generous proportion of well-cooked beef throughout, but the hash is overly sweet and lacks the variety of traditional Cuban spices, ultimately resulting in a one-note dish.

Wanting a hot chocolate, I order the Café con Xocolati, Cuban coffee fused with traditional Mexican chocolate and topped with whipped cream ($4), minus the coffee. I was excited when the server warned that the flavor would be richer, spicier and more bitter than a traditional hot chocolate, but the warning was not needed. While there was a hint of spice, it was extremely subtle and the drink was equal in texture and sweetness to most American-style hot chocolates. If you’ve never tried a real spiced hot chocolate, this would be a good introduction. But if you’re looking for the real thing, go to Golosa, Naked Chocolate, or Sazon instead.

A better beverage option is the tropical juices, sans ice. Pure summer delight, my favorite is the mango juice but they also offer passion fruit, guava, and orange ($3 each). Or for something a bit more exotic try the aqua frescas: mamey, guanabana, or lulo ($5 each or $20 for a pitcher). Not sure which one you’ll like? Go with the sampler ($8) so you can try each flavor.

Between the banana fans and the live plants one thing Cuba Libre gets right is the atmosphere. It could be the middle of the winter and you would still feel like you’ve entered a tropical paradise. If the chefs would lay off the sugar and allow for a few other flavors to shine this brunch could be something much more than simply adequate.

If you go:

Saturday and Sunday brunch
10 S. 2nd St, Philadelphia PA 19106 (and locations in Atlantic City, Orlando & Washington D.C.)
Phone: (215) 627-0666
They accept credit cards—in a Cuban cigar box.
Cuba Libre

Smokin' Betty's, Philadelphia PA

2010-11-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

When you go to brunch at Smokin’ Betty’s, there’s really no need to read the menu. You should just go ahead and order the Cinnamon Bread Pudding French Toast ($10). If, as it was on the day we brunched, the cinnamon bread has been substituted for Berry Bread Pudding, don’t think twice: order it. Served with honey butter and real maple syrup, the Berry Bread Pudding is like eating a hug: It’s warm, soft, and comforting all at once. The tart berries so perfectly balance the sweetness of this dish, that it could soften the heart (and stomach) of even the meanest scrooge. Did I mention that it’s delicious?

But if bread pudding just isn’t your thing, then Betty’s Grilled Cheese ($8) is another great option. It’s served with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and fig jam on sourdough, but I substituted the proscuitto for jack cheese. The sourdough offers a nice crunch, but the fig jam is the true star of this show.

For those who always like something new, Betty’s offers a waffle ($8) and pastry ($9) that change flavors every weekend. And for those who prefer the traditional, try the Country Gravy & Biscuits ($9), served with sausage gravy & potato hash.

Betty’s also has a full list of delicious sounding cocktails, like the Fuzzy Mimosa with fresh peaches & strawberry puree ($7). If you like your OJ plain, Betty’s serves the no pulp variety ($2).

Somewhat of a newcomer to the Philly Brunch scene, it looks like Smokin' Betty's plans to stay awhile.

If you go:

116 South 11th Street (N.W. corner of 11th & Sansom), Philadelphia PA 19107
Phone: (215) 922-6500
They accept credit cards.
Smokin' Betty's

A Full Plate, Philadelphia PA

2010-11-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

Everything that I’ve ordered from A Full Plate has been quite good. Most offerings have more than a hint of a southern flare, which is a bit surprising given how many vegan/veg friendly items show up on the menu; the words “Southern food” and “vegan” do not usually go hand-in-hand. The décor is busy and funky. As one brunchmate put it, “I’m not sure if I’m hip enough to eat here.”

On my most recent visit (one where unfortunately I forgot to take photos), I order the Vegetarian Sausage w/Biscuits and Gravy ($10), served with a heaping pile of home fries. The fries are a mix of regular and sweet potatoes, which is a nice surprise. The sausage is properly spiced, and thoroughly smothered in a delicious onion-gravy. The biscuits are good, but they could stand to be a bit flakier.

A brunchmate orders the Toads in a Hole ($10), multigrain bread filled with scrambled eggs, either turkey or veggie sausage, onions, peppers, mushrooms and cheddar cheese and also served with home fries. Delicious and filling, it’s a twist on the traditional English dish.

While I would like to give A Full Plate a full endorsement, my brunchmates have not always fared quite as well as I. It could be a matter of taste, but it seems that the menu itself is a bit of a hit or miss.

The Vegan French Toast ($10), is exceedingly bready and, while the granola crust is a nice touch, it could use a little help in the flavor department. Perhaps some berries or a vegan cream-cheese filling?

The pancakes are so dense that they "taste vegan.” Which, unfortunately in this case, is not a compliment. Vegan pancakes can be fluffy, it’s not impossible!

And while not unlikable, both the Hush Puppies ($3.50) and the Fried Pickles ($3.50) would be much improved with a little less grease.

On the upside, the Fried Green Tomato Salad ($7.50) offers a fantastic mix of flavors, combining Southern-style friend tomatoes with an Italian-style caprice salad of basil and fresh mozzarella.

While it is not always on the money, A Full Plate is one of the best choices in town when you’re trying to please a wide variety of palates. There are enough options that both your rib-eating uncle and your vegan best friend will be satisfied. Just make sure that your uncle doesn’t order the Brussels Sprout Salad ($7.50) and that your friend stays away from the Catfish Po’ Boy ($8).

If you go:

1009 N. Bodine St (On Liberties Walk), Philadelphia PA 19123
Phone: (215) 627-4068
Be sure to stop in the bathrooms where you can leave your mark on the walls (in chalk).
A Full Plate

Mississippi Marketplace, Portland OR

2010-07-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

Brunch Philly: Summer Travel Edition

Like Philadelphia, Portland Oregon is a city known for good food. And also like Philly, much of that food can be found at food trucks. You really cannot go wrong when choosing a truck at the Mississippi Marketplace (corner of N. Mississippi at Skidmore).

The Ruby Dragon Café and Teahouse offers a delicious vegetarian menu, with an emphasis on raw foods. I order the Tiger’s Paw Quinoa Pancakes ($4 for one, which was filing enough for me! Or $7 for two).
Made with ground quinoa and ginger, these gluten free pancakes have a delicious, slightly nutty, flavor. I add berries and dark chocolate chips (.50 each), and while I wish there were just a few more berries in my pancake, the ones in there were juicy and plump. Served with the perfect amount of real maple syrup, I wish I could figure out how to replicate this recipe! It tastes so much better than one might imagine.

A Brunchmate orders the Grandmaster Scramble. A blend of various Ethiopian spices, tempeh (or you can substitute tofu), yams, bell peppers, spinach, onion, garlic, cashews, and veganaise, this dish is a flavor explosion! The sweetness of the yams compliment the curry spices—as described on the menu, this dish truly is the “Bruce Lee of scrambles.”

We also decide to split 2 herbal life raw truffles ($1.50 not pictured). Made with dates, spices, coconut, and cocoa these were not overly sweet or deserty. Unlike most anything you’d order from the Sugar Cube:

The Sugar Cube’s owner is super friendly and offers suggestions on what to order. Temping items on the menu include the Amy Whinehouse Cupcake (with boozy yellow cake, $3), Bruleed Passionfruit Panna Cotta ($6), and Black Cow Float ($5). We decide to go with the Triple Threat Ice Cream Sandwich ($5).
Two espresso, pecan, and triple chocolate chunk cookies surround a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream. Everything is covered in an incredibly delicious salted caramel sauce. This decadent dessert is best shared!

Sushi Tree’s Specialty Mega rolls are no joke. These rolls come so big that it was actually hard to fit this into my mouth! Not something you’d want to be eating when trying to impress anyone…

I order the “This B Stuffed” roll ($8), filled with asparagus, sprouts, green leaf lettuce, sunflower seeds, smoked tofu, red cabbage, cucumber and avocado and rolled in sesame fried panko breadcrumbs. I would have never thought to put sunflower seeds in my sushi, but the crunchy flavor of the seeds totally makes this roll. It’s a subtle lingering flavor that you do not even taste until you are almost finished.

I cannot remember the last time I had a real California roll. It is possible that I’ve only ever had one once, which would mean I was 10. I remember that roll because it was the first time I ever had sushi. I cannot fairly compare Sushi Tree’s vegetarian version of the California roll to the original, but made with soy crab salad, avocado, green leaf, and cucumber this is one tasty roll.

I wish I had room to try every item on the menu at Sushi-Tree! Philadelphia sushi-makers take note: vegetarian sushi can be so much more than your current offerings!

A brunchmate orders a Chickpea Sandwich ($6.50) from the The Garden State Cart . One bite of this sandwich and I was suddenly wishing that I had ordered one as well (despite how delicious everything else is). Wow. Crisp fried garbanzo cake, lettuce, lemon aioli, and roasted butternut squash served on a ciabatta roll. Little piece of heaven for even the biggest carnivore!

I am very glad that gave into my last minute craving for juice, and ordered from Dogfeather’s Organic Coffee and Fresh Juice.

Other people claim to offer fresh juice, but after drinking from Dogfeathers, you may begin to doubt them. I had an orange-strawberry juice that was so refreshing and delicious that words cannot do it justice. This picture cannot do it justice either:

If you happen to enjoy a cold alcoholic beverage with your food truck fair, Prost!, a German pub adjacent to the trucks, allows you to bring your food into their beer garden (or indoors on a colder day). Rather than compete with each other, the restaurant and food trucks have created an atmosphere where patrons can enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you go:

Mississippi Market Place 4233 N. Mississippi at N. Skidmore, Portland OR
Phone: Some trucks have one
Hours vary by Truck.
Mississippi Marketplace

Off The Waffle, Eugene OR

2010-06-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Brunch Philly: Summer Travel Edition

If you are ever in Eugene Oregon, a trip to “Off The Waffle” will be well worth the line. I was introduced to the place by a brunchmate who declared: "I really don’t like waffles but I love this place!"

When my brunchmates & I arrive the line to order is long still but inside. By the time we receive our waffles, it is out the door and wrapped around the building.

Off The Waffle was started by three brothers who spent time living in Belgium, perfecting their yeast-based Liège Waffles. Crispy, with tiny sweet spots of imported Belgian pearled sugar that caramelizes in the batter, I’ve discovered that their waffles go best with a “savory” or “in-between” topping.

I order the Ole Banana Split ($5.75 without substitutions) but substitute the ice cream for a locally made mango sorbetto and add strawberries. Something is lost in translation, because I get strawberries but no bananas. The waffle is incredible—topped with fresh real whipped cream, slivered almonds, a dark chocolate sauce, fresh berries, and the cold tart sorbetto. However, the sweetness is just too much. It overwhelms the waffle rather than compliment it. That said, it is a very tasty treat.

One brunchmate orders the BMB ($5.75), bacon, basil, maple syrup and Havarti cheese. Everyone decides this is one of best, if not the best combination, that Off The Waffle makes.

Another brunchmate orders the Habib ($5.50 without additions), raw pistachios, chévre goat cheese and ground cardamom. She adds bacon to this combination. The cardamom nicely complements the chévre and the crunch of pistachios really pulls everything together.

On a second visit, much later in the day, there is no line at all. I try the Shmooli ($5.50) pear, smoked gouda, applesauce, crushed walnuts, and ground coriander (sorry, no picture!). This combination works much better than the first, each ingredient compliments the other in an outstanding flavor combination!

No matter what combination you choose, even if you decide to have one plain ($2.75) you really cannot go wrong.

Oh, and if you’re broke, Off The Waffle is open to bartering for their waffles…

If you go:

2540 Willamette St
Eugene, OR 97405
Phone: (541) 515-6926
Hours: Sun-Thur: 7am-7pm, Fri & Sat: 7am-11pm
They accept credit cards.
Off The Waffle

Cafe Chocolate of Lititz, Lititz PA

2010-06-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of brunching at the Café Chocolate in Lititz, Pa.

About an hour and a half outside of Philly, Lititz makes for a great day in the country. The town itself is quaint, with delightfully kitschy shops galore.
Lititz is home to Wilbur’s Chocolate Factory and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. It’s well worth the drive on a beautiful day.

Despite it’s name, the Café Chocolate offers a full menu of other delights, with lots of vegetarian-friendly options. I am tempted to order the Mulligatawny Soup (with organic quinoa & veggies) but the day is just a tad too warm. Instead I opt for the House Salad.

Super fresh mixed baby greens, perfectly ripe grapefruit slices, artichoke hearts, and crushed walnuts, served with a perfectly tart chocolate raspberry balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a not a bad deal for $3.95.

I also order a Chocolate Strawberry Lush ($4.95). Clearly the drink to order, about 4 or 5 locals stop in and order it to go while I am enjoying my meal. Similar to a frozen hot chocolate, this drink combines cocoa, strawberries and ice.

Café Chocolate also offers some fantastic looking desserts. I can’t help but order a slice of the Key Lime Tart, which comes in an organic chocolate cookie crust, and beautifully plated with dark chocolate sauce. Not too sweet, not too sour, this tart is delicious but extremely rich.

Totally full, I relax for a bit in my comfortable sofa-chair and take a look around. There is a shelf full of books to read, if you want to settle in for awhile. There is also a soda-fountain style bar, where a couple has just adorably ordered one drink to share. As I leave, I notice they also have a patio area if you want to eat outside. As well as a shelf full of cute little gift items.

Next time I’m here I am going to have to try the Breakfast Panini – toasted peanut butter & banana panini with dark chocolate ($5.95). Or perhaps some Sunshine Crepes – filled with fresh strawberries, kiwi, pineapples, grapes, bananas, with pure local maple syrup & dark chocolate, dollops of organic fresh whipped cream ($9.95).
Or maybe I’ll go savory with a Portabella Mushroom Burger – Meatless burger served on a wheat bolillo roll, with vine ripened tomato, Vermont cheddar cheese, and jalapeño mayonnaise ($7.95).

Oh yeah, they also sell some super good chocolates too…

If you go:

40 East Main Street
Lititz, PA 17543-1947
Phone: (717) 626-0123
They accept credit cards.
Cafe Chocolate of Lititz

Brunch Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

2010-04-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Avocado Tomato Salad is perfect for warm weather since it involves no cooking. Serve as a side with eggs or scrambled tofu, add to your favorite sandwich, or just eat it as is!

Ingredients:

1 avocado, sliced into small pieces

1/2 cup of grape tomatoes, sliced in half

dash of sea salt

dash of Trader Joe's Lemon Pepper

dash of Pino's Press Limone Oreganato Olive Oil (or other nice olive oil)

1 splash of balsamic vinegar

Directions:
Toss all of the ingredients together and enjoy!

While you could substitute with plain pepper and olive oil, Trader Joe's Lemon Pepper and Pino's Press Limone Oreganato Olive Oil are two of my all time favorite ingredients.

The Lemon Pepper consists of black peppercorns, sea salt, onion, lemon rind, garlic and lemon oil. I use it in everything from soups to mashed potatoes!

The oil has a lovely Meyer lemon smell, and very subtle olive flavor. If you are local to the Philadelphia area, you can find it at Di Bruno Brothers (1730 Chestnut Street).

Brunch Recipe: Tofurkey Spinach Sandwich

2010-01-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the New Year, I’ve decided to expand the scope of Brunch Philly. In addition to writing reviews of local brunch spots, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes.

Tofurkey Spinach Sandwich

Sliced onion ciabatta bread

2 slices of Cranberry & Stuffing Tofurky Deli Slices

1 handful of fresh spinach leaves

1 slice of cheese (I like Rice Vegan Pepper Jack)

As much Vegenaise (or mayo) as you desire

As much cranberry sauce as you desire

Spread Vegenaise and cranberry sauce on bread, add spinach, Tofurkey, and cheese.

Heat in oven @ 325°F until cheese melts (about 5 minutes).

Serve with side of chips or salad.

Mixto, Philadelphia PA (Review from 3/28/09)

2010-01-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Located just off the corner of 12th and Pine, it is not always easy to find parking in Mixto's neighborhood. On a recent Sunday morning, a brunchmate arrives a few minutes after we are seated because of parking trouble. She lets the hotstess know she is meeting people, and the response is: “Oh I don't know. You can take a look around.” The service overall is so-so, but the food is good enough to make up the difference.

Half-tempted to order the Croissant French Toast, I choose a savory dish for once: Sopa de Tomate ($4) and Ensalada de Espinaca ($7.50).

The soup tastes very fresh and is nicely seasoned. It comes with chunks of perfectly ripe avocados in it. At first I'm wary about avocado in my soup, but it is divine. The soup is dairy-free but the richness of the avocados creates a lovely cream flavor. The soup is garnished with two plantain chips.

The salad is delicious and the mango salad dressing is bursting with flavor and not too sweet.

I order a small fresh-squeezed orange juice ($2.95). The juice reminds me of childhood hand-squeezed oj, made with a bright plastic juicer. It is for pulp-lovers only though; my brunchmates looked on in horror at the massive amounts of pulp.

One brunchmate orders the Orange Spiced Scrambled Eggs ($7.00) which are served with chorizo, peppers, onions, and arepas (corn meal patties). The subtle flavors beg the question: “Do I taste the orange because I really can taste it in the eggs, or do I taste it because it's supposed to be there?”

Another brunchmate orders something else.

Because I did not write down the name, and later could not find it on the menu, I put off publishing this review for almost a year.

Whatever it was, she is pleased because: “The hot sauce is actually hot.”

Saving just enough room to split a dessert, we order a flourless cake (whose name has also slipped my mind). It is so delicious, that I forget to take a picture until we've almost entirely devoured it.

Perhaps the best part of this dessert is that the moist, airy layers of “cake” are made with hazelnuts and are completely flourless.

If Mixto's service would step things up a tad, this would be a slam-dunk Sunday brunch.

If you go:

Sunday Brunch starting at 8AM

1141 Pine St, Philadelphia
Phone: (215) 592-0363
They accept credit cards.
Mixtophilly.com

Cafe Apamate, Philadelphia PA

2009-03-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Some Sundays there is almost an hour wait for brunch at Cafe Apamate. Other Sundays, you can just walk right in. On my most recent visit the place is almost empty, but even if you have to wait it's totally worth it.

If clouds tasted like pancakes they would taste like the ones at Cafe Apamate. I have never had one fluffier. The Panquecas con Fruta ($7.95) is served with berries and whipped cream so fresh that it melts before I finish eating it!

The only slight change I would make to this dish: it comes with maple syrup already poured. While the syrup is very good, I end up having too much soaked in at the beginning and not enough by the end. Next time I will know to ask for it on the side.

My brunchmate orders the amazing Tostas con Pisto ($6.95): A mixture of veggies served over toasted bread and topped with a poached egg. The veggies and egg soak into the crispy bread to create a texture explosion. The meal is balanced by a delicious salad of mixed greens. The salad has strawberry slices in it that compliment the acidic vinaigrette-dressing beautifully.

Having tried them here before, I am looking forward to our order of Churros Clásicos ($6), served with a decadent dark chocolate dipping sauce these churrous are crispy and sweet. Unfortunately, the churros machine breaks down so we left without dessert. Other than that, this is a perfect brunch: great food, excellent service, reasonable prices, in a cozy atmosphere.

If you go:

1620 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 790-1620

Cash only.
Brunch Served Sundays, 11AM-2:30PM
Cafe Apamate

Sam's Morning Glory Diner, Philadelphia PA

2009-02-27T20:14:00.001-08:00

I've eaten at Morning Glory quiet a few times and both the food and service always seems to be a bit hit or miss. Unfortunately on my most recent visit the service was a definite miss.

Arriving before my brunchmate, the server delivered menus and curtly asked "do you know how long it will be before the other person arrives?" While I could understand this question if the place was full, on a weekday morning there were plenty of open tables. Almost as popular as Sabrina's, the only time you will find empty tables like this is midweek.

Unsure about ordering the hot chocolate ($2), I asked if it was made with real chocolate or was from a mix. I was assured that it was made in-house with actual chocolate. Unfortunately the taste did not match the description; it seemed more like warmed-up Nestle Quick and the texture was not at all like real hot chocolate. I did not finish it.

Deciding to stick with the specials menu, I ordered the Oatmeal with fresh fruit ($7) and my brunchmate ordered the Pancakes with chocolate chips with an orange mascarpone topping ($8).

The oatmeal had just a hint of cinnamon, which I found slightly odd with the fruit but the taste grew on me. While the dish was served with a container of brown sugar, the bananas and mango were perfectly ripe and all the sweetness I needed.

My brunchmate found the three huge pancakes to be "tasty but way too much food!" The orange mascarpone was very subtle and paired nicely with the chocolate chip batter.

At the end of our meal I realized, perhaps, why our server had wondered when my friend would arrive. I think his shift must have ended. Or perhaps he had a lunch break? Whatever the case, it would have been fine if he had let us know he wasn't coming back but he quickly dropped off the bill without asking if we needed anything else. After chatting for awhile, we realized he was totally MIA and that no one planned to return to us, so we asked at the counter for "to go" containers. Unfortunately the only size they had were extra-small, so my brunchmate was forced to hack up the leftovers in order to make them fit.

While not a complete disaster, Morning Glory is beginning to lose its charm.

If you go:

735 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 413-3999
Cash only.
Website link does not work. http://www.morningglorydiner.com/

Hot Chocolate

2009-02-07T08:39:00.001-08:00

Good with brunch, or at anytime of day, this time of year always calls for a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Below is a list my most memorable hot chocolates. Please note that I prefer a rich, dark, full-bodied hot chocolate so if you're into the instant packets these might be a bit too intense for you.

Casa Madonna Divino Amore‎, just outside of Chioggia, Italy
A rich dark-milk chocolate, made in an espresso machine and served by the nuns. I will never forget the taste of this hot chocolate. It is that good.

Caffè Venezia, Chiusi, Italy
Caffe Venezia has an overwhelming number of hot chocolate options. Including a very bitter one that I swear is simply 100% cacao melted down. If you chose carefully though, you are in for a fantastic treat. They also serve very decent gelato.

Supper, Philadelphia, PA
Probably the closest thing to the nun's hot chocolate this side of the Atlantic.

Cafe Golosa, Philadelphia PA
Traditional Italian hot chocolate; shaken not stirred. Extremely rich, full-bodied, and fantastic.

Cafe Apamate, Philadelphia PA
Tied with Golosa for its a dark, rich, flavor.

Sazon Restaurant & Cafe, Philadelphia PA
Traditional Venezuelan hot chocolates "homemade" from single origin cacao beans. Intense flavors.

Rim Cafe, Philadelphia PA
While more milky than I usually like, Rim Cafe's hot chocolate is about the experience. You just have to go to fully understand.

Serendipity 3, New York, NY
Overrated but totally fun, the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is served with a straw and big enough for two.

Best "On The Go" Hot Chocolate:
Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolate
I am truly surprised at the flavor of this hot chocolate. While the quality sometimes depends on which store you visit, most of the time it [along with all the others on this list] ranks above hot chocolates that I've ordered from places such as Naked Chocolate and Parc. Just remember to specify "Signature" or they will give you something else.

LaVa Cafe, Philadelphia PA

2009-02-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

On a recent Sunday morning I join two brunchmates at LaVa Cafe. More coffee shop than typical brunch spot, LaVa offers a nice variety of options at prices that work in today's economy. A relaxed environment with the slogan “Get to know your neighbors,” LaVa offers both table and sofa seating.

I order the vegetarian soup of the day ($3.50) and hot apple cider. The cider is nicely spiced and slightly foamy. The perfect drink on a very cold day.

The soup is advertised as lentil but they ran out and I receive a bowl of vegetable soup. This is fine by me because it looks so good that a brunchmate decides to order one as well!

Filled with chunks of carrots, celery, and other veggies, the soup tastes like a very good traditional chicken-noodle soup (minus the chicken and the noodles). It is served with fresh bread.

One brunchmate orders the Caramel French Toast ($4.85). Made with Brioche bread and served with fresh berries, this is a delicious, "buttery, pillowy goodness" of a bargain despite the containers of fake maple syrup that it is served with.

Another brunchmate orders the Egg & Cheese Sandwich ($3.65), which is served on some fantastic looking bread. The cheese is "creamy in a very good way."

As we're about to leave, we see that LaVa makes Jachnoon –“Rolled dough baked overnight. Served with fresh grated tomato & hard boiled egg” ($6.50). Alas, this pretzel-like treat is only served on Saturdays.

If you go:

2100 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19146 (the corner of 21st and South)
Phone: (215) 545-1508
They accept credit cards with $10 minimum.
LaVa Cafe Website

Sabrina's Cafe

2009-01-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

Sabrina's is a Philadelphia brunch standby. I have never eaten there on a weekend because the line outside is always way too long. They do not take reservations, but from what I hear, you can call when you're on your way and they will add your name to the waiting list. Or, if you're like me, you can eat there at dinnertime or have a weekday brunch. Even then, the place is never empty.

One of my favorite things about Sabrina's is that they have a wide selection of seasonal specials and they even update their specials list on their website!

On a recent visit, I tried the Pumpkin “Spice Up your Life" Pancakes ($11.95). These come with a with a Butternut Squash-spice cake topping, rum soaked raisins, berry maple syrup and fresh blueberries. Extremely filling, I could not finish the plate.

The pancakes were wonderful, but the topping was much too sweet for me and the squash seemed out of place. I also had a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice ($3.99). Sabrina's o.j. is among the best available at restaurants in this city, but you can buy fresher tasting organic orange juice from Whole Foods for less.

My brunchmate ordered the Cali Turkey Sandwich ($9.29), which comes with a side of fries but they substituted a house salad for no extra charge.

The sandwich was: “tasty!” But we knew we were on the east coast, because they had run out of avocado.

While I enjoy Sabrina's, I feel that they are the “summer blockbuster” of Philadelphia brunches. Yes it's good, and yes you will leave happy, but if you're willing to explore a bit, there is a lot more out there that is even better.

While people tell me that the “sequel” (located in Fairmount) is equally great, I have yet to check it out.

If you go:

910 Christian Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 574-1599
They accept credit cards.
Sabrina's Website

Mi Lah Vegetarian, Philadelphia PA

2009-01-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

My first visit to Mi Lah was unsuccessful—we arrive an hour before closing to find out that the kitchen has run out of food! Thankfully my next visit was well worth the wait. Mi Lah's brunch is prix fixe ($20) and includes coffee or tea, a bloody mary mix drink or a mimosa mix drink, a plate of fresh fruit with vegan muffins and scones and a sweet or savory main course.
Considering both quality and quantity this is quite a bargain.

Both my brunchmate and I order the mimosas: a very nice blend of orange and grapefruit juices with a gentle kick of ginger that mimics the real thing (minus bubbles).

The fruit plate includes grapes, apples, and melon. The poppy seed scones are surprisingly soft, at least compared to store bought ones. The blueberry muffin is a little dry but chock-full of juicy berries. The ginger muffin is especially delicious with a touch of crumbled sugar on top.

For my main course I order the Vegan Lumberjack plate with pumpkin pancakes, tofu scramble, red bliss and sweet potato homefries and tempeh bacon. Offering a blend of sweet and savory with enough food for leftovers, this dish has it all.

The pumpkin pancakes, served with organic maple syrup and candied gingered butter and filled with tiny chunks of walnuts, are totally mouth-watering. The tempeh bacon is very nicely seasoned but aside from how it is sliced it is (unsurprisingly) nothing like actual bacon.

The scrambled tofu is slightly on the bland side flavor-wise, but personally I prefer this to the over-seasoned version that most places serve up. The onions and red peppers do give a bit of a bite to the scramble and it pairs nicely with the buttered wheat toast. The mix of red bliss and sweet potatoes in the homefries is great, uniquely seasoned with parsley and black pepper.

My bruchmate selects the veggie sausage and white gravy over oven-fresh biscuits, with red bliss and sweet potato homefries. The sausage is well-seasoned, the biscuits taste like traditional buttermilk ones, and the vegan gravy is out of this world. This dish takes comfort food to a whole new level.

As far as I am aware, Mi Lah is the only totally vegan menu brunch in town. Even if you are a meat-lover, you have got to check this place out....on second thought, go somewhere else-- I don't want to have to wait in line when I go back!

If you go:

218 South 16th Street (between Locust and Walnut)
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 732-8888
They accept credit cards.
Mi Lah Website

Supper, Philadelphia PA

2008-12-23T17:18:00.000-08:00

I first ate brunch at Supper in September and remember it as a perfect meal. The food was superb, the atmosphere warm and inviting, the service attentive, a brunchmate spotted a celebrity a table away, and chef/co-owner Mitch Prensky came to our table at the end of the meal requesting feedback.

Perhaps my expectations were set too high because, aside from two exceptional highlights, my second visit in December proved disappointing.

The first highlight is the hot chocolate that I request off the menu. It ranks in the Top 5 Best Hot Chocolate That I Have Ever Had. It is made from real chocolate and is not too sweet or rich. The only drawback, I unfortunately discover after agreeing to a second cup, is the price tag ($6).

The second highlight is the Cornbread Hushpuppies ($4). Covered with grated Parmesan, they are crispy on the outside and sweet and moist inside.

Over the summer my brunchmate ordered the Cornmeal Pancakes ($12) and I had had a bite. They were quite hearty and filled with berries—a bit too heavy for warm weather but exactly what I want now to fill me up on a cold December day. They arrive with berries on top, rather than in the batter, and are much lighter and more gritty than I remember; not bad but not at all what I envisioned.

My brunchmate orders the Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Marshmallow ($8). The presentation is outstanding: marshmallow is torch-blown on the side of the bowl and our server pours the soup table-side around a dab of apple slaw that rests in the middle of the bowl.

Unfortunately the soup itself is a bit too sweet and could use some heat to create the complex flavors that are essential in a good butternut squash soup.

Overall the atmosphere of Supper is relaxing, my brunchmate and I stay chatting after the meal is finished, but the service is curt and perfunctory.
The restaurant is mostly empty, but I have the distinct feeling that we are interrupting someone who believes he has more important things to do. It is fortunate that we have exact change because after delivering our bill, our server does not come near our table again.

Still somewhat of a newcomer among Philadelphia restaurants, I hope that Supper will get things back on track again soon—and not let the Best Of Philly 2008 award-hype get to its young head—because where else in this city will you find an “Old School” Breakfast Cereal Buffet ($7 for as much as you can eat) with selections such as Quisp, King Vitaman, Crunch Berries, and Kaboom.

If you go:

926 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 592-8180
They accept credit cards.
Supper Website

Cafe Estelle, Philadelphia PA

2008-12-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

This jem of a breakfast nook is tucked away inside the lobby of the 444 Lofts. While not the most convinent location for those on foot, if you drive there is both ample on-the-street metered parking as well as a few free spots reserved for the cafe in the loft's parking lot.

Inside, the walls are covered with art for sale by local artists. Tables, couch, or counter seating is available. On the tables are fresh flowers and under the tabletops are recipes from vintage magazines and cookbooks. The chairs have thick comfy cushions, encouraging guests to stay awhile.

Cafe Estelle's menu is rather eclectic ranging from Bagels with Vegan Butter Spread ($2.00) and Homemade Granola with local yogurt ($6.50) to Duck & Gorgonzola Flatbread Pizza ($8.50) and Braised Lamb Sandwich ($10.50). The unifying theme seems to be local and fare-trade menu options.

I decide to be decadent and order the Chocolate Banana Peanutbutter Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with warm maple syrup and fresh fruit ($9.50). The first thing that I notice about the french toast is how clean the presentation is for something stuffed. I am used to filling pouring out over the sides when ordering stuffed creations and there is always a mess involved!

At Cafe Estelle, the chef cuts a hole in the middle of the bread, stuffs it and covers it back up. This creates not only a very clean look but makes the toast much easier to eat! The bread is thick yet airy, the filling has just a hint of peanut butter, and the cream cheese is blended perfectly. The Stuffed French Toast does sit a bit heavy, but is much lighter than most.

Cafe Estelle's coffee is fair-trade, organic, and from a local vendor. You can order a “Bottomless Cup” for $2.75. According to my brunch-mate it is “strong but very good.”

My brunch-mate orders the Smoked Salmon, Scallion & Cream Cheese Omelet ($9.00) which comes with homefries and toast. The toast is made with a sourdough baguette that is baked on the premises. Our server informs us that the salmon is also smoked on premises. My brunch-mate, who was on the fence about ordering the omelet, is thrilled with her decision. The gentle smoke flavor of the salmon pairs beautifully with the cream cheese—it is not overwhelming as feared. The homefries are nicely seasoned and crispy.

Cafe Estelle makes all of their baked goods onsite. The chocolate chip cookies ($0.75 each or 3 for $2.00) are soft but also have a delightful crunch to them around the edges. The chocolate cannot really be called “chips” but rather are big globs that spread throughout the cookie.

If you plan to go before the new year, call ahead because the sign on the entrance says they will be closed from December 22-January 1.

If you go:

444 N. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Between Callowhill and Spring Garden Streets
Phone: (215) 925-5080
They accept credit cards. BYOB.
Cafe Estelle Website

Du Jour, Philadelphia PA

2008-12-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

The corner of Broad and Pine streets in Philadelphia greatly improved this past year with the addition of the upscale eatery, Du Jour. Adjacent to the Symphony House, it is headed by Matin Grimes who also operates The Moshulu and Du Jour Haverford Square, among other places.

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat before seeing a show, a low-key spot to unwind with friends, or a place to read the morning paper, Du Jour is the answer. They offer dine-in, takeout, and catering options.

The decor is Austin Powers meets Ikea 2009: Funky orange lamps hang over black tables with white swivel chairs. Service is always friendly and prompt, and food presentation is beautiful.

Having been to Du Jour a few times, I highly recommend the Organic Field Green Salad ($8), which comes with candied walnuts, goat cheese, cranberries and a not-too-sweet raspberry vinaigrette. Even die-hard carnivores can't resist it!

The Trio of Waffles ($12.50) with berries and almond crème is also quite tasty but rather pricey for the portion size. The waffles, which are about the diameter of a tennis ball, come three to a plate with whipped cream, slivered almonds, and berries atop each.

I am underwhelmed with the brick oven pizzas and flatbreads. The Four Cheese Pizza ($8.50) is greasy with bland bread and and globs of cheese that refuse to "string."

On my most recent visit to Du Jour, I ordered the Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Fennel Slaw ($4.75). The apple slaw is innovative, fresh, and balances the creamy soup with a delightful crunch. Perfect for a crisp fall day, the soup is sweet with a subtle undertone of spicy-heat.

My brunch-mate was impressed with the delicious Angus Beef Burger ($9.95), which comes with fries and a pickle.

Du Jour also offers a full menu including dessert as well as beer, wine, and cocktails but rumor has it that if you order anything that has “tini” in the title you need to clear your schedule for the remainder of the day!

If you go:

440 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Phone: (215) 735-8010
They accept credit cards.
Du Jour Website

Famous 4th Street Deli, Philadelphia PA

2008-11-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

When you're in the mood for deli food in Philadelphia, there's no better choice than Famous 4th Street Deli.

They serve breakfast all day (including challah french-toast), offer a wide selection of sandwiches (although most are not vegetarian friendly), and serve up deli favorites such as potato pancakes, bagels and lox, and kugel. There is one request on the menu: "Please order what we do, not what we don't do."

As soon as we are seated, our server delivers a complimentary plate of pickles and slaw. The dill pickles are so fresh they could be called cucumbers--I am not a fan but my brunch-mate loves them. The slaw has a delightfully sweet flavor that compliments the vinegar in it perfectly.

I order an everything bagel with cream cheese and the side of potato pancakes. The bagel arrives lightly toasted with about 1/4 cup of cream cheese on the side!
The side of pancakes (3) are served plain but upon request chunky applesauce is delivered. The pancakes are crispy and not too oily--excellent with the applesauce.

My brunch-mate goes with the hot pastrami sandwich, which is served with a side of choice (another order of potato pancakes). Big enough for at least two meals, this sandwich is "fatty, salty, and greasy in the best way possible!"

While service is prompt, the atmosphere in 4th Street Deli is relaxed--you could probably sit and read the weekend paper without feeling rushed to leave. Our table offers a view of Bainbridge Street--perfect for people watching.

4th Street has a fantastic selection of home-made sweets, but our portion sizes leave us with no room for dessert. To our delight the check arrives with two bite-size versions of the Famous 4th Street Chocolate Chip cookies. These cookies have a rich vanilla flavor, are crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, chock-full of chips, and totally satisfy the lingering sweet-tooth.

If you go:

700 S Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-3102
Phone: (215) 922-3274
They accept credit cards.

Nudy's Luncheonette, Wayne, PA

2008-11-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

About 40minutes outside of Philadelphia, Nudy's Luncheonette is small enough to drive past without noticing at first. Hidden behind Whole Foods Market, and almost passing as a residential home, only those who slow down will discover that Nudy's offers a full menu of brunch favorites in a delightfully cozy setting.

Their sweet options include a wide selection of pancakes and french toasts ranging from the everyday to more exciting flavors: banana walnut, peaches and cream, almondine, and gingerbread.

They have a number of savory selections (a few with steak I think)--but nothing that looked exciting to this vegetarian. Nudy's menu also includes a few unexciting salad options, most including chicken. They do list their salad dressings on the menu though, so props on that.

I ordered the ricotta crepe with fresh fruit and whipped cream. My brunch-mate ordered a poached egg (quite good) and the thick-bread french toast.

The presentation of the meals was very pretty to look at: each plate was covered with a gentle coating of powdered sugar and a fresh orange slice.

While my berries were a bit on the wrinkled side of fresh, I can't really complain for late November. The crepe was sweet but not overpowering. Since the maple syrup looked like it might be the fake stuff I opted to simply stick with the whip cream, which worked out better than I expected.

On a Sunday afternoon every table was taken in the small luncheonette, but service was quite attentive.

Overall I would say that Nudy's is a good choice if you're looking for that "home cooked" style brunch with a wide selection of pancakes.

If you go:

292 E Conestoga Rd, Wayne, PA 19087-2519
Phone: (610) 687-1345
They accept credit cards.