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Tag Archives: brunch

Toast (Uptown, New Orleans, LA)

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With the weekend right around the corner, I thought it’d be perfect introduce Toast! Tartine’s very own chef Cara Benson has done it again and “made some Toast”. Was that a little cheesy? Regardless, I LOVE Tartine and if you aren’t familiar with this cute, quaint, and delicious restaurant, just click here for my review.  I had already considered Tartine to be an awesome brunch option…great little baguettes dressed with the best pates and toppings to create these tartines that make me feel like I’m in France! Now, I’ll have so much trouble deciding whether I want tartine…or toast!

 

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Gets my vote for the cutest restaurant logo and sign! 

 

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Toast with Proscuitto & Ricotta with Honey.

 

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Omelette with Bacon & Cheese and Cheesy Biscuit. 

I accidentally ate some of the cheese biscuit on the proscuitto plate and realized that the honey only added to this already delicious treat. I’m a carb girl…Biscuit and bread could be my dessert!

 

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Hangar Steak. Tarragon aioli. Eggs. Lyonnaise Potatoes.

 

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Jam Aebelskivers. 

What the heck is an “Aebelskiver” you ask?? It’s basically a Danish pancake ball…a very delicious one. It was so buttery and moist with the perfect amount of jam to compliment it. I’m 100% sure the other flavors (lemon curd, maple syrup, caramel, chocolate) are just as delicious!

 

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Chocolate and Creme anglaise Sweet Crepe. 

All around THE BEST BRUNCH I’ve had. It’s more delicate and light compared to your typical loaded and elaborate New Orleans brunch. I tend to over order or sometimes I just like a light mid-day snack and Toast offers a variety of items…a simple option is the toast dressed with a variety of things like prosciutto, egg, smoked fish, and more! Otherwise, everything else is great…just check out the pictures above. Here is a link to their menu: http://www.toastneworleans.com/menu.html

The only thing I’m sad about is the seating..it’s a tad bit small, but it adds so much character!

Trust me…you’ll only thank me! Bon appetit!
Toast on Urbanspoon

 




Max’s Wine Dive (Alamo Heights, San Antonio, TX)

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MAX’s Famous Southern Fried Chicken. House-made jalapeno and buttermilk-marinated chicken. Mashed potatoes. Collard Greens. Texas Toast. Chipotle Honey.

So I just had enough of studying at the Alamo Heights Starbucks and decided to stop by for some brunch at Max’s Wine Dive. I’ve heard good things about their Famous Fried Chicken so I had to try it! It was delicious…Flavorful batter and very moist chicken! The chipotle honey sauce complimented it really well. I’d love to stop by and try Max’s other great entrees. My only complaint is the slow service…I made a reservation for one, was seated, but was never greeted or served until 15 minutes later. It was a Sunday morning, but I noticed other people being served before I was. It happens, but I’ve heard similar complaints from other folks.

While exploring San Antonio, the Alamo Heights area has become one of my favorite areas to spend my time so I’m glad I had the chance to try Max’s Wine Dive. It’s a great place for brunch or even to watch the game!
Max's Wine Dive on Urbanspoon

Brunch at La Petite Grocery (Magazine St., New Orleans)

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La Petite Grocery has to be one of my TOP 5 restaurants in New Orleans….so why I haven’t I tried brunch until now?

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Delicious sourdough bread…Good bread is always a sign of great food!

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Paneed Rabbit. Buttermilk Biscuit. Sunny-side up eggs. Braised Greens. Bearnaise.

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Pork Cheeks Benedict Jalapeno cornbread. Poached eggs. Collard greens. Smoke Hollandaise.

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Carmelized Brussel Sprouts.

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Hot Iron Buttermilk Waffle. Salted Peanuts. Caramel. (Chef’s selection of the day)

As expected, La Petite Grocery’s brunch was refreshing and delicious. Delicate and yet so rich! If you’re debating on what to eat for brunch or dinner, La Petite is the place. I’ve loved their dinner menu for years and finally had the chance to try brunch and I love it all. Great rendition of brunch with a French twist.

For La Petite Grocery’s dinner review, CLICK HERE.

La Petite Grocery on Urbanspoon

The Pancakery (Destin, Florida)

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Every summer the “Chef” and I go to Destin, Florida for our annual vacation. Coming from a city known for its delicious food (“The Big Easy”), you often have high expectations for food when traveling. Destin isn’t known for its food…but well-known for its emerald beach waters and white powdery sand, but we happened to stumble across this cute little brunch place called Pancakery..

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Atomic Bomblette. Hot sausage. Jalapenos. Green and red peppers. Onions. Mushrooms. Pepperjack cheese. 

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Sand dollar pancakes. 

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Crabcake Benedict. 

Sure, they specialize in pancakes, but I much prefer the breakfast items that some even have the option of subbing the toast out for sand dollar sized pancakes…The omelette was about the size of my forearm! Although the menu says the omelette has 5 eggs worth, the waitress told us it’s probably 9! Definitely a stretch, but it was huge! The crabcake benedict was delicious. You could definitely taste loads of crab within..the hollaindaise wasn’t the purest one I’ve had, but it was still delicious. 

If you happen to be visiting or just lucky enough to be living in the city of Destin, stop by Pancakery for a delicious breakfast…I know I’ll be back! 

The Pancakery on Urbanspoon

Click HERE to check out my other reviews!

Coulis (Uptown, New Orleans)

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Known for their brunch, Coulis is located in Uptown New Orleans…it’s great spot where the locals eat. Short and simple brunch menu, which I love. It’s as if the fewer items a restaurant has, the better the food is in quality and taste!  

 

Biscuit! Love the crispiness of these biscuits… 

 

Croissant and Egg Sandwich. Cheese, Eggs, and Bacon. I have a thing for croissant with my breakfast so this was a must.  

Eggs Benedict. Jalapeno Corn Cake. Pulled Pork Debris. Poached Eggs. Hollandaise.

 

This was my first time for brunch at Coulis, but I’d love to go again to try their lunch menu. Simple brunch, amped with a touch of New Orleans flava! Coulis was EGGcellent! You won’t regret it =D 

Coulis on Urbanspoon




Stanley’s Restaurant

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Stanley’s is a casual dining restaurant that branched off of Chef Boswell’s very own, Stella!. They serve good ol’ New Orleans comfort food and are best known for their delicious brunch menu. It’s located in Jackson’s Square and has a beautiful view of the St. Louis Cathedral. Since I discovered it, I’ve come here several times and introduced it to friends and out of towners who absolutely LOVE it. I love classic and simple dishes and Stanley brings that to the table with just a touch of New Orleans!

I was on a brunch date with a childhood friend of mine and of all the years she’s lived in the city, she had never been to Stanley’s so it was obvious that I should take her here. The last time I came to Stanley’s I devoured the most scrumptious Oyster Poboy ever so I was torn when I had to decide between the Eggs Stanley or the P&J Oyster Poboy. So we compromised and got the Poor boy Sliders, which offers a sample each poboy!

Poboy Sliders: Club Stanley, Korean BBQ Beef, and Oyster Poboy

Eggs Stanley! Cornmeal-crusted Oysters, Poached Eggs, Canadian bacon, and Creole Hollandaise on English Muffin.

A classic Eggs Benedict with Oysters. I don’t know where they get their oysters from, but they are so big! It’s not even JUST the oysters, but the cornmeal batter is just delectable. Not too heavy, crispy crunch, and seasoned perfectly! The hollandaise was just right..not too creamy and not too tangy (a problem I’ve had at other brunch joints). 

Breaux Bridge Benedict. Charlie T’s Boudin, Smoked Ham, American Cheese, Poached Eggs, and Creole Hollandaise.

Typically, this dish doesn’t come with oysters, but clearly, we love them ersters! ;P This dish is more on the savory side. “The Chef” loves his Boudin so this is his favorite. 

Whether you’re a local spending the day in the city or a tourist wandering the French Quarter, Stanley’s Restaurant is worth your visit. They don’t take reservations, but normally they turn tables over rather quickly, so while you wait, enjoy the sights or even grab a drink next door at Stanley’s bar. I guarantee you’ll love this place as much as I do!

Stanley Restaurant on Urbanspoon

 




Ralph’s on the Park (Valentine’s Edition)

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Since Valentine’s Day was right around the corner, it’s only appropriate that I share my Vday dinner! 

For Vday we went to Ralph’s On the Park, located in New Orleans’ historic City Park. Ralph’s is owned by the Brennan family, a New Orleans’ culinary family. If you want to experience geniune New Orleans flavors, visit a Brennan’s family restaurant. This one is one of the many typically known for their brunch. 

Blue Crab Beignets masa fried oysters, pan seared pork belly, Meyer lemon gastrique


American Wagyu Beef Belly star anise and juniper, cranberry-infused worcestershire glaze


Honey Mussels (Aphrodisiac menu) tagliatelle pasta, fennel sausage, saffron, fresh herbs, tomatoes, white wine


Oysters Aphrodite (Aphrodisiac menu) w/ spicy pepper jelly cream

Salmon Roulade  w/ lobster and white chocolate filling, wilted spinach, salmon roe, vanilla bean beurre blanc

The meal was delicious! My favorite had to be the Wagyu…it just melts into a seasoned butter in your mouth. I love the detail of flavors that Ralph’s brought to my plate. I will definitely return…especially since I have yet to try this epic brunch that everyone talks about! 


Ralph's on the Park on Urbanspoon