Photos: Jessica Bernard
Enjoy brunch options at area establishments.
When it comes to brunch, anything goes—from themed brunches to fusion recipes, it has embodied the essence of what weekends are about. Brunch shouldn’t be rushed but savored, and it is where conversation and good food blend for a delightful experience. Area establishments serve up the best of both worlds—breakfast and lunch—so grab a menu, and clear your schedule because these select brunches are to di(n)e for.
Southern Social
For fan-favorites and new takes, Southern Social might be the place for you. Try the Baked Skillet Sticky Caramel Rolls with dulce de leche frosting. “We take classics and put our own modern take on them,” says general manager Ashle Kanne. For more spice, Kanne recommends the Southern Skillet, featuring potatoes, brisket, andouille sausage, Cajun hollandaise, onions, eggs, jalapeño, bacon. Even with the kick, you’ll be back for more. The Nashville Hot Benny is a great savory choice with buttermilk biscuits, chicken tenders, sunny side-up eggs and a Cajun hollandaise sauce, creating a mouthwatering combo.
Southern Skillet
Brunch at Southern Social, 1424 Weir Drive is offered 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 651.493.6804; southernsocialmn.com
Hazelwood Food + Drink
Monkey Bread is a Hazelwood “must try,” says Felipe Navarro, director of operations. Made of croissant dough and pecan praline sauce, this sweet breakfast pastry is sticky, sugary and superb. “What makes this recipe unique is the balance of softness of the croissant and the gooey fun that’s had to pull the caramelly goodness apart,” Navarro says.
Breakfast Burrito. Photo: Rick Bjorland
If you prefer a savory dish, Navarro recommends the Breakfast Burrito. Stuffed with sausage, eggs, corn salsa, queso, hashbrowns and more, each tortilla holds the best ingredients to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The Prime Rib Hash is another great option for savory seekers, made with beef, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, eggs and toast, topped with housemade hollandaise sauce.
“As simple and approachable as these items can appear, the secret is that we make everything in-house, from scratch, and you can taste the love that our chefs and team put into their work,” Navarro says. “We really love food and especially seeing others enjoy it.”
Brunch at Hazelwood Food + Drink, 9240 Hudson Road is offered 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 651.419.8000; hazelwoodfoodanddrink.com
Hope Breakfast Bar
For fans of German chocolate, Hope Breakfast Bar is the place to order a plate of German Chocolate Pancakes. Topped with toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream and chocolate syrup, not a morsel will be left behind. Owner Brian Ingram says, “What makes them unique is that we use cake batter in the mix.”
German Chocolate Pancakes. Photo: Corbyn Young
Can’t decide between salty and sweet? Chicken and Waffles makes for a great choice. A buttermilk or hemp waffle made in the shape of a heart with boneless buttermilk-brined chicken and coated in a jalapeño maple syrup is sure to satisfy sweet and salty desires. To pair with either meal, try a West 7th Cereal Bowl, concocted from a blend of RumChata cream liqueur, milk and Cap’n Crunch—a drink that will transport you back to your childhood.
Brunch at Hope Breakfast Bar, 1930 Donegal Drive Suite 100, is offered 7 a.m.–3 p.m. daily. 651.393.5461; hopebreakfast.com
yum! Kitchen and Bakery
French Toast is a classic for good reason—and this recipe takes it to the next level. This dish is made with thick slices of house-made challah bread with a special “yum!” crunch, served with whipped cream, blackberries and strawberries. You’ll understand how the restaurant got its name.
Breakfast Sandwich. Photo: The Restaurant Project
Traditionalists celebrate because the Breakfast Sandwich is a dependably delicious option on the menu; it’s served on an English muffin with fried egg, cheese and choice of meat (bacon or sausage, or avocado for vegetarians or vegans). The English muffin and sausage are made in-house and baked fresh every night, so the breakfast sandwich will also offer an incredibly fresh flavor. Marketing manager Keely Nyquist says, “You can order the breakfast sandwich all day long!”
Mix things up with the California Scramble, made with scrambled eggs, tomato, avocado, mozzarella and spinach, served with greens and whole grain toast. This is a solid option for anyone but easy for those who are gluten-free, as they can hold the side of toast, without holding back any of the deliciousness.
Brunch at yum! Kitchen and Bakery, 8340 City Centre Drive, is offered 8–11 a.m. daily. 651.603.4444; yumkitchen.com
