Jimmy Bean's

Jimmy Bean's, surprisingly exudes a cool and calm atmosphere but is in reality a busy breakfast and lunch spot everyday of the week. Recently this cafe, part of the Lalime family of restaurants, expanded into dinner service to keep up with its customer demand. A true Berkeley establishment by every standard, Jimmy Bean's buys from our local community of purveyors, shuns the the super store and offers special seasonal selections every night for dinner.

But, as this blog is for brunch, I digress. Jimmy Bean's has long been a favorite spot of mine to enjoy a short stack of silver dollar pancakes while working away and taking advantage of the cafes free two hours of wi-fi or getting together with friends before a hike to fuel up on fluffy omelets and scrambles served alongside a crispy serving of potatoes, choice of toast and their signature three sauces of parsley pesto, pico de gallo and a chipotle cream sauce.

Today I decided to divert from my usual herb and goat cheese scramble and try something new. While I cruised the menu looking at the options I had looked at many times before, the waffle with a side of fruit was the clear winner. When my breakfast was delivered, it was a good to look at as it tasted. With a crisp, golden exterior dusted lightly with powdered sugar and a moist chewy interior, I added a little butter and syrup and was in brunch heaven. I also had a side of bacon. The perfectly crisp salty bacon was a nice contrast to the sweet waffle. My breakfast buddy as her husband calls her had a bacon and cheese omelet that looked equally as appealing and I may try next time. Coffee of course was the beverage of choice and with unlimited refills you just can't go wrong.

Next time your in the area check out Jimmy Bean's and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Bonus: There are many pluses when visiting this great Berkeley cafe. A great service staff, breakfast served all day, kid friendly, outdoor seating (bring the pooch) and plenty of street parking for all.

1290 6th Street

(btwn Gilman & Harrison)
Berkeley, CA
www.jimmybeans.com

The Sunny Side Cafe

Each time I brunch at this cute corner cafe I always smile as it reminds me of the sweet, homey breakfast spots I grew up with in Ohio. It's only when I sit down and open the menu I'm reminded that I am in eco-friendly Albany.

Sunny Side is Albany's first green certified restaurant and their menu proves it. With a number of low carbon emission choices you can do something good for your environment while enjoying expertly prepared breakfast foods such as eggs, scrambles and the ultimate breakfast special, the Alameda. Just trust me and try this one, just once. It's possible this could be the end all be all breakfast item for the die-hard brunch fan. The Alameda is loaded with veggies, meat and cheese and sandwiched between french toast, topped with over-easy eggs, hollandaise sauce and a balsamic reduction. 

I tried something new this time (eco-friendly, of course) and went for the multi-grain pancakes. Wow, the pancakes were so delicious and incredibly flavorful I had to restrain myself from joining the clean plate club. The cakes were light, fluffy and had a delicious whole grain flavor. My guy went for the blueberry pancakes, packed full of juicy berries, he joined the clean plate club. We also shared a side of thick, crispy bacon - a side being four large slices. Don't miss the organic coffee, an excellent strong brew the staff seems to always be circulating round the restaurant with refilling cup after cup was also excellent as usual.

I can't recommend Sunny Side highly enough if you are in the neighborhood. Now in its fifth year, this cafe just keeps getting better every time I visit. I sure hope Sunny Side stays in lovely Albany for another five years.

1499 Solano Avenue

Albany, CA

www.thesunnysidecafe.com

Fat Apple's Restaurant & Bakery

Welcome back to the brunch blog.

First out of the gate in the New Year; Fat Apples. A long established Berkeley spot typically brimming with local folks out the door waiting for a seat. Having passed this place on more times I can count on my toes and fingers, we decided to give it a shot. To our surprise, our group of four was seated promptly on a Sunday mid-morning but there ended the excitement for me. I understand I may be in the minority here, but this may be one of the most mediocre brunches I have ever experienced. The service is lacking - coffee refill, please and the food is really just, meh, nothing to write home about (ironic, I suppose that I am writing about it here). On the positive side, if you are looking for an affordable, local place to take the family, Fat Apple's will fit the bill.

Fat Apples boasts a small breakfast menu that sticks to mostly the basics; eggs & toast, pancakes, french toast and throw in some scrambles and pastries. We ordered the raved about must try pumpkin pancakes which were okay and really just that - okay. The pancakes lacked the flavor you would expect to come along with pumpkin - cinnamon & nutmeg come to mind. Then there were the whole-wheat pancakes. By far the most bland pancake I have ever brought to my lips. I wasn't looking for sugar. I enjoy whole-wheat flavor without the sweetener. There was no whole-wheat goodness here, no crunch, no pizazz, nada. I would have been better off toasting a slice of Milton's at home and slathering it with butter and syrup. Both orders of pancakes were served up as the pancake special. A short stack, with one egg and meat. The tortilla scramble was also ordered by one of our dining companions and was served with homefries and a choice of toast or pastry. It was conveyed that this wasn't the best scramble and the homefries, well, not so good. And the coffee, unmemorable.

And there you have it - ouch, I know. Would I give it another shot - of course. Not this year though with so many other places to try.

1346 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
(btwn Berryman St & Rose St)
Berkeley, CA 94709

Venus Restaurant

A top notch brunch spot in downtown Berkeley using local, sustainable & in season ingredients, typically with little wait time and always super service.

Past favorites at this spot have included special lemon ricotta pancakes served with a delightful combo of raspberry sauce and lemon curd and the veggies nest - a healthy dish with 2 poached eggs nesting on top of mushroom, tomato, frisee and arugula with a sprinkling of goat cheese, served with a slice of toast spread with olive tapenade. Yum!

On this visit we ordered off of the regular weekday breakfast menu (though do check the daily specials board, they are always fabulous and way indulgent!) The fried egg sandwich was delicious and reminiscent of a NY fried egg sandwich - add a slice of Niman Ranch ham for extra deliciousness. We also shared a black forest omelet - a combo of ham, gruyere cheese, spinach, tomato and scallion. The omelet was cooked perfectly, fluffy with a smooth, silky texture. It was served with homefries and choice of toast or the Venus "morning glory muffin" a tasty combo of raisins, pineapple, coconut & carrot, served warm with a crispy top - plenty to share here and all for under $30 - really!

Tip: There is now a "bailout breakfast" on the menu. For $10 you can have two eggs, any style, homefries, toast, choice of oj or grapefruit juice and coffee. There, now you have no excuse not to brunch.

Bon Appetit!

2327 Shattuck Ave
(btwn Bancroft Way & Durant Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
www.venusrestaurant.net

Royal Cafe & Bakery

When a place is always packed you know you are in for a real treat! For a delicious brunch in an eclectic setting, check out the Royal Cafe in Albany. A favorite locals brunch spot known for its fabulous egg dishes, premium coffee & fresh squeezed orange juice.

With a number of options to choose from on the menu from your standard breakfast fare a la pancackes and eggs, its the omelet choices that shine. Order up a green chile, bacon & jack cheese omelet - stuffed full of tangy chiles, crispy bacon and gooey cheese, it's steamed (not fried) to perfection. The omelet comes with house potatoes and choice of toast, english muffin or a freshly baked scone with lemon curd - skip the toast and order the scone! Yeah, it's an indulgance, but totally worth it.

Bon Appetit!

811 San Pablo Ave
(btwn Solano Ave & Washington Ave)
Albany, CA 94706

Brunch - to me there is nothing more pleasing than to enjoy this somewhat underrated and often neglected to review late morning/early afternoon meal. So I bring to you, the brunch spot.

This blog will include many of my longtime favorites as well as new places I visit along the way. I will cover it all here - even those little places where you might wonder if it's safe to go in - trust me, it is, and of course, you should go in!

And, as much as enjoy eating this glorious meal out, brunch is best shared in the company of family & friends with home-cooked cozy cuisine. Look for me to host my own special seasonal brunches throughout the year complete with pictures & recipes for you the reader to recreate your own special meal for your nearest & closest.

Feel free to post your comments and suggestions on your new or tried & true favorite destinations to dine or what you think makes a good brunch spot.

And remember, this blog is for fun and should be viewed that way - it's brunch. Bon Appetit!