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!