Top 5 Brunch (or breakfast) Spots

I was given a challenge the other day by a good friend to pick my top 5 of any category and keep a running list. He said my rules were they had to be top 5 based on my vegetarian requirements and that at any point the 5 could rotate or loose a spot.

Always up for a good challenge, I decided to start with my 5 top Veg Brunch spots around town. Remember these are only based on my vegetarian perspective and will have nothing to do with whether a place does or does not serve bacon & eggs.

1. Spiral Diner - by far best all you can eat pancake brunch (Sunday only)

2. The Jazz Cafe - who can beat jazz music and a great meal to cure growling stomach.

3. Esperanza's - I have never reviewed this place because I eat here usually once a week (that could be tedious), but if you crave Mexican early in the morning (or even at lunch on the weekends) their breakfast is great.

4. Taverna - one of our favs overall whether lunch, dinner or brunch (brunch: Saturday & Sunday only).

5. Cafe Modern - only been once, but the options for veg or vegan were nice and they change the menu seasonally.

So don't be a hater. If your joint isn't listed at least give these a try or post your favorite places and that way I can give them a try. I am always looking for new places to try (especially for breakfast/brunch).

The Jazz Cafe

I have found a new best friend and it plays jazz to me and feeds me wonderful vegetarian delights.

After several failed attempts to go to the Jazz Cafe for brunch we finally made it today for a friends birthday. After eating not so good sushi (review coming) and drinking (late but not too late) for said friend's birthday, we decided to get together on actual birthday for brunch.

Do not be afraid - you might drive past this inconspicuous building on Montgomery more than once. And, you might not be able to find parking in their tiny parking lot (it's worth it to park in the street or a lot across the street on the weekend). Or once you finally make it to the entrance the not so well kept patio could deter you from entering, but fear not - I won't lead you astray.

Today I entered the morning version of the Scat Jazz Lounge - my calling in another life. The music was playing, the tables were full and the place smelled wonderful.

I sat down at the table and made the comment that the food would have to be really bad for me not to return. And overall, I wasn't disappointed. This menu has a little bit of something good for everyone. I debated seriously between the Black Bean Enchiladas and the BOS eggs - I had to decide what I would order the next time I came. I decided on the BOS eggs (after prompting from the waitress) and was not disappointed. Now mind you it's not a Mexican joint, but it's definitely a spin on a classic. Scrambled eggs stuffed with cheese, onion, tortilla chips, potatoes, and jalapenos w/ a spicy black bean and pico on the side. They give you three tortillas to create your own breakfast tacos. Other orders at the table included Steak and Eggs w/ a side of French Toast (made with an English Muffin - a unique way to create french toast); Eggs Florentine (Eggs Benedict made w/ spinach in place of the ham) w/ a side of a single pancake (large enough to feed the table, this pancake was killer. Thick, fluffy and with a spice in the batter it was excellent); and a half order of Eggs Benedict. All the eggs were poached just right - not too runny and not too hard. The sauce was thick, but not chunky.

Yes, you can get a full order or half order of most of the Benedict options - just the right size for portion control - I don't know who wants portion control with this type food - but it's there.

One downside was the lack of service. We got one coffee & water refill the entire time we were there and we were there for a while. A table of two sat after us and got their food service almost a full 15 minutes before us. That was probably the most frustrating was waiting and waiting and waiting to get our food. And then really once we ordered we didn't see our waitress again until she brought us our food and then we had to go track her down to pay (literally).

Don't be fooled - I'll go again. I wasn't in a hurry this visit and I'll make sure I'm not in a hurry next time. It was worth the wait to enjoy the conversation with our friends and listen to the great music.

Don't forget the following: At the Jazz Cafe it's okay to call in an order to go, bring cash or check book - they don't take credit/debit cards, it's first come first serve seat yourself.

Ranking: 4 Carrots

The Ranking System

I have been told by several people, but none to subtly by my wonderful hubby that I should create a ranking system for the restaurants that I review. So after many attempts to ward off this type of generic labeling I have finally given in to the requests.

I make no guarantees regarding the success or failure of this system - I will probably continue to blame it on my husband (unless it becomes a success). My rankings will be based on the following:

- Atmosphere

- Service

- Quality of food

- Cleanliness

- Amount of time for food service

- And last but not least, the vegetarian offering and/or lack there of.

So here's how it will go:

FULL SET OF UTENSILS: This restaurant meets all my requirements to be a favorite and will be or has been frequented more than once. More than likely it is a staple restaurant and is visited once a week.

MISSING THE SPOON: This restaurant has potential, but something just wasn't quite right. Usually in the detail of the review the specifics will be given as to why it wasn't given the highest honor.

MISSING THE KNIFE: Not the most important utensil at the table, but nonetheless could be disappointing to not have one if needed. Any restaurant getting this label just wasn't all put together. Could have been several minor mistakes or one gigantic one. Usually this is just those places that are mediocre, but because we all have faults would probably be eaten at again.

MISSING THE FORK: Most meals are not a success without a fork and so goes it for a restaurant getting this label. Sorry to say it just didn't quite cut it. Any restaurant missing a veg option will automatically get this label.

NO UTENSILS AT ALL: I think this needs no explanation. Horrible and won't return.

Vidalias

About a month ago, some long time family friends came to town from Oklahoma. They of course needed a taste of the great life in Fort Worth and wanted to try one of our great breakfast/brunch institutions. Neither the Mr. or I had tried Vidalias and suggested we go and give it a try.

For those of you that don't know Vidalias is attached to the great Marriott Renaissance Hotel. The restaurants has been award as an official "Go Texan" restaurant by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The dress is causal, but the decor is top notch. We went super casual that Saturday morning - prepared to do our errand running for the day - I almost felt out of place. But don't fret - the staff is laid back, friendly, and down home Texan.

We had a large group of 6 and were one of the first at the restaurant that morning. If you are one of those people that have a secret pleasure with the nice hotel buffet - Vidalias is the place for you! Enjoy the buffet without paying to stay the night at a hotel.

Veg that I am I leaned toward a light and filling breakfast. I had the House Made Granola w/ Yogurt and Fruit. I didn't know you could make such a large helping of yogurt and granola - but this dish was ginormous. I ate probably a 1/4 of the helping I received. The fruit was fresh and seasonal and the granola was fantastic.

Several of the others ordered the Traditional Eggs Benedict and two ordered the buffet. Foodie hubby totally took advantage of the buffet - plates full of bacon, sausage, fresh made mini Belgium Waffles, a made to order omelet and the Granola w/ Yogurt and Fruit.

Overall the restaurant was good. I would definitely go again and recommend it to anyone who lives locally or is out of town staying in Sundance.

Ranking: 3 Carrots

Best of... Vote for Spiral

For those of you that don't know - Spiral Diner is my fav.

Veg News Magazine (which I subscribe to - and you should too - to get all the great recipes and shopping ideas) is having their annual "Veggie Awards" voting. So, go vote for Spiral to be the "Best Vegan Restaurant" in the whole US. Yeah, you read right - Spiral should be the Best Vegan Restaurant in the whole world.

http://www.vegnews.com

Why No Posts

I'm so sorry to those of you that actually check this out on a regular basis. Hubby and I have been super busy lately - weddings, 4th of July and just neighborhood socializing. I'd be more than happy to review all the cookout and pot-lucks we have attended in the last 3 months, but I think that would be rather boring and since we aren't planning on feeding any readers, a total waste of time.

For those of you that truly want to know coming soon are reviews for La Familia Mexican Restaurant and Vidalias (brunch review).

Thanks for the patients and hope you enjoy some of the upcoming as much as we have!!