Category Archives: Breakfast & Brunch

Siena Tavern

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

Despite its name, Siena Tavern doesn’t really come across as either Italian or a tavern. True, there is a list of pizzas, and they serve drinks, but it seems more like  a Hillstone concept to me.

The decor is open and modern, with a few too many hard surfaces to control the noise level when it’s busy (which seems to be most of the time).

We went for Sunday brunch/lunch, and I was pleased to find that while there were some very tasty looking brunch items, there were also lots of non-breakfast choices.

The chopped salad was an interesting conglomeration of vegetables, cheese and meat, and had enough juice from the artichoke hearts and other veggies that it didn’t really need the accompanying honey mustard dressing, so I’m glad I had that on the side.

The “burnt crust” pepperoni pizza wasn’t quite as charred as I would have liked, but it did have a very thin crust and good flavor.

Service was efficient, a necessity given how busy they were.

I’m not sure what would draw me back for a revisit (maybe some of the breakfast items, which looked really delicious and really bad for you) but my visit was fine.

Siena Tavern
51 W Kinzie St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 595-1322
http://www.yelp.com/biz/siena-tavern-chicago

NYC Bagel Deli

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

Here’s a popular place for New York style food, from bagels to pizzas to sandwiches. I was there for an authentic deli sandwich, and I left satisfied.

My choice was hot pastrami on rye with swiss cheese. The tender pastrami was piled high, but not so ridiculously high that it was impossible to eat, like many in NYC are. I liked the addition of cucumber slices and onion to the yellow mustard and mayo.

It came with a giant dill pickle and some rather granular potato salad I didn’t care for; next time I’ll pick a different side item.

The place has only two tables, so arrive early or expect to get your sandwich to go.

NYC Bagel Deli
515 N Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 923-9999
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nyc-bagel-deli-chicago-3

State and Lake Chicago Tavern

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

At first glance this place appears to be a fairly ordinary tavern likely to have a sports bar menu, but the food and ambience are both better than that. The stylish surroundings and pleasant lighting create a relaxed dining environment, and the menu offers some interesting and healthful items.

Yes, they’re known for their hamburgers and pretzels, but I had something completely different. I started with the charred broccoli, a generous serving that’s lightly seasoned and nicely cooked, although I could have done with a bit more char.

As a main course I had the Cobb salad. I like it when a Cobb is served un-tossed, as was the case here, allowing me to pick and combine ingredients at will. The perfectly seasoned avocado, bacon, cubes of Parmesan cheese and house-made ranch dressing were standouts.

Service was friendly and attentive. Altogether the meal was a very pleasant surprise.

State and Lake Chicago Tavern
theWit Hotel
201 N State St
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 239-9400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/state-and-lake-chicago-tavern-chicago

Travelle

Posted on by

salmonbenedict

***** (5 stars)

Beautiful space with high ceilings and lots of light. We went for a Saturday brunch. There is an extensive buffet, but we ordered off the menu.

The skillet we had was good, but the highlight of the meal was the Benedict. We selected the salmon, and it was an amazing blend of ingredients. The sauce was not a standard Hollandaise as is usual on a Benedict, but rather something much more citrusy and a perfect accompaniment to the salmon and the beautifully cooked eggs. Wedge potatoes had a strong herb flavor but were unremarkable. Service was attentive.

It should be noted that, although we did not have wines (since it was 10am), the wine list here is perhaps the most interesting in the city, with a very broad range of selections ranging from extravagant to affordable, and all very interesting.

Travelle
330 N Wabash Ave
2nd Fl
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 923-7705
http://www.yelp.com/biz/travelle-chicago

Amazing Kale Burger Lunch Counter

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

It’s always a pleasure to eat where the employees are really passionate about what they do, and that epitomizes The Amazing Kale Burger. From the moment I walked in I felt right at home, and my server’s enthusiasm for the food was very clear.

I tried the Vaden, which is served with a beet-based BBQ sauce. The kale burger patty is quite delicious, with all the ingredient in balance, and a nice crust from cooking. The accompanying lettuce and tomato were quite fresh, and the BBQ sauce was delicious. The bun was a bit small, sturdy and dry for my taste, but I can see where others might like it.

For a side dish I had pickled asparagus, which was tossed with yellow peppers and extremely fresh oregano bits. It was delicious.

House made mint tea was pleasantly unsweetened.

The kale burger was one of the better vegetarian patties I’ve had, and I’d often choose it over a meat patty if it were available elsewhere. Coincidentally, I ate here on national burger day!

Amazing Kale Burger Lunch Counter
741 Howard St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 660-4330
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amazing-kale-burger-lunch-counter-evanston

Bristol Bar & Grille

Posted on by

*** (3 stars)

This is a pleasant place for lunch and dinner in the heart of Louisville’s tourist district. There are extensive bourbons and other adult beverages at the handsome bar. Service is friendly. Note that Sunday brunch buffet is all that’s available until 2pm, so if you don’t want that a late lunch is a better plan.

Bristol Bar & Grille
614 W Main St
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 582-1995
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bristol-bar-and-grille-louisville-2

Tempo Bistro To Go

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

This small shop offers delicious sandwiches and salads made to order from very fresh ingredients. I had the BLT (a surprising offer from a mostly vegetarian place) and it was quite good. I found the inclusion of cheddar cheese odd, and would omit it on a future visit. The green salad was mostly spinach, very fresh, and came with a delicious miso dressing option.

There are only a few tables in side, and a few more out back, so a lot of orders are to go.

Temp Bistro is definitely a great choice when looking for a healthy alternative.

Tempo Bistro To Go
1516 NW 13th St
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 336-5834
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tempo-bistro-to-go-gainesville

NoMI Kitchen

Posted on by

***** (5 stars)

We had a great lunch at NoMI. A corner table overlooking Waterpower place can’t be beat. The emphasis on lighter fare, sushi and fish makes for a healthy lunch. \

I had TJ’s Farm Chicken at the waiter’s suggestion, and it was one of the best chicken dishes I’ve ever had, with a perfectly crisp skin and moist, succulent meat. The accompanying herb crumbs were heavenly.

The wine list is really well thought out, and if you’re willing to spring for a nice bottle, there are some excellent choices. They even have Madeira by the glass. And Madeira goes with everything (even spiny tuna rolls, it turns out!)

Service was friendly and efficient. A great place for a relaxing and tasty lunch.

NoMI Kitchen
Park Hyatt Chicago
800 N Michigan Ave, 7th Fl
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 239-4030
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nomi-kitchen-chicago

Village Inn Winter Garden

Posted on by

***** (5 stars)

Wow. Service with a capital S! I’ve been to fine dining restaurants where I haven’t gotten this level of service.

I was always a fan of the Village Inn when they were in Florida in the 90s, and was sad to see them close most locations, so it’s nice to have them back.

This location had only been open a week when I went, and corporate management was still very hands-on, but it was clear that they were looking for extraordinary service personnel, and they found them. Everyone I encountered was extremely into their job.

The interior of the space is light and modern. I particularly liked the “technology bar” where I sat. I had the same thing I used to always have, a breakfast skillet, and it was prepared just the way I wanted.

Coupled with the attentive and friendly service, it was exactly what I’m looking for in a coffee shop breakfast, and I’ll definitely return.

Village Inn Winter Garden
3130 Daniels Rd
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 654-0736
http://www.yelp.com/biz/village-inn-winter-garden-winter-garden

First Watch

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

This location has the best decor and ambience of the various First Watches I’ve been to. Our server was amazingly friendly (to the point of being perky). We went for lunch and I had the 2 For You, a sort of variant on Panera’s Pick 2. I chose a half Reuben sandwich and half pecan salad. Both were delicious (be sure to get the dressing on the side, it’s quite sweet so you don’t need much). I would definitely have both again. My best First Watch experience to date.

First Watch
7500 W Sand Lake Rd
Ste A101
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-5622
http://www.yelp.com/biz/first-watch-orlando-3