Brunch in San Francisco: Eats, El Mil Amores, Boogaloos, Art’s Café, Zazie, and Mymy

Left: Toastaquiles made with soft-scrambled eggs, fried corn tortillas, guajillo chili sauce, avocado, crema, cotija, and cilantro

Right: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich made with Thai green curry, basil, cilantro, serrano peppers, pickled carrots, and daikon, served with fried potatoes

I've been to many a brunch in my day and it seems like time to share some places I've tried recently (i.e. in the past year). 

Last May I visited Eats, a brunch restaurant on Clement and 2nd in the Inner Richmond, with a large group of family and friends. I remember being impressed by the Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich made with Thai green curry, basil, cilantro, serrano peppers, pickled carrots, and daikon, served with fried potatoes. It had a nice, tangy flavor and provided a decent amount of protein to continue my day. Next time, I may try the Caramelized Custard French Toast or the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich.

Eats 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

50 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Wednesday - Monday 8am - 2pm

Chilaquiles made with fried corn tortilla, salsa roja (left) and verde (right), choice of meat, scrambled eggs, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, onion, and refried black beans

Left: Huevos Rancheros made with fried corn tortillas, refried black beans, fried eggs, and red poblana sauce

Right: Tres Leches Pancakes

Around this time last year, I visited El Mil Amores Restaurant with my dining companion and a good friend for the first time. Located on 21st and Florida in the Mission, this busy spot serves brunch classics and Mexican favorites alike. We ordered a few dishes: Chilaquiles with both red and green salsa, Huevos Rancheros, and Tres Leches Pancakes. Although I don't remember the specifics, I remember thinking this was a fun environment to catch up with friends like sharing a side of sweet pancakes. The line was long, so I would try to come by early or on a weekday.

El Mil Amores Restaurant

Instagram | Yelp

2780 21st St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Open: Daily 8am - 3pm

Classic Cubano made with roasted pork, smoked ham, pickles, mustard, Swiss cheese, and a grilled roll, served with yuca fries

In early September of last year, I visited Boogaloos, a well-loved breakfast and lunch spot on the corner of 22nd and Valencia in the Mission, with a good friend. They serve the brunch foods you're looking for with a Latin and Caribbean twist. I ordered the Classic Cubano made with roasted pork, smoked ham, pickles, mustard, Swiss cheese, and a grilled roll, served with yuca fries. It hit the spot and was quite sizable. I would recommend Boogaloos for anyone looking for good food in a bit of sunshine.

Boogaloos 

Website | Facebook | Yelp

3296 22nd St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Open: Daily 9am - 3pm

Spicy Pork Bibimbap

Last September I stopped by Art’s Café, a family-owned diner on Irving and 9th in the Inner Sunset, with a good friend. They're known for serving traditional American breakfast and lunch items, as well as Korean hits. I tried the Spicy Pork Bibimbap, which came with a sunny side up egg, vegetables, homemade kimchi, and gochujang sauce. As a long-term fan of bibimbap, I remember liking this meal and having an alternative to the American brunch dishes I'm used to. Next time, I may stop by on a weekday and try a Hash Brown Sandwich made with Dakgogi chicken or the pork belly sandwich.

Art’s Café 

Website | Yelp

747 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122

Open: Tuesday - Sunday 7:30am - 3pm

Left: Maya's Toast à l'avocat made with rustic levain, avocados, pine nut pesto, goat cheese, and eggs over easy, served with home fries

Right: Victor’s Home-Made Coffee Cake with raspberry jam and brown sugar crumble

Later that September I visited Zazie, a popular French restaurant on Cole between Carl and Parnassus in Cole Valley, for the first time. With a good friend who loves Zazie, she knew to order their famous coffee cake, which comes with jam and a brown sugar crumble on top. I tried one of their specials: Maya's Toast à l'avocat made with rustic levain, avocados, pine nut pesto, goat cheese, and eggs over easy, served with home fries. I remember enjoying the food and the experience, which reminded me of so many nice meals I had at La Note and Café Clem in Berkeley over the years.

Zazie 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

941 Cole St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Brunch: Monday - Friday 8am - 2pm & Saturday - Sunday 9am - 3pm

Dinner: Daily 5 - 9pm

Another Club Sandwich made with grilled thyme garlic chicken, bacon, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, fried egg, and smoked mozzarella, served with fries

I visited Mymy, a popular brunch spot on California at Larkin in Nob Hill, for the first time last November with two friends. With a line out the door, this cozy restaurant is made for the brunch crowd, who will be happy to see favorites like pancakes, grits, huevos rancheros, Eggs Benedict, and more on offer. I enjoyed the Another Club Sandwich, which was made with grilled thyme garlic chicken, bacon, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, fried egg, and smoked mozzarella and served with fries. I would stop by again the next time I'm looking for a good brunch selection in the neighborhood.

Mymy 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

1500 California St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Open: Daily 9am - 2pm

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Eat in Berkeley: La Mediterranee

Lox Levant


Egg Fillos and Grecian Spinach Fillos


Steamed Eggs


Mushroom Quiche


Mamounia


Fresh Fruit

This weekend, I had a lovely brunch with Kim of Kim's Kitchen Sink at La Mediterranee. Located on College Avenue in Berkeley, this restaurant is a must-visit in Elmwood.

New to their brunch scene, we both tried the Brunch Meza that came with an assortment of items from the brunch menu. It included lox levant, Grecian spinach and egg fillos, steamed eggs, mushroom quiche, mamounia, and fresh fruit. Everything was fresh and delicious. The lox levant filled our craving for smoked salmon, while the mushroom quiche reminded us what a flavorful quiche should taste like. The steamed eggs fulfilled their role as a brunch staple, while the mamounia introduced us to a comfort food we've been living without for too long. Although they were out of Lebanese foule, we happily tried another helping of mamounia instead. Since I was absolutely stuffed after a few items, I had the egg and spinach fillos later in the day. They were worth the wait.

The next time I visit La Mediterranee‒and there will be a next time‒I'll probably order the Brunch Meza again. It really is that good.

La Mediterranee
Website | Facebook | Yelp
2936 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705
Open: Monday - Thursday 10am - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 10am - 11pm, Sunday 10am - 9:30pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Nopa (Pt. 2)

Peach and Thyme Braised Pork Shoulder with creamy polenta, roasted corn, and peach-pepper relish


Custard French Toast with strawberries and housemade butter


Smoked Trout with sea salt bagel, Dill Farmer's cheese, cucumber, and radish


Butter Basted Eggs with black eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and fried chickpeas

I've wanted to revisit Nopa ever since I first stopped by for brunch in March. Located in San Francisco's Alamo Square neighborhood, Nopa has set the bar for what I expect brunch to be. My one true birthday wish was to enjoy a delicious brunch with my close friends. (Wish granted.)

This time around was as equally satisfying as the first. I tried the Custard French Toast, which came with strawberries and was just as moist and custard-soaked as before. In short, it was still mouthwatering. I also tried a bit of my friends' dishes, all of which were pretty good. The pork shoulder was very tender, the polenta flavorful. The trout was salty perfection, while the butter basted eggs and salad were also good.

If you're looking for a more complete review, you can check out my previous entry on Nopa. Everything I said originally is still true. Their food is good; getting a table can be tricky. If you're in the area, you must add it to your restaurant hit list.

If you've stopped by for dinner, what did you think? Was it as good as brunch? Any recommendations?

More mouthwatering photos from Nopa are right this way.

Nopa

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560 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Open: Monday - Friday 5 - 1, Saturday - Sunday 11 - 1

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Eat in Los Angeles: Blu Jam Café

Norwegian Benedict with smoked salmon, poached eggs, sautéed spinach, tomato, and dill hollandaise, served with potatoes






Breakfast Trio with scrambled eggs, French toast, and chicken apple sausage

Ever since experiencing the perfection that is brunch at Nopa, few (read: no) other brunches have compared. They've raised the bar so high that average brunches will no longer be considered. Sadly, this was true of my visit to Blu Jam Café in June. Although most reviewers raved about this Melrose restaurant on Yelp, I was disappointed with my mediocre meal.

I ordered the Norwegian Benedict, which came with smoked salmon, spinach, tomato, and poached eggs. The dish was fine. It just didn't produce the excitement I expected I would have from ordering three of my favorite things: poached eggs, smoked salmon, and Benedict anything. It tasted like the cooks went through the motions of creating a perfectly adequate Benedict; it was just underwhelming in execution. At $15 a pop, I expected much more. This seems to be a trend of a few places I've tried in LA: the prices are high, while the quality is not always there.

What I also didn't like about my visit was the 45 minute wait time. Of course, I'm used to waiting in lines for brunch. It just comes with the territory, especially at popular brunch spots in San Francisco and Berkeley. What's more frustrating is that the 45 minutes didn't lead to an amazing result. Moreover, we were essentially urged to leave after nearing their 75 minute table limit. I understand that it's a busy place, but dang-it, I was catching up with old friends over brunch. That's what it's all about, right?

If you had a good experience at Blu Jam Café, I'd love to hear about it in the comments. What'd you order?

Want to see more photos from Blu Jam Café? Come one, come all.

Blu Jam Café
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7371 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Open: Daily 8 - 4

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Eat in Oakland: Grand Avenue Social Club

Traditional Breakfast: eggs, toast, chicken apple sausage, and home fried potatoes

I stopped by Grand Avenue Social Club, a dinner and brunch restaurant located inside a beautiful craftsman on Grand between Weldon and Davidson, for the first time in late January for brunch.

I ordered the Traditional Breakfast, which came with two eggs, toast, bacon or chicken apple sausage, and hash browns or home fried potatoes. I chose the chicken apple sausage and home fried potatoes. This was everything I want in a hearty brunch meal: equal parts protein and carbs, perfect for catching up with a friend.

Although I don't remember more of the specifics, I remember thinking the restaurant interior was lovely, the ambiance was very homey and comfortable, and the service was friendly. The next time I'm seeking a nearby brunch option, I may try the Corned Beef & Fennel Hash.

Grand Avenue Social Club

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3601 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Wednesday - Sunday 5pm - 9pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am - 3pm

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Eat in Oakland: Pepples Donut Farm

Organic Tofu Scramble with mushrooms, tender greens, spinach, carrots, and curry, served with hash browns and Acme sourdough toast




Counterclockwise from bottom left: Lavender Earl Grey, Salted Caramel, Philz Coffee, and Seascape Strawberry donuts

This weekend I visited Pepples Donut Farm for the first time. Located on San Pablo at 61st in North Oakland, this vegan donut shop serves a mean, all-vegan brunch on the weekends. When we arrived on Saturday at noon, we were surprised (and quite relieved) there was no wait.

I ordered the Organic Tofu Scramble made with mushrooms, tender greens, spinach, carrots, and curry, along with hash browns and Acme sourdough toast on the side. It was quite a treat. The tofu had a wonderful curry flavor, which made it so much better than the tofu scrambles I've had previously. I also enjoyed the hash browns and toast, two of my favorite breakfast sides. Although my friend was eager to try the Chik'n Waffle that's listed on their website, it's since been discontinued. Instead, she had the Breakfast Burrito that came with organic beans, potatoes, chiles, tofu scramble, and more, which she enjoyed.

Although this brunch was pretty good, especially considering it pleased an omnivore and a vegetarian, the vegan donuts were the main event. They come in a variety of interesting flavors, most of which I wanted to try. After consulting with an employee about which her favorites were (choosing the right donuts is a very serious matter), I tried the Lavender Earl Grey, Salted Caramel, and Philz Coffee. My friend ordered the Seascape Strawberry, which any fan of strawberries would like. All of these "top shelf" donuts, as Pepples calls them, had the same cake donut as a base and a unique sugary frosting on top. The Lavender Earl Grey had the subtle flavors that I love (especially in gourmet ice cream). The Salted Caramel was very salty, which added instead of subtracted to the experience. The Philz Coffee tasted like it was made with real coffee, which it most likely was. If I had to choose, my favorite was the Lavender Earl Grey. They also serve many more types of cake donuts, raised glazed donuts, and jelly donuts. Vegan or not, Homer Simpson would wholeheartedly approve.

If you're looking for a solid vegan brunch, Pepples is definitely worth trying. Their prices are affordable (about $8 - $9 for most brunch plates), while their donuts are between $2 and $3 a pop. The problem is that you may want to try every flavor like myself. Their donuts are also sold at a variety of locations across the Bay Area, as indicated by the donut symbols on this handy map. For the novelty photo inclined, they have a huge pink donut outside that makes a perfect photo op.

Craving more photos of vegan donuts? Grab a napkin.

Pepples Donut Farm
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6037 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608
Open: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 3, Saturday - Sunday 9 - 3

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Eat in Oakland: Doña Tomás

Huevos Rancheros: crispy tortilla topped with puréed black beans, two fried eggs, salsa norteña, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, tomatillo-guajillo salsa, and pickled carrots


Huevos Revueltos: scrambled eggs with chorizo, nopales & goat cheese, cilantro, puréed black beans, and corn tortillas

I finally visited Doña Tomás for brunch with a friend last weekend. Located on Telegraph and 51st in Temescal, this charming Mexican restaurant serves a wide selection of beautifully prepared brunch favorites, like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and Mexican (French) Toast.

I ordered the Huevos Rancheros made with a crispy tortilla, puréed black beans, fried eggs, salsa norteña, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, tomatillo-guajillo salsa, and pickled carrots. It was as good as it looks & sounds, clearly made with care and precision. My friend, who has tried and recommends most of the menu, ordered the Huevos Revueltos: scrambled eggs, chorizo, nopales & goat cheese, cilantro, puréed black beans, and corn tortillas on the side.

I would definitely stop by again and probably quite soon. I haven't been impressed by a brunch like this in the Bay Area in a while. There was no wait when we stopped by around 10am on a weekend and they had a lot of great seating inside and on the patio in the back.

If you've visited Doña Tomás recently, what do you recommend trying?

Doña Tomás
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp
5004 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 2:30pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Friday - Saturday 5:30pm - 10pm
Brunch: Saturday - Sunday 9:30am - 2:30pm

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Eat in Oakland: Grand Lake Kitchen

Savory French Toast made with rye bread, two poached eggs, wild mushrooms, Parmesan, arugula, herb oil, and prosciutto di Parma






Chilaquiles made with tortilla chips, salsa roja, black beans, two eggs sunny, avocado, queso fresco, sour cream, and pickled red onions

I think I found my new brunch spot. Located right near Lake Merritt on Grand at El Embarcadero, Grand Lake Kitchen is a hip restaurant and deli that serves tasty New American cuisine any brunch fiend would enjoy. This was my first time visiting and I can confirm that my love affair has begun. Their brunch menu has about eight entrees on it, all of which I'd like to try at some point. After using process of elimination to figure of which item was today's lucky winner while making sure to get something different from my brunch buddy, I ordered the chilaquiles.

I've never had chilaquiles before, but since reading the list of ingredients made me salivate a little, I knew it was a good pick. The chilaquiles were made of tortilla chips covered in a tasty salsa and then topped with everything myself and the internet daydream about, namely sunny-side up eggs, slices of avocado, and green onions. It was also served with pickled red onions that were made in-house. From what I can tell from the display case that's a part of the counter I was eating on, they make a variety of pickled vegetables, including beets, carrots, onions, and well, pickles. Needless to say, this was the most delicious breakfast nachos-type dish I've had.

I also tried a bit of the savory French toast, which was French toast minus the syrup and plus prosciutto, poached eggs, arugula, and Parmesan. It was as good as it sounds. I would encourage someone to try it which some maple syrup to see if that adds to the experience.

All in all, I would recommend trying Grand Lake Kitchen ASAP. If you're visiting on the weekend, come early as it seems pretty popular and they only have about twenty seats in total. They do have outdoor seating, so maybe come in on a sunny day and enjoy a view of the lake (somewhat) nearby. Their very nice and helpful employees make waiting not so bad. If there is a line, stop by Walden Pond Books just up the way.

Grand Lake Kitchen

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576 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610
Open: Daily 9am - 10pm

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Eat in Los Angeles: Sqirl

Burnt Brioche Toast with house ricotta and seasonal jam


Open Face Brioche Toast with kale, tomatillo puree, lacto fermented hot sauce, and a fried egg, with a side of Olli’s prosciutto




Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl with Kokohu Rose brown rice, sorrel pesto, preserved Meyer lemon, lacto fermented hot sauce, black radish, French sheep feta, and a poached egg, with a side of housemade sausage

Last weekend, I had brunch at Sqirl with my pal Jing, longtime friend and local brunch fiend. Founded on layers and layers of burnt brioche toast and coffee, this East Hollywood eatery serves a mean brunch at pretty good prices on Virgil near Melrose.

Although we waited in line to order at the counter for about twenty minutes, we were served at our table not long after. I had the Open Face Brioche Toast with kale, tomatillo puree, lacto fermented hot sauce, and a fried egg, along with a side of prosciutto. I've never had brioche before (foodie fail) and I now I know what all the hype is about. The brioche was sweet, yet not overtly so, making it perfect for this savory dish. All of the flavors from the other ingredients complemented each other perfectly. They also gave me the largest heap of prosciutto I've ever seen.

I also tried a bit of Jing's dishes. The Burnt Brioche Toast is a staple for Sqirl customers. It starts with a thick piece of brioche, toasted perfectly, smothered in a layer of house ricotta, and then topped with their own seasonal jam. This combination of flavors was new, dynamic, and wonderful. It might be a bit heavy for one person, making it great to split with a friend. The Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl was also very good. It was a lighter comfort food that leaves you with a clean palatte. I would highly recommend ordering the sausage on the side, which was tasty in its own right.

I would revisit Sqirl in a heartbeat. Next time, I might order a coffee to accompany my meal and any of their other brunch options I'm pretty sure I'll love.

Sqirl
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720 N. Virgil Ave. #4, Los Angeles CA 90029
Open: Monday - Friday 6:30 - 4, Saturday - Sunday 8 - 4

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Eat in West Hollywood: Salt's Cure

2 x 2 x 2: Two eggs, two bacon slices, and two sausage patties


Daily Special: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy with a side of Two Eggs




Quiche du Jour

This past weekend, I had brunch with two old friends at Salt's Cure on Santa Monica Boulevard and Vista in West Hollywood. It was my first time visiting this popular brunch spot, although it probably won't be my last. 

I ordered the Quiche du Jour, which was served with a side of arugula. The quiche was very fluffy and light, while the arugula was dressed in a way that made it slightly tangy. Although each mouthful of quiche had a lot of flavor, the arugula complemented it perfectly. I also sampled some of my friends' bacon and biscuits. The bacon was thick and more sophisticated than the kind you'd find at a typical grocery store. The homemade biscuits tasted great with the jam, which was probably made in-house.

Overall, it was a pretty good brunch experience. There was a bit of a line so I'd recommend getting there early on the weekend. If you're looking for brunch made with locally sourced ingredients that leaves you with a clean palate, Salt's Cure would be a great place to try.

Salt's Cure

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7494 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Open: Daily 9 - 3, 5:30 - 10:30

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