The Cowboy made with scrambled eggs, grilled polenta, black beans, queso fresco, and green onions in a tomato chili sauce
Stuffed Challah French Toast with caramelized seasonal fruit, ricotta filling, whipped cream, butter, and maple syrup
Like many spots featured in my recent restaurant reviews, Portal is another Oakland institution that I hadn't visited until recently. I stopped by the popular brunch spot — located on 2nd Avenue and Foothill, steps away from Lake Merritt — in mid-June to catch up with an old friend.
I ordered The Cowboy, which came with scrambled eggs, grilled polenta, black beans, queso fresco, and green onions in a tomato chili sauce, while my friend had the Stuffed Challah French Toast with caramelized seasonal fruit, ricotta filling, whipped cream, butter, and maple syrup. While my dish was photogenic, it was missing the oomph I was looking for that tied it all together. (Perhaps I found the tomato chili sauce on my plate a little too late in my meal :/) My friend enjoyed his brunch staple, which is definitely for those looking for something sweeter.
Given how Portal usually has a long wait and my food wasn't as amazing as anticipated, I'm not sure I'd return. Maybe I'm finally getting over brunch as a meal... If you've been to Portal, what would you recommend trying?
Portal Oakland
1611 2nd Ave., Oakland, CA 94606
Open: Monday 11am - 9pm, Tuesday 5 - 9pm, Wednesday - Thursday 11am - 9pm, Friday 11am - 9:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am - 9:30pm
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