The atmosphere is serene and filled with light, even on a gloomy day. It’s a spot where we can’t decide if we want to curl up with a cup of coffee or perk up with a zippy cocktail. Indecisiveness has never stopped us before. Why not both? The cocktails at Nina May follow the same seasonal approach as the food: accessible, local, and thoughtful. The classic brunch mimosa has a winter pear purée and the gin cocktail blends in earthy, beet juice. Both had vibrant flavors that were smooth to sip.
The menu isn’t massive, but deciding between incredible combinations that tap into every winter craving was a serious feat. To start, we ordered the pancakes, tater tots, quiche, and focaccia.
The pancakes were thin, simple, textured cinnamon circles. The toasted sage added a distinct savory flavor, complimented by sweet, stewed fruit. The combination was delicious and memorable!
The tots were crispy fried potato with a creamy, garlicky aioli. While this combination is a Southern fried dream, they were more like fritters or hushpuppies than crispy tater tots, and they didn’t pack much flavor. We missed some salt, pepper, and acid.
The quiche had a crust too thick for enjoyment and an egg mixture that was overcooked and under creamy. We wanted that melt-in-your-mouth buttery egg situation.
I’m a sucker for focaccia. This focaccia had a sweet flavor and fluffy chew, maybe too fluffy. Its stature made it a bit hard to eat. The thick-cut slice of bread was topped with a tomato sauce, herbs, eggs, and pickled onions. I would have loved to see this thicker bread sliced longways and eaten sandwich-style because it became rather difficult to approach this tower of dough; the formation begged for a saucy bath for the bread to absorb.
For our mains, we added the pork belly hash, fried oysters, and fried chicken sandwich. The pork belly hash was our favorite thing on the table by far. The perfectly crispy, lean pork rested on top of roasted veggies, squash purée, and dollops of tangy, hydrated mustard seeds. The aromatics, well-cooked earthy ingredients, and billowy protein made for the ultimate entrée.
We always try (and so should you) to opt for a recommendation by our server. When he suggested the fried oysters, we were hesitant to begin the day with such an acquired flavor profile. We went for it, and we were glad we did. The breaded and juicy, saline brine offered rich natural flavor supported by brothy rice, bok choy, a poached egg, and basil buds. This dish is one to be celebrated at any Nina May brunch party: it’s a well-composed melting pot of Mid-Atlantic flavors.
D.C. puts its best foot forward to capture the essence of Southern comfort foods. The fried chicken sandwich is a solid rendition of the Southern classic, served on a massive, fluffy biscuit. This dish is definitely splittable – with a heaping serving of moist chicken. We must, however, add this disclaimer: the coating didn’t have that peppery, smokey crunch and heat that you might expect from a typical Southern fried chicken sandwich. But the biscuit was delicious, and we found ourselves attacking this dish with a tear-and-swipe technique rather than an elbows-out, big-bite approach.
Nina May is a great brunch spot for a group. It’s calm, refreshing, and seasonal.
Nina May serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays starting at ten a.m.
]]>Shilling has an incredible raw bar and a sharable sea-to-table style menu with a gorgeous space in the center of the Navy Yards shopping and dining scene. The contemporary space goes from cozy winter seafood hideaway to airy summer getaway with a killer patio. The brunch menu is special over the weekends, but their dinner items – and Mid-Atlantic delicacies – are available all day.
Without flinching, or really looking further than the first two menu items, we ordered the pastry board and half a dozen oysters. If the meal started well on this front, we would have every bit of confidence the rest would match up. The oysters were great: ice-cold, smooth, salty, clean, and so fresh they didn’t even need that pop of acidity (though quality vinegar is always a friend of ours).
The pastry board wasn’t overly glutenous and included a beautiful array of pastries with different flavor profiles. If nothing else, the board demonstrated some serious talent for Shilling’s pastry program. This included the best English muffin we’ve ever had, a homestyle, fluffy cinnamon roll, and a doughnut filled with apple butter. Safe to say the entire board was devoured and set the bar really high for the mains.
For the table, we had some deviled eggs – a legitimate test of cuisine, considering it’s pretty much on every D.C. brunch menu we encounter. The egg white divot was filled with a ham salad and topped with a classic deviled egg filling seasoned with shallots, paprika, and chives. A little bit of a heartier, less mayonnaise-forward deviled egg, the Shilling rendition should be a role model for the other aspiring eggs out there.
For mains, we ordered eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, and pork belly. The benny was served with an incredibly light, peppery hollandaise that was soaked up by that same, perfect English muffin. The perfectly cooked, fresh egg yolk added lickable qualities to the sauce, bread, and finely sliced (almost prosciutto-thin) ham. This was a top contender for the eggs Benedict we all know and love; no need to stray from tradition here.
The pork belly was nested beneath stringy fried potatoes and scrambled eggs with parsnip purée. The pork was glazed in maple and was the perfect amount of fatty and meaty to satisfy our bacon desires. The purée was creamy, but the parsnip added some needed bitterness to ground the dish of all its decadence. Since our visit, we’ve spent many cold winter mornings craving this dish.
The last main we enjoyed was steak and eggs. The grilled bavette was just that: cooked medium and with the right amount of chew, the steak was easy to eat and fun to dip in a combination of runny yolk and indulgent marsala sauce. The dish also came with cremini mushrooms and a tossed kale salad. Two vegetables and two proteins came together in one beautiful presentation.
For dessert, we opted for an apple cake and corn cake topped with peanut brittle. There was lots to be impressed with here. Both cakes were moist and not overly sweet and topped with the right amount of buttercream (so as not to overwhelm the palette). We don’t often order a dessert after brunch, but at Shilling, we did it twice. Whatever they’re throwing at you, (it will change seasonally), get your catcher’s mitt ready. It’s worth it to save room.
The skill, freshness, and atmosphere of Shilling Canning Company are worth the price tag.
Shilling Canning Company serves brunch on Sundays starting at 11:00 a.m.
]]>Upon entering City Winery on a rainy Sunday …
]]>Upon entering City Winery on a rainy Sunday morning with my friend Cat, I was greeted by the hostess and was informed that there would be a live band that morning and every Sunday morning during brunch. It was still early, so they hadn’t started jammin’ yet, but our table had the perfect view.
It is a crime to enjoy a meal at at a winery and not order wine… so we started with a flight! I wanted a nice variety, so I went with the classic CW flight. It included Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay, Rooftop Rosé and Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Being able to enjoy a selection of white, rosé, and red at the same time was the perfect taste of what City Winery is known for.
For food options, there is a wide variety of savory, sweet, and healthy choices. They also have options for those who are vegan and/or gluten-free. I had a hard time deciding what to order. I was stuck between the poke bowl, the burrata, and the avocado toast. They were all technically starters, but I was in the mood for something on the lighter side… until I caved and decided I also needed the brioche French toast. I knew the burrata would be quick so that would hold us over until out meals were prepared. I went with the poke bowl, and Cat ordered the Maine lobster brie omelet. We both agreed to share the French toast as an extra. Yes, a lot of food… but we were being entertained with some wonderful live music so we planned to spend a couple of hours there.
Served with chunks of roasted beets, watercress and a balsamic reduction. The burrata was large enough for four to share. Cat and I both agreed that this starter would have packed more of a punch if it was served with pieces of toasted ciabatta. But with the volume of food we had coming, the ball of cheese was delightful on its own.
The lobster omelet was served with exceptionally large pieces of lobster and a touch of brie. On the side, there were adobo potatoes and some greens. I was shocked by the serving of lobster that was included in this dish, and would recommend this for anyone who would like a taste of New England first thing in the morning.
The poke bowl was a perfect option for a lighter dish with plenty of macronutrients. Raw tuna, quinoa, kale, carrot, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and a sesame ginger vinaigrette in a bowl. The dressing was light, but I felt like I was giving my body some love by eating so many greens before 11! I would have loved to add some soy sauce to this bowl, but it is the perfect option if you are looking for something light or plan on devouring some French toast after.
I love having a special guest at the table, and by special guest I mean an extra meal. It is usually something sweet, and for brunch I like it to act as a dessert. The brioche French toast was this Sunday’s special guest, and it was warm and sweet. The brioche bread keeps the French toast lighter and maintains a rich texture. I wished there was a bigger portion of whipped cream on top but enjoyed the fresh berries.
The best part of this entire meal was the live music that was performed right in front of our table. The musician Alex2e performed his original music and a variety of covers. The crowd was a mix of couples, friends, and a couple of larger groups. Everyone was lively and the aroma of fermenting grapes did not waiver. When the waitress brought over the dessert menu, I thought I could not possibly have another bite of food. But when the live music started playing after a break, Cat and I looked at each other and I knew we were mentally agreeing on another round.
We ordered a pop fizz brunch (make your own mimosa) and the gluten free apple crisp. I was thrilled that this dessert was served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. The granola on top of the warm, cinnamon-coated apple chunks was the perfect touch after a couple of hours at City Winery. The full bottle of champagne arrived with a cranberry, orange, grapefruit, and passionfruit juice. I added a dash of cranberry and grapefruit to my first glass and tested out a couple other combinations.
I would highly recommend visiting for brunch, a concert, or a wine tasting at City Winery’s Boston location. I was shocked after taking a quick tour of the facility to learn that not only does this location produce their own wine, it is also a location for concerts, private parties, weddings, wine storage, and more.
City Winery is Boston’s prime location to enjoy live music while sipping wine and enjoying your choice of sweet, savory, or healthy bunch picks.
City Winery Boston is open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
]]>The interior is adorned with velvet club chairs, art, and a strong mid-century vibe. It’s not too big, so I wouldn’t recommend it for a fifteen person birthday brunch, but a family of eight nearby had plenty of space. A kitchen area is also exposed so nosy brunchers like me can get a glimpse behind the scenes. I was grateful they offered to host me and a guest for brunch.
Ten Hope offers an amazing boozy deal with unlimited mimosas, bloody Marys, or screwdrivers for $15 per person. In New York this is a steal, but it you’re not feeling that boozy, ordering a single mimosa is certainly worth your money. They are strong and come with my favorite fresh squeezed orange juice (barely any pulp! A delightful rarity). Tommy, my brunch date, stuck to the fresh squeezed and coffee. Both got the seal of approval from him too.
My husband Mike and I arrived at the huge Irish pub style dive bar behind Fenway Park amidst a slew of rowdy pub-crawlers. This dimly lit pub with dark wood and an expansive bar is a go-to spot after a Red Sox game for the live music scene, but this Saturday afternoon I welcomed the suggestion to sit in a more secluded back room away from the frenzy of the main bar.
The hot chocolate bar was set up nearby, so we grabbed some mugs and began to take our hot chocolate to the next level. The display was stocked with whipped cream, candy canes, multi-colored marshmallows, and festive sprinkles that we took full advantage of. To add a shot of alcohol, you had to venture to the main bar for an added fee. I chose Baileys for a classic twist, and Mike opted for a shot of bourbon. A few sips later and sporting some whipped cream mustaches, we chatted about how we enjoyed the interactive concept and plethora of toppings and were surprised that only a few others were taking advantage of the event.
In true Irish pub fashion, we decided to order some additional drinks. Mike enjoyed the Lansdowne ice, which was a well-proportioned mix of Jameson, Kahlúa, cold brew iced coffee, and Irish cream. I ordered the pomegranate mimosa which had a festive, deep berry color and the pomegranate juice and ginger simple syrup complemented the Champagne nicely without being too overpowering.
As a starter we decided to share the apple crumble pancakes. These dessert-like pancakes arrived swimming in a cinnamon sugar-type glaze and were topped with a mound of sautéed apples and a sprinkle of oatmeal cinnamon streusel. We couldn’t wait to dig in, but unfortunately we found that the pancakes were overcooked and some of the apples were crunchy and under-cooked.
We went the savory route next. The waitress assured me the two eggs any style dish was visually pleasing for photos (she clearly knows us well), so I ordered two eggs over medium with home fries, toast, and ham that came out looking photo-ready. The eggs were cooked with just a slightly runny yolk. I layered them atop the toast and grilled ham slice. While the home fries on the side weren’t the best I had ever had, they also weren’t the worst, so I’d give them a solid five out of ten.
Mike ordered the four-ounce breakfast burger topped with a fried egg and cheese on a butter toasted bun, which, as a self-proclaimed burger connoisseur, he found underwhelming – especially for a pub. The burger was super thin, and not in the good In-N-Out Burger way, so the meat-to-bread ratio was way off. But it didn’t stop him from washing it down with yet another fully loaded hot chocolate.
The Lansdowne Pub in Fenway is a good venue for a pub crawl or post-game drink with its expansive bar, tasty cocktails and festive events, but if you’re looking to be wowed by the brunch I would keep searching.
The Lansdowne Pub serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
]]>The restaurant has a classic New York feel to it, reminiscent of The Smith with leather banquettes, black and while tile floors, exposed brick, and plenty of plants and greenery. The tables are well-spaced and no one appeared to be crowded. It was also, to my pleasant surprise, decorated for the holidays!
My sister and I began with a coffee (served with steamed milk!), and – though there wasn’t a specific brunch cocktail menu – the bartender had no problem whipping up a classic Bellini for Emily. I stayed on book and chose from their extensive cocktail menu, sampling the “rising sun.” In addition to being beautiful, my vodka cocktail was light, lemon-y, and refreshing – a perfect contrast to my coffee.
As an appetizer (again, there’s no separate section on the menu, but we made do), the waiter recommended the burrata and tomato salad, and it did not disappoint. My sister and I were originally skeptical that the burrata didn’t ooze when sliced, but the contrast of salty and sweet quickly changed our tunes. It was served with a balsamic reduction and strawberries and was so delicious and creamy it should have been a dessert.
We also had a side of fingerling potatoes, which were well-roasted and all-around a bit heavy on the rosemary but still very good. They were a nice hearty contrast to the lighter salad app.
For an entrée, I ordered (as always) the pancakes. At The Consulate, they serve blueberry cast iron pancakes with Vermont organic maple syrup and whipped creme fraiche. They had a cake-y consistency that I really enjoyed, with a slight crumble to them. Thankfully, the syrup and cream held everything together perfectly. These are definitely not the kind of pancakes you would make at home.
My sister ordered the Croque Monsieur, which we both agreed seemed more Italian than French. Perhaps it was because the ham felt closer to a pepperoni, but neither of us were complaining. The house-made Béchamel was creamy and not too overwhelming or soupy (a complaint I often have about these sandwiches).
Overall, my sister and I both left full and satisfied, and we would be happy to return again for dinner.
Best Overall: All-Purpose Shaw
We recommend brunch at All-Purpose to everyone and anyone who asks. It’s as simple as that. Amazing, casual food with delightful accommodations at an affordable price point. It can be as rowdy or as family-friendly as you want it to be. You’ll leave full, you’ll leave happy, and you’ll find yourself recommending it to everyone you know. Read the review here.
All-Purpose, 1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 849-6174
Best Party Brunch: 12 Stories
The best spot for a party brunch is – of course – one with visually stunning cocktails! That’s one of the many reasons we love 12 Stories. Another is their commitment to making everything in-house. This large-format brunch spot is fun, and brunch is their strong suit. Read the review, here.
12 Stories, 75 District Square SW 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. (202) 894-9700
Most Family-Friendly: Olivia
It’s easy to miss Olivia amidst the hubbub of Gallery Place street performers and crowds flocking to and from the arena and portrait gallery. Olivia has approachable, upscale Mediterranean cuisine that tackles brunch in a refined fashion. Olivia makes the list thanks to their beautiful presentations, interesting ingredients, and welcoming staff. Read the review, here.
Olivia, 800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 347-4667
Best International Cuisine: Chiko
Chiko makes Chinese comfort food into a brunch staple with fresh, funky street food we didn’t know we could wake up craving. Between their saucy egg sandwiches on pillowy rolls and hearty rice bowls filled with fermented fix-ins, let’s just say our brunch desires have matured some in 2019. Read the review, here.
Chiko, 423 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. (202) 558-9934
Best Fancy Vibes: Shilling Canning Company
The pride for MidAtlantic cuisine is on the rise and Shilling Canning Company is at the forefront of the movement. Locally sourced ingredients and nostalgic, home-style flavors from the DMV’s farms and coastlines create a dynamic brunch experience that’s perfect year-round. Shilling is beyond a typical oyster bar or surf and turf vibe: it’s an elegant and comfortable eatery that brings creativity to our favorite brunch classics.
Shilling Canning Company, 360 Water St SE, Washington, D.C. (202) 554-7474
Best View: Hank’s Oyster Bar
When we finally got around to visiting the new Hank’s Oyster Bar at the Wharf, it wasn’t new anymore. But Hank’s is offering the same old oyster specials and large-format brunch deliciousness as its other iconic locations, but with a fresher and more vibrant feel. We trust the experienced team behind Hanks to give us some of the freshest seafood and the greatest hospitality in the city. Read the review, here.
Hank’s Oyster Bar, 701 Wharf St SW, Washington, D.C. (202) 817-3055
Best Aesthetic: Brasserie Liberté
“Casual,” “not crazy costly,” and “French” are words that we don’t often find in the same sentence when describing D.C. restaurants. At Brasserie Liberté, there’s a thoughtful charm in every decorative detail, creating a calming ambiance for this Georgetown hideaway. It’s the perfect environment to enjoy a Sunday morning Benedict. Read the review, here.
Brasserie Liberté, 3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 878-8404
Best Classic Brunch: Mintwood Place
Mintwood Place is one of the Obamas’ favorite spots in D.C., and this year it’s one of ours too. The Adams Morgan brasserie has still got the magic touch. Delicious burgers, frites, cocktails, and a constantly happening atmosphere make Mintwood Place the ultimate classic brunch destination. Read the review, here.
Mintwood Place, 1813 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 234-6732
Best VA Brunch: Punch Bowl Social
A spread of options for the health-conscious, sober friend, or seasoned bruncher, Punch Bowl Social Arlington is the newest spot to see and be seen. D.C. diners take note: they’re opening a second location in Navy Yard at the end of this year. Read the review, here.
Punch Bowl Social, 4238 Wilson Blvd Ste. 1180, Arlington, VA (571) 297-7640
Best Group Brunch: Boqueria Penn Quarter
Boqueria has had our back this year. Whether it was for large birthday dinners, awkward bumble date happy hours, or legendary bottomless brunches, we are confident that their latest expansion in D.C.’s Penn Quarter was the right move. The vibe, libations, and sharable plates are celebration-driven without being too wild for comfort. Read the review, here.
Boqueria Penn Quarter, 777 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 552-3268
Best Date Brunch: The Pembroke
Dupont’s Pembroke is one of the most aesthetically pleasing brunch spots in D.C. This wall-to-wall windowed spot is a lively, centrally located restaurant with creative plates and cocktails that are nothing shy of perfection. Read the review, here.
The Pembroke, 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 448-4302
Most Unique Brunch: Mola
There’s a reason that Mola earned back-to-back mentions on D.C.’s Bib Gourmand list, and we would be remiss if we didn’t salute Micky, Erin, and their supportive team of female superstars! The underrated tapas joint could give Barcelona a run for its money. Read the review, here.
Mola, 3155 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 849-3247
My college roommate Ginna was in town for a couple days, and we couldn’t pass up The St. Regis’ invitation to partake in their Christmas Champagne brunch. A combination of buffet-style and menu options, there’s something for everyone and you must take a lap before loading your plate.
Ginna and I began the afternoon with blood orange mimosas, which are made tableside. Fresh is the theme at The St. Regis! You could distinctly taste the tartness of the orange as well as the Champagne’s sweet aftertaste. Our server, Nikolai, was incredibly helpful in explaining the many options available in their extensive buffet spread.
As you walk into Alhambra, cold cuts and fresh seafood greet you, including a huge raw bar. As Ginna and I caught up and discussed plans for her visit, we filled our stomachs with oysters, cheese, and prosciutto. Before diving into more of the buffet, we opted to each order something from the menu. Seeing as I’ve never met a plate of chicken and waffles I didn’t like, I ordered my favorite brunch meal, while Ginna opted for the lobster Benedict.
When it comes to presentation, the St. Regis is in a class of its own. The lobster Benedict looked like a piece of art, perfectly plated and accented with part of the lobster shell. It was fresh, moist, and savory. There was more hollandaise sauce than we needed, but there’s never a downside to too much hollandaise.
Meanwhile, my chicken and waffles were incredible. The chicken is fried twice, but that doesn’t add any unnecessary grease. Topped with a light coating of sauce, it gives the dish some heat but doesn’t drown out the sweet taste of the waffles. We quickly wolfed both of those down and set our sights back on the buffet.
Highlights of the buffet included butternut squash casserole and Spanish omelets. Both rich but not heavy, the casserole was topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs. The tortilla was generously stacked with potato, egg, and herbs, nicely browned with crisp edges.
As we enjoyed this part of our meal, we decided to make the signature Bloody Mary our second cocktail. The mix is made in house, and comes with a twist. Instead of vodka, the team at the St. Regis uses gin as the spirit of choice. Truth be told, I’m shocked this hasn’t be done before. Gin gives it a holiday twist, with a woodsy aftertaste.
Dessert was so extravagant. I promise you’ll have a difficult time deciding on what to get. Cannolis, profiteroles, mini cheesecakes oh my! I grabbed nearly one of everything. Ginna is gluten-free and was still pleased with the number of desserts she could enjoy.
After an impressive meal, we were delightfully serenaded by an acoustic guitarist playing holiday hits and some top-40 numbers. The St. Regis is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
The St. Regis continues to be a measure of opulence in the D.C., and they always pass with flying colors.
The Christmas Champagne brunch occurs every Sunday through the month of December.
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Photo courtesy of Mercat de la Planxa
There are many different spaces to enjoy yourself in Mercat. You enter the restaurant in a raised area containing the bar, an open kitchen, some seating, and a semi-private round table. A small staircase (there is also a ramp) takes you down to a pit-like space with more tables and several booths. The layout is meant to mimic the open markets of Barcelona and many terraces found throughout Park Güell. There is even a private room on an upper level with a small balcony to overlook the entire restaurant. Jackie and I were led into the lower seating area, to a booth by the window.
All brunches start with drinks, and Jackie and I were ready to imbibe! Mercat has a great selection of brunch beverages as well as a full cocktail menu. We started with the brunch “morning thyme” that mixes a Spanish sparkling wine with limoncello and thyme. This is a strong drink, and we highly recommend! The thyme balances the strong flavor from the limoncello, making it really smooth and easy to enjoy. It was sparkling, festive, and highly Instagrammable. Jackie tried the red sangria from the regular drink menu, which was flavorful with just the right amount of sweetness. I moved on to the Bellini of the day, which on my visit contained blood orange. I’m a sucker for blood orange beverages, and this was a refreshing follow up to the limoncello.
We selected a couple of tapas dishes to start. Our favorite were the cheese croquettes, because… duh. They were perfectly crispy on the outside, with a creamy, smokey cheese on the inside. The small dollop of pepper aioli on top of each added a little kick to each bite. The were packed with flavor and melted in your mouth. The bacon-wrapped dates were also a hit, but it’s hard to compete with cheese. The saltiness from the bacon balanced the sweetness of the dates. The Marcona almond in the center was a small but important detail that added crunch and depth of flavor to this perfect little bite. The best part was the creamy blue cheese drizzle on top. We would have liked the bacon to be slightly crispier, but all around, it was a great start to the meal!
Moving on to entrées; the first dish to come out was the Mercat Benedict, which is a few levels more delicious than traditional Benedict. This Benedict replaces the English muffin with brioche, is topped with chorizo, and – most importantly – comes drenched in a creamy truffle hollandaise. The truffle is to die for. The brioche theme continued to the French toast dish. What I loved most about this is the fact that they cut off the crust from the bread. Everyone knows the French toast flavor doesn’t stand out as much in the crust, and I love that Mercat took that into account for ultimate enjoyment.
We continued our Catalonian journey with the “tortilla de samo,” which is essentially an omelet with thin cut potatoes folded in. Topped with smoked salmon and capers, this was a more savory egg dish with smokey and olive-y notes.
The final entrée we tried was the Mercat griddle burger, which we found to be incredibly juicy. The onion jam added a hint of sweetness and the blue cheese was a surprise choice, but toned down that sweetness with savory, robust flavor. The crispy fries are always welcome, especially with aioli.
Jackie and I wrapped up our meal with “turron ice cream bon bons” for dessert. We loved the texture of these, with a little crunch from the Rice Krispies base, a creamy ice cream center, and a rich chocolate exterior.
Mercat de la Planxa provides delicious food with a Spanish flair. Definitely check this place out if you’re in the South Loop!
Mercat de la Planxa serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
]]>First, let’s cover the basics. There are five key components to a charcuterie board: cheese (naturally), bread/crackers, meats, fruits/nuts, and the board itself.
Step 1: Select your board. Size and material are important here. Consider your budget and how much room you will be able to fill. Slate, Marble, and wood are always great material options. You can get really fancy with the shape of the board, or it can be as simple as using a nice quality cutting board! I also find it’s super helpful to have small bowls on hand to hold nuts, spreads, or fruit.
Step 2: Select your cheese. Depending on your budget, you should make sure you have a good variety of soft, semi-soft, crumbly, and hard cheeses, with a good mix of milk types and colors. Consider cheeses like brie, cheddar, gouda, Havarti, mozzarella, blue, etc.
Step 3: Select your meats. Classic salami is always a great choice here, but any of the following options work: sweet sopressata, pepperoni, prosciutto, spicy salami, or any other type of cured meat.
Step 4: Add some crackers. This can be as basic as water crackers as fancy as fresh baked bread. The grocery store has plenty of options and seasonings. I personally like to stay simple with my crackers and let the cheese and meat speak for itself, but I won’t turn down a cracked pepper cracker!
Step 5: Add fruits and garnishes. This is where you can go crazy (if you haven’t already). Fresh fruit, fruit spreads, dried fruit, you name it. Here are some options to add color and variety to your board:
Step 6: Arrange your board! I like to start by placing the cheese and filling in everything around it. You can make your board look super full, or space things out a little and save some of your food to refill throughout the party. I like to leave a little bit of room because I find that food ends up getting knocked off the board when it’s super full.
Now let’s talk budget.
$25 Budget:
For $25, you have to stay really focused on your budget – but this is doable! We suggest spending your money in the following way:
Two types of cheese should do the trick here; one soft (like a brie) and one hard (a classic cheddar is perfect and within budget). Your guests are bound to enjoy one of these two cheese options. Stick to basic water crackers for this display – they are classic and the perfect tool to deliver cheesy goodness to your belly. Make sure you have at least one meat, I would look for a small variety pack of meats at the grocery store to stay within budget! Stay simple with the fruit and nuts to stay within budget – we went with grapes and pecans.
$50 Budget:
To me, this is the ideal budget. You can splurge a little on a really nice cheese, while still offering a variety of fruit and meat pairings.
Yes, we spent almost half of our budget on cheese, but we got four different kinds! A really nice, soft, brie-like cheese, goat cheese, gouda, and an aged alpine cheese. Slightly fancier crackers, multiple types of meat, and slightly fancier fruits and spreads are attainable at this budget.
$100 Budget:
Maybe this is a little overboard for meat and cheese, but if you’re planning a large party, this is where you should aim. A budget of $100 can get you five or six different cheeses, three quality cured meat options, and plenty of accoutrements (also, you start acting really fancy and use big words – results may vary).
You can get a little more specific with your cheeses here. For example, instead of just getting gouda, maybe try an aged gouda that’s slightly more nutty. We tried a super fancy, 10-year cheddar for our board. We added fresh bread to this board, which is a great option for soft cheeses, and we splurged on the Marcona almonds.
So get fancy this holiday season and impress your guests, no matter what budget you’re working with! Happy holidays and happy cheese-eating season.
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