 |
We love to brunch—and, thankfully for us, the opportunities to engage in this cherished weekend tradition continue to morph and multiply. Special occasion implications abound when it comes to this favorite culinary pastime, and for many of us, one of the best things about brunch is the frequent availability of adult beverages.
It’s been a tough few months for our dining critics at the Town Dish, who went about the not-so-arduous task of “sampling” the best brunch options our region has to offer. (See “16 Reasons to Brunch,” page 46.) And while they were at it, we had them compile a short list of the area’s top purveyors of brunch-centric cocktails. Here’s what they came up with.
El Poquito. Favorites like huevos rancheros and avocado toast complement a smokin’ cocktail menu that includes the Lux, with Siembra Valles High
Proof tequila, Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire and fresh-squeezed lime.
8201 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill, (267) 766-5372, www.elpoquito.com.
Paramour. The house-made heirloom-tomato mix and an array of sauces, spices and garnishes are a veritable dream come true for Bloody Mary lovers. Pair one (or two) with menu highlights like pan-seared crab cakes, the French-toast croque madame, or a lobster roll.
139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 977-0600, www.paramourwayne.com.
The Radnor Hotel. No one does Sunday champagne brunch better. Standouts include poached salmon chaud-froid, cheese blintzes with seasonal fruit sauces, corned beef hash, made-to-order omelets, and fresh waffles. Immerse yourself in the classical piano while you savor the view of the formal gardens.
591 E. Lancaster Ave., St. Davids, (610) 341-3188, www.radnorhotel.com.
Roots Café. Call it “farm to glass.” Fresh, local and organic doesn’t end with the food at this brunch favorite on downtown West Chester’s main drag. Local spirits like Bluebird Distilling’s Sugarcane Rum are incorporated into mouthwatering cocktails like the Sour Sugarcane Smash, with mint, Chambord and Amarena cherries. Vegetarians will love the ratatouille omelet, while porcine aficionados should zero in on the smoked pork belly.
133 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 455-0100, www.rootscafewc.com.
White Dog Cafe. White Dog’s Wayne location is well known for its convivial ambiance and farm-fresh cuisine. It’s also a favorite for brunch cocktails. Our pick is the Bayhound, an aggressively savory Bloody Mary featuring Philadelphia Distilling’s “The Bay” Seasoned Vodka, a trio of stuffed olives and spicy Epic Pickles.
200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-3700, www.whitedog.com.
Check out the rest of our brunch picks in this month’s cover story. There’s enough great stuff to keep you busy through the fall dining season—and beyond.
