The Burren's Brunch

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Wanting a change of pace from our usual Ball Square brunch haunts, beowabbit and I tried brunch at The Burren for the first time on Saturday. I always forget it's among the brunch options here, and I think a lot of other people do too because it was almost entirely empty at an hour when there are lines at Soundbites and Kelly's. I can report that we had a very satisfying meal.



I got the banana pancakes, which had the bananas cooked in with the pancake batter (I prefer that to having the fruit as topping). They cooked my bacon exactly as I requested -- crisp enough to shatter. My dashing companion went for the Full Irish Breakfast, minus the grilled tomatoes. His plate consisted of two Irish rashers, two Irish sausages, black and white pudding, two eggs cooked to order, baked beans and home fries. For those who will eat those puddings, which is a category that doesn't include me, it's a meat lover's breakfast. Their bar is open at brunch, and although we didn't have a pint of Guinness with the meal, the option is there.

The rest of the menu was just American breakfast basics, but all the standards are there -- omlettes, french toast, pancakes, steak & eggs, etc. They do have a children's menu.

The only non-plus is that it's quite dark in there. If you can grab a table near the window, you're all set. Interior seating would have made me wish for a flashlight to read the menu, but perhaps one's eyes eventually adjust from the bright noontime sun outside. What I liked though was having plenty of elbow room and no wait. We got to sit at a 4-top even though there were only two of us, which is always a nice little luxury.

So, thumbs up if you're looking to avoid lines, and you have night vision! :-)

Comments

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I like the Irish breakfast with tomato and without beans, myself. Theirs is fairly good. Particularly after a night of heavy drinking. Haven't done either the heavy drinking or the Irish breakfast in quite a while, though.

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

The Burren also has a yummy potato/veggie burger for the veggies out there. And frequent great music, of course.

Also, if you've never had brunch at Namaskar, I highly recommend that as well, though it won't suit folks looking for the standard American fare.

As for the lighting in The Burren, I think you may be showing your age here, babe. *ducks and runs* 8)

[ron_newman]

Gargoyles also has Sunday brunch, with a variety of mimosas. However, I find the 'disco' theme annoying and unnecessary.

[vanguardcdk.livejournal.com]

I really like The Burren for lunch. The food is good, nice decor and I've never had a problem getting seat. :)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Hey, whatcha eating under there?

[tsuki-no-bara.livejournal.com]

what does namaskar have for brunch?

Indian breakfast

[nora-rocket.livejournal.com]

**fingers crossed for idli with sambar, fingers crossed for idli with sambar**

Re: Indian breakfast

[nora-rocket.livejournal.com]

Idli AND vadas with sambar! Heaven. Hope it's on the brunch buffet...

http://www.namaskar-cuisine.com/sind.html

[derekp.livejournal.com]

I've tried the brunch twice. Both times the food was great, but the service was absolutely atrocious. The crowd was sparse at best but the waitresses were still completely inattentive.

They have great lunch food and I have had MUCH better service then.

Re: Indian breakfast

[mrboboto.livejournal.com]

Namaskar is some of the best Indian food in the city- it's criminally under-appreciated. Much better, and much less flashy, than Diva down the street. The excellent S. Indian fare is a bonus, too.

[rethcir.livejournal.com]

In the past I had decried boloco, but I can now say that I am thoroughly addicted to their breakfast burritos. Best hangover cure evar.

Re: Indian breakfast

[teko.livejournal.com]

My only complaint about Namaskar seems like whining, but honestly... if you were designing an Indian restaurant and serving a lot of curries, would you install blue lights to shine on all the food to make it a nasty swampy green color?