Russell House Tavern

This was an awesome meal which made for a perfect Sunday. Last weekend, my cousin Amy treated me to brunch after seeing the incredibly Tavi Gevinson speak at the Brattle Theater in Cambridge.

We started off brunch with a half-dozen oysters. We got half Chatham oysters and half Wellfleets which were served with a Sweet Pickle Mignonette and Old Bay Cocktail Sauce (also some Tabasco when you ask nicely).

Half-dozen Chatham and Wellfleet oysters

I don’t know how to talk about oysters and what qualifies a prime oyster, because I’m just an 18-year-old dilettante of food critique. However, I do know what I do and do not like in oysters so I’ll tell you about these based on that. The Wellfleets were meat-y, tender, salty, but it didn’t feel like you were drinking straight up salt water. With a squeeze of lemon, some Old Bay cocktail sauce and a few drops of Tabasco, they were just how I like my oysters. These were my favorite. The Chatham’s were bigger and brinier compared to the Wellfleets. They weren’t my kind of oyster, but with some cocktail sauce and tabasco on top, I nonetheless greatly enjoyed them!

 

Alright and now for the main course…

Stuffed Brioche French Toast

Now what was this glorious stack of Brioche french toast stuffed with?

Nutella and candied hazelnuts.

And what is that topping the french toast?

Oh, just some torched bananas, powdered sugar and real maple syrup.

Was this dish amazing?

Yes, yes, YES!

I almost never order a sweet brunch dish. This dish looked too good to pass up though (well, and I got a side of bacon too which was also delicious), and I am so glad I ordered it. The crusty was chewy and the center melted in your mouth. The bananas added great flavor and I loved the crunch of the hazelnuts to add some varied texture.

 

When you ask for recommendations for brunch places in Boston, Russell House Tavern will always be named and for good reason. If you’re in town, make a reservation and visit for a brunch you can trust.

And now for some behind the scenes of me being that ridiculous person who takes pictures of everything she eats courtesy of wonderful cousin.

Obviously, I make dining out very fun.

Until next time! Xx

Breakfast and Brownstones

On Sunday, one of my roommates and I woke up before the college student sunrise (noon) and walked less than a half mile around the corner from our dorm to Mike and Patty’s.

Nestled into the corner of Fayette Street and Church Street, Mike and Patty’s is a 175-square foot restaurant known for their incredible brunch sandwiches which attract crowds. On this Sunday, they didn’t disappoint.

I expected there to be a line around the block, but we were pleasantly surprised to find the sidewalks of the neighborhood empty and two (out of the four) seats inside available.

I ordered the sandwich they are most known for, the Fancy. The Fancy has two fried eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, red onions and house-mayo on toasted multigrain bread.

This aerial shot doesn’t do it justice.

There we go.

Like come on.

This was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I have ever had. The bacon was thick-cut and applewood smoked. The egg was perfect (whites hard, yolk runny). The avocado was creamy and the red onion added a nice bite. Plus, the housemade mayo was flavorful without weighing down the sandwich. And in my opinion if you want to take this sandwich to the next level, add a drizzle of sriracha. In short, A++.

My roommate ordered the Jerry Jam (White bean hummus, spiced sweet potato, roasted cauliflower, roasted tomatoes, curried & carmelized onions, honey whipped ricotta, sprouts and green goddess on rosemary focaccia) minus the tomatoes and ricotta. She said it was also great. I stole a bite of one of the roasted sweet potatoes off the sandwich, and I could have eaten an entire plate of just those.

Breakfast at Mike and Patty’s was absolutely delicious, and the location itself had charm. The staff was friendly and helpful. Despite the small space, they even encouraged us to stay and eat there. With this view, we couldn’t say no.

Price wise, for a breakfast sandwich and small coffee it was between $12 and $13 so breakfast isn’t necessarily cheap. For my roommate and I, we didn’t mind the price since we have it in our budget to eat out once or twice a week. It makes all those dining hall meals worth it when you treat yourself on the weekend.

So if you find yourself looking for a breakfast place in Boston, visit Mike and Patty’s and take a stroll around the brownstone lined streets. In this Fall weather, it makes for a dreamy morning.

See ya next time! Xx