We set out for brunch at Toast about 11:30 yesterday morning. The place was packed when we got in, and there was a 30-35 minute wait, so we decided to seek more instant gratification elsewhere. (Don't worry, Toast - we'll be back soon!) BTW, the hostess helpfully informed us that on the weekend, they are usually on a wait from about 9:30 AM until 1:30 PM.
An aside here: on our way back to the car, we wandered into this little store just west of Toast on the same side of Market St. It's a lamp/curio store called "Ray of Light", and I'm ashamed to say I never noticed it there before, although the guy told us he's been there almost 3 years! We were drawn to the place because it has a window full of blown-glass spring blossoms right now. Very colorful. Great store, definitely recommended if you're shopping for a unique lamp or gift.
And then I remembered Melillo's new Saturday brunch! Literally, like - two blocks away. Hooray!
Table for two, no waiting at all. The brunch menu makes everything sound so good, it's challenging to make your decision. So, naturally, I had to throw a wrench in the works and ask for their rice ball appetizer, which isn't on the brunch menu. I remember reading about it here on the forum and I've wanted to try them ever since. Our server just checked with the kitchen and they were happy to oblige. Giant balls of rice and cheese, stuffed with marinara and vegetables (and more cheese) and then deep-fried? It almost goes without saying, but I'll say it - delicious.
Besides the risotto balls, we ordered Eggs Benedict and french toast, fried potatoes (yummy,
well-seasoned potatoes. So many places under-season potatoes...). Michelle, that Eggs Benedict oughta be against the law! I counted five poached eggs on my plate (afloat on a pool of buttery hollandaise, on top of crispy pancetta which was itself on top of some crazy-good english muffin thing...). That's right, I said it - FIVE! LOL - I was guiltily looking over my shoulder to make sure my doctor wasn't in the room. Of course, we had to take half of it home. I've heard about Melillo's generous portions before, but
wow. I was sad I didn't have room for zeppoles. Too bad. I guess that means I'll have to go back.
If you haven't been to Melillo's, stop putting it off. The atmosphere is so warm and charming, it's like eating a meal with your family all around you. And I dare anyone to walk away from there hungry. We were laughing because we stepped in to the adjacent Bodega and made a sort of languid pass through the store without being able to muster the enthusiasm to buy any food. We wondered if they get a constant stream of well-sated "tourists" rolling out of Melillo's, stomachs full, just checking them out without buying anything. It's a nice store, though. They have a lot of merchandise packed into a small-ish space without any feeling of clutter. Huge beer selection.
We can't wait to go back to Melillo's for dinner. Or brunch again.