HFL's Restaurant Hot List: May
It's Mother's Day back in the states and I always think brunch and Mamas go hand in hand. So here are the "Top 5 Brunch Spots I'm Dying to Try" this month.
Mmm brunch, what a delicious sounding word with some many different meanings to all sorts of different people. Some like to begin with traditional breakfast foods then gradually transition into lunch items. Some prefer to completely mix things up by ordering fried chicken along side their poached eggs. There are also some that start small with fruits and pastries while others have the "go big or go home" mentality. Let's face it, no rules apply to brunch, which is precisely what makes it so very special.
To me, brunch is a late breakfast in which I rarely dabble into lunch. Who can be bothered with sandwiches or fries when there are omelettes, benedicts and waffles to be had? I also believe deep in my soul that you can't rush through a brunch. It should take hours to nibble your way through hash browns, coffee cakes and quiches. But above all, no brunch is complete without cocktails and champagne, the more bottomless the better. To celebrate Mother's Day, I've picked out the Top 5 restaurants I wish I could go to with my wonderful Mom a.k.a. Mama Judes.
1) Where the Pancakes Are
I always find it funny when folks around here say "American Pancakes" because to me they are simply pancakes. Never a dull moment living abroad. Anywho, Where the Pancakes Are, located in Flat Iron Square, dish out fluffy goodness all day, every day. On the menu, are buttermilk pancakes with fried eggs, some with an assortment of berries, even stacks with sea salted caramel sauce. The toppings and combinations are seemingly endless. You'll notice, to the right of the menu, there is a column dedicated to dutch babies and truth be told I've never eaten them before. Gasp! I have always wanted to try one because they are so grand and impressive, but I usually never make it past the omelette section of a breakfast menu. So, you've heard it hear first, if I ever make it to Where the Pancakes Are the bramley & cox apple dutch baby is what I'll be ordering.
https://wherethepancakesare.com/
Arch 35a, 85a Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0NQ
2) Abuelo
At Abuelo it is all about family, comfort and togetherness. My kind of establishment. The food bridges the gap between Australia and Argentina, offering dishes like the Basic Bondi (avocado toast) and Huevos divorciados de Turco (similar to huevos rancheros). I have my sights set on the cleverly named Sloppy José which takes brioche, empanada filling and quail eggs to new heights. I'm also really digging Abuelo's alcohol menu that features spiked coffee, espresso martinis and a rosemary bellini. The Dulce Fuego is calling my name because of two beautiful words in the description. Pear. Puree. Oh and by the way, if you're super into specialty coffee, unique beans and teas you have to check this place out.
26 Southampton St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7RS
3) Christopher's
Situated in one of Covent Garden's oldest buildings, Christopher's comes across pretty dang swanky but their weekend brunch is as down-home as it gets with hotcakes, corn beef hash and steak & eggs. Imagine the Great Gatsby set in Texas. I'm talking art deco meets wholesome cooking. And do want to know what the best part about Christopher's is? The dessert menu! Why not finish a lavish, stick to your ribs brunch with a warm chocolate fudge brownie? Count me and my Mom in.
http://www.christophersgrill.com/
18 Wellington St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7DD
4) Granger & Co
Granger & Co, nestled in Notting Hill, is the second restaurant on my May list that is bringing the tastes of sunny Australia to London. The dining room is light and airy to go along with the kitchen's cloud-like ricotta pancakes and fluffy sweet corn fritters. Now that sounds all fine and dandy but there is said to be a queue that wraps around the corner almost every day. Potentially a nightmare but I'm thinking Granger & Co is potentially worth some temporary pain.
175 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London W11 2SB
5) HotBox London
Thank you for your brunch booking at HotBox London, would you like to add the bottomless booze option? If you ever get asked this question your answer should not just be yes but hell yes! Along with the never ending prosecco, mimosas and cocktails, HotBox is known for it's barbecue so the meat section on the brunch menu is definitely where it is at. Order up some ribs, smoked chicken and a couple eggs dishes, and you've just created the perfect recipe for one fantastic brunch.
46-48 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LT
To close, I say cheers to all the amazing Moms out there. The world is a better place because of all the love, patience and joy you bring to it. I love you Mom and I can't wait to go to brunch with you the next time you are in London.