Brunch to Brunch

My two favorite things - brunch and weekend dine-outs with the family.  So with the few precious days we had together, we spent back-to-back days brunching at popular cafes in "downtown" Walla Walla.  I thought it would be fun to have a "brunchowdown" (i.e. brunch showdown) and it actually just all came together while I was looking at my photos.  Goes to show, we are kind of consistent with what we love to eat!  On Memorial Day, we went to this old-fashioned, award-winning diner, called "Clarette's," and on the following day, we headed down to "Maple Counter Cafe" which is a little more modern and had a "younger" crowd (including the staff - who wore the most fashionable outfits).  So here it is, my brunchowdown - photos on the left are from Clarette's and on the right are from Maple Counter:

Coffee vs. Coffee (Winner: Maple Counter)

Why? Coffee is darker, nuttier (has that "jolt" or "kick" or whatever you call it that keeps you awake), and didn't taste like it was too watered down, which is typical in refillable breakfast coffees.

Mushroom Skillet vs. Mushroom Omelette (Winner: Draw)

It's obvious, I love mushrooms.  The winner in the skillet: it had English muffins and over-easy eggs underneath the gooey cheesy sauce.  The winner in the omelette: the creamy bechamel sauce, plus the omelette itself which was baked so it was light and fluffy, and not greasy.

Corned Beef Hash vs. Corned Beef Sandwich (a.k.a. "The Reuben")

There's no winner here, because they could not be compared - one's an American, the other's an Irish (I think).  It was an interesting way of plating the corned beef hash like a patty - and I liked that the top was a little bit toasted.  The Reuben... you can't go wrong with this sandwich: corned beef and sauerkraut on rye, yummy.  My dad's only complaint was it had too much sauerkraut, which was definitely sour!  

Strawberry Shortcake vs. Apple Pancake (Winner: Clarette's Strawberry Shortcake)

Why?  Generous serving of strawberry preserve, which was not soggy at all; in fact, they're award-winning (so they say - and I am not surprised)!  Plus, I love the saltiness of the biscuit and how it complemented the sweet/fruity goodness of the strawberries and the richness of the whipped cream.  I had this during our last visit, and it certainly had a lasting impression, so we didn't let this opportunity pass!  The apple pancakes were also quite good, and very similar to what The Original Pancake House has on their menu.  

French Toast vs. Pancakes (Winner: Maple Counter's Pancakes)

I did get to try Clarette's pancakes, but it was nothing special - similar to IHOP actually.  I think their french toast was much better, and it was actually made of french bread (a little more appropriate, don't you think?).    BUT, comparing with just the pancake "sides" in Maple Counter, the latter is a clear winner.  It's what I call the "yeast-taste" factor.  Definitely fresh.

Ambiance (winner: Maple Counter)

Clarette's, though homey, can be quite creepy and stuffy with old-fashioned paintings and drapes.  Maple Counter had a cool, modern, country vibe going on.  And had high ceilings, which I love.

The winner of the brunchowdown?  No doubt, the Maple Counter Cafe.

What an Eggsperience!

My posts in the next few days are most likely going to be about my Mom, what we did, and of course, what we ate!:-) Today was uneventful as we just shopped 'til we dropped in Wisconsin, with the intent of escaping the commotion in downtown Chicago where the NATO Summit is being held.  Yesterday, we did a little more of the touristy stuff and we also continued our Saturday routine (with my mom!) - brunch.  We're supposed to go to XOCO, but we were an hour too late as they were already getting ready for lunch.  No more chilaquiles and torrejas - booooo!:-O  Since Eggsperience Cafe is right around the corner, we decided to have our first meal of the day there... I've actually been there once, about a year ago, and it was a great "eggsperience".  Good thing it wasn't too crowded like I expected, but that was maybe because people were trying to avoid downtown for potential protester rallies and God knows what else!  Anyway, the menu was quite overwhelming - they have everything your heart desires for breakfast (with eggs of course).  Pancakes, waffles, fritatas, omelets, benedicts, name it, they have it!  

Thank God they have chilaquiles!  So that's what I had.  It was good, but the serving was way too huge and the salsa verde was way too hot! The eggs were cooked perfectly (they better be!), so I was dancing for joy (in my head) when I had my first bite.  Mom had the strawberry cheesecake pancake - the cream cheese portion was good, but the pancakes failed in comparison with the other pancakes I've tried in Original Pancake House or Maple Counter Cafe.  Or maybe it was too high of an expectation for a place that does not specialize in pancakes!  For hubby's bacon, spinach, and mushroom fritata - hmmm... not to sound conceited (a.k.a. feelingera), I could've done it better (naks X 100)!  But the presentation was top notch though - just look at the photos...

What does chilaquiles look like beneath the eggs?  Here you go - it's a mixture of salsa, cheese, and leftover (potentially stale) tortillas... I'm still a fan.

Was it still a great experience?  No.  It was just a good, safe one.

His & Hers Baked Egg

In yesterday's breakfast trip to Floriole Cafe, I got so inspired by how they crafted very simple yet absolutely perfect pastries, sandwich and coffees.  And one little detail that stuck in my mind is how they used baked eggs in their breakfast sandwich.  Its creamy and smooth texture is almost like flan, but savory.

Today, as I started preparing for our afternoon tea themed party (which I will talk about soon), I decided to make something simple, yet filling, for breakfast.  Need I say more?  Baked Eggs.  I didn't bother looking for a recipe online, and just put together in my mind what ingredients and tools it could possibly need, and also added a little twist to make it "his and hers". :-)

His Baked Egg: One egg, about 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, and ham. Salt & Pepper to taste.
Hers Baked Egg: Same - just replace the ham with fresh mushrooms.

Beat the eggs together with the cream, then add salt and pepper.  Place the cheese and ham or mushroom onto a ramekin.  Pour the egg mixture and place the ramekins in a baking pan with about 1/2 inch of water.  Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until the eggs set.  I served this with whole wheat toast, but it's also good to eat as is.  And don't forget the brewed coffee!

Ham & Cheese Baked Egg

Oh, I do have one small yet high-impact tip: drizzle with black truffle oil and you'll never look at eggs the same way again!

Mushroom & Cheese Baked Egg

Fondue for Breakfast?

Why not? Just throw in some bread, eggs, coffee, and you're all set for a different kind of breakfast!  

(Don't I just love my new fondue set?!)

I made my fondue savory so it's actually made of cheese and wine (yes, this is breakfast ;-)).

Ingredients: 1/3 cup dry white wine, 1/3 cup shredded gruyere cheese, 1/3 cup shredded swiss cheese, 1 tsp of flour, pinch of nutmeg, salt, and cut up bread for dipping (I made freshly baked pillsbury french bread, which can be found in the frozen breads section)

Just melt everything together in your fondue bowl, starting with the wine, then gradually add the cheese. Add the flour and mix well so the bumps smoothen out.  Put some salt and nutmeg to taste.

I actually made this last Saturday to see how it will turn out for a tea party this coming weekend.  It was yummy, but probably I'd add more wine so it's more "liquid". Here's the actual recipe, but I had to modify it to serve just two people.

Finally... m.henry... then, panini.

Bobby and I are back to our Saturday morning routine - a.k.a. breakfast anywhere but home!  We missed it last weekend because of our Columbus trip so today we went to this popular Chicago breakfast place/bakery called "m. henry". And this time around, two friends came with us, so it was extra fun - and I got to try more dishes hehehe!  So here goes...

Restaurant's interior - a little of country, whimsy, and modern... very cozy.
I think they also have a dining area in the garden, but it might have been closed due to cold weather.

Works of art: dulce banana rumba french toast, huevos borrachos (with chorizo, eggs, bean cakes, and masa tortilla - again, with my mexican breakfast craving), and chocolate french toast with berries, mascarpone cheese and chocolate ganache (the last one was Bobby's and I find it cute that he said, "parang pang girl 'tong sa kin hehehe"!)

Rustic peasant quiche and two happy customers

Ahhh... Saturday sunshine!  Great way to start the day!  

I'm so glad that the taste kept up with the plating.  

Definitely inspiring... so...

I spent the rest of the day shopping and watching "Hunger Games" with hubby... ok, seriously (but those were true too :-)), I decided to finally use our cuban sandwich/panini maker which was already gathering dust because it's never been used (got it from White Elephant back in December).  I've probably looked at the recipe for a Cuban Sandwich more than ten times in the last four months, but always managed to forget about it.  I don't know why!  Anyway, it was definitely a success and I was able to get my hubby to eat pickles and mustard with his sandwich and most importantly, no mayo!

The Cuban Panini

Ingredients: Rustic Wheat Bread (baguettes will do), Pickles (I used sweet ones), Dijon Mustard, Butter, Roast Pork, Sweet Ham, Provolone Cheese

Just pile all the ingredients inside the bread (except the butter) then spread the butter on top of the bread.

Grill for about 5 minutes (up to you really, how much you want it toasted/crispy)... 

Cut into half and serve with potato chips. For hubby, I used Sour Cream and Onion pringles!

It was really tasty - the secret to a good panini?  Freshly baked bread, good cheese, and of course, the right amount of grilling.  I think this panini maker will be my best friend for more laid back Saturday nights...