Category Archives: Breakfast & Brunch

Hash House A Go Go

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**** (4 stars)

I’ve enjoyed other Hash House locations, so I was happy to see this place was taking over the location on I-Drive that has hosted a variety of restaurants in the past years. The building is a bit odd, but the surface remodeling done by Hash House is better than the previous incarnations, and the food is pretty much identical to elsewhere.

I don’t know what the fuss is about chicken and waffles. The waffles are pretty good, but the chicken is really pretty flavorless. I’ve tried it in Chicago and here, and it’s the same. A better choice is one of the hashes, which are really thickly chopped up potatoes with other chopped up stuff. I had the vegetarian one, and it was actually fairly healthful. I ordered it with eggs over easy, and they were about the freshest eggs I’ve ever gotten in Orlando. The biscuit was also great, and I’m not a big biscuit person.

My companions had burgers and the BBLT, and liked them. The bread pudding was a good shareable dessert.

All in all a good solid (i.e. heavy) choice for breakfast or breakfast type foods, with enough other offerings to keep the non-breakfast eaters happy.

Hash House A Go Go
5350 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-4646
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hash-house-a-go-go-orlando

Peach Valley Café

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**** (4 stars)

It’s really hard to find good places for outside in Orlando, and this is a hidden gem. The large outside patio offers a quite, shaded environment for breakfast any time of day. But my favorites are their salads, particularly the ones with salmon or fruit ingredients. Light and refreshing.

Peach Valley Café
5072 Dr. Philips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 522-2601
http://www.yelp.com/biz/peach-valley-caf%C3%A9-orlando-4

My French Cafe

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***** (5 stars)

This is it, Orlandoans! At last we have a truly authentic patisserie just like you’d find in Paris. In fact, on my first visit, I was accompanied by a friend who just flew in from Paris, and we both pronounced the croissants here to be “the real deal.” Light, almost empty, with a multi-layered flaky crust that threatens to explode in your fingertips.

The plain croissant is indistinguishable from the Parisian version, and the chocolate croissant might even be a bit better than the best “pain au chocolate” I’ve had in France.

The baguette is authentic, but might have a bit sturdier crust than would make a good sandwich; I’m certainly going to check that out on my next visit.

Service was friendly but seemed inexperienced, and it’s definitely an “order at the counter, bus your own table” kind of place.

I can’t speak to the sandwiches, soups and salads yet, but it’s about time Orlando had a spectacular place for breakfast pastry, and THIS IS IT!

My French Cafe
7782 Winter Garden Vineland Rd
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 347-8945
http://www.yelp.com/biz/my-french-cafe-windermere

The Bristol

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**** (4 stars)

The Bristol is an upscale restaurant that manages to avoid being too crowded and too noisy while still achieving a trendy vibe. The narrow, brick-lined space is lit sparingly, making it good choice for intimate conversation and romantic dinners. While the tables are fairly close, they are aligned in a way that doesn’t seem invasive.

There’s a reason everyone talks about the duck fat fries. They’re surprisingly un-greasy, perfectly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and nicely seasoned, served with a wonderful garlic aioli.

We also really enjoyed the wagyu beef, which was just the right mix of meat and fat, charred yet still perfectly medium rare on the inside, and served with a delicious red pepper sauce. The trout and the tempura broccoli were just okay.

Dishes are served family style, so go with people who enjoy sharing and tasting lots of different things.

One member of our party had many allergies, and the chef marked up a menu for her, showing her what she could have and what he could modify. Very nice.

The wine list is extensive, and prices are fair, although there are no bargains.

Service was friendly, and the bus boys were particularly on the ball with plate removal and water refills. In fact, I’d go so far as to say the service was impressive. This is a very good restaurant, flirting with great. Definitely worth a visit.

The Bristol
2152 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bristol-chicago

Walker Bros Original Pancake House

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***** (5 stars)

Justifiably famous for their apple pancake, which is more of a cross between a tart and coffee cake. Omelets are good too, and come with pancakes, so you don’t have to choose. The sprawling place is always packed, often with a line out the door, and there’s a reason.

Walker Bros Original Pancake House
153 Green Bay Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-6000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/walker-bros-original-pancake-house-wilmette-3