3 summer brunches you need to experience

When it comes to seasonal eating, it seems like breakfast is always left out of the conversation. While dinner and lunch get to feature fresh produce like tomatoes, corn, and other garden greens, breakfast is typically just your run-of-the-mill options. Eggs, bacon, and toast lead the pack followed by classic staples like biscuits and gravy or omelettes. Yawn.

Don’t get us wrong, there’s a reason breakfast staples have become breakfast staples. They are reliable, delicious, and they never go out of style; kind of like a good pair of black shoes. But what about breakfast in style? We’re talking breakfast options that remind you of your favorite classics, but a bit freshened up. Look no further, my famished friends, we woke up bright and early to do our research.

GRANDVIEW CAFE | 1455 W THIRD AVE.

What to get: BLT Benedict
When to go: Weekends at open (11 a.m.)

Eggs Benedict is typically a special occasion breakfast. From making the hollandaise sauce to perfectly poaching your eggs to all the steps in between, it’s a lot of work to get your creation on the plate. Luckily, Grandview Cafe is willing to do the leg work for you, and they added some flair. The star of the BLT Benedict is the thick cut fried green tomatoes at the base which have a crispy exterior to hold up against all the toppings residing on it. Smoked bacon and arugula come next to add both flavor and color as the green of the arugula adds some needed pop to the plate. And, of course, what’s an Eggs Benedict without the eggs and hollandaise sauce? Grandview Cafe tops off the two fried green tomato masterpieces with poached eggs and hollandaise. It’s highly recommended you just stuff some of the skillet potatoes on the side into each bite you take (and maybe some hot sauce), but you’re free to live your own truth.

LINEAGE BREWING | 2971 N HIGH ST.

What to get: Chilaquiles
When to go: Weekends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Let’s just help you now before you get there— they are pronounced CHILI-key-AYES. Say it slow, practice in the mirror a few times, then head to Lineage Brewing. While these incredible bites are simple, they pack on tons in the flavor department. The dish starts with tortilla chips tossed in a verde sauce, but this isn’t just any old verde sauce from your local Chipotle—this is blistered verde sauce. The peppers in the sauce are broiled to achieve that smoky flavor on the exterior, then they are blended into a bright green salsa with ingredients like onions, cilantro, and garlic. Is your mouth watering yet? Next comes the addition of breakfast, aka, eggs. Two fried eggs, to be exact, topped with cotija cheese, because everything is better with cotija cheese. Throw on some thinly-sliced radishes and cilantro for garnish and you’re looking at one Instagrammable start to your morning. The next question: should you get a Lineage beer to wash it down with, or should you get two Lineage beers to wash it down with?

BREKKIE SHACK | 1060 YARD STREET

What to get: Plant-Based Hash
When to go: Weekday mornings

It’s no secret that everyone could use more plants in their diet, and Brekkie Shack is making that easy for all of you who stick your nose up. Featuring a variety of fresh produce, the plant-based hash is a new take on breakfast skillet options. Instead of russet potatoes or hash browns, this dish uses roasted sweet potatoes, which add a subtle sweetness without being too much of a flavor diva. Your greens come in the form of asparagus and Brussels sprouts which are two “meaty” vegetables to provide a little extra “oomph” to your plant-based breakfast. This menu option continues down a powerhouse breakfast road with radishes, onions, and two sunny-side up eggs. Of course, you can always defy the name of the dish and add a side of bacon to this. And let’s be honest, you know you will.

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