Brenda's French Soul Food.

A warm cozy place squished into a tiny alcove almost, serving up heart warming food. That's the short of it.

Coming to the details. A long long wait. Best to put down your name on the board hanging outside and go for a walk. A long one. Some people got books along to read while waiting. The first glimpse we got of the hospitality was when one of the waiters came out looking for a guest who'd ordered take out. And he was polite enough to cross the street to deliver to her her food.
At last we were seated - at the one place in the restaurant which had a window next to it. Not that the view was great - one just got to see the backs of people waiting to get in. It was cozy though - just about seven tables in all and some bar stools along a counter in the back. The people didn't seem to mind squeezing into the nooks and crannies they had for seating. When we got our drinks order I understood why. The coffee was divine. Would especially ring familiar with the Indians taste for filter coffee. And the watermelon tea is superb. And they refill for free! I think I got carried away with my drinks and filled up more than half my stomach with liquids. Only to feel bad later when the food was brought to our table. I got the Creole omelet. With a side of sauteed mushrooms. Nice. And I discovered Grits. Soul food really. My friend had the Eggs Benedict on Catfish. That just tasted good. Good. Oh and the Beignets. Took me right back. To the days when I sprinkled my puffy steamy poories generously with sugar. Definitely try the beignets if you are there. All worth the wait.

Cafe Borrone in Menlo Park

 Like the place. Bustling inspite of the rains outside. People didn't seem to mind getting a bit wet or sitting outside. It was pleasantly nice weather today. We were a bit grumpy when we got there, but the awesome food got us settled in pretty soon. Love the dynamics of my friends - this cute couple I like hanging out with. They were trying to finalize their holiday plans which reminded me I should get on with mine too. The place has a crisp feel to it - more like a wake up get along with the day place than a cozy corner to settle down and laze at.
Happened to meet my soon to be house mate there. She seems like a nice person to hang out with. Looking forward for her to move in!

A little bit about the cafe: 
It this free seating place tucked into a shopping center right next to a big book store (need to visit the bookstore sometime). There is lots of parking underground which was convenient. Bit of a hassle finding a place to sit at given the popularity. First thing I spotted on the menu was "Fresh squeezed Orange Juice". My fave drink any morning. So of course I got that and given the rain added a latte to my drinks order. The OJ was the real deal - fresh and not too sour. Tried the Mimosa my friends got which was good too. Eggs with potatoes & glazed onions  and toast - very basic but tasted yummy. Also tried the Eggs with spinach and Feta cheese - loved it. Next time will make sure I get some pics to show. Tried their custard - was nice, no eggyness to it. Good place for food.

One of those Things

It seems like I get my better ideas while at work and obviously not working. As the weekend is almost here, I was sitting wondering what I'd be doing over the next couple of days when I decided to make brunch-out on Sundays a regular event.Will try to pick a new place each time and see how it goes.