Re: “Jane's”

My boyfriend and I are always looking for the perfect brunch, and Jane's is definitely in the running! The storefront is deceiving, it looks like it would be small and dark but actually it's very light and airy w/ a great, friendly crowd. For a noon, Sunday brunch it wasn't too crowded but did have a nice neighborhood feel to it. We were seated immediately and bread w/ honey butter was brought to our table shortly afterwards.
The prices were a little much for brunch, but the portions make up for it.
I got the Banana Nut French toast - it came w/ a side of potatoes and turkey sausage, and my boyfriend got the Eggs Benedict - which came w/ the potatoes. Both were wonderful! The ingredients were obviously very fresh and I liked the basil leaves that were added to each plate, it gave it a nice aroma. My french toast was some of the best I've ever head. When they say banana nut french toast they aren't kidding around. It was almost a less denser version of a muffin but in the form of huge slices of bread, dusted w/ powdered sugar.
I only had a bite of the eggs benedict, but what I had was good and he loved it. He almost always orders eggs benedict for brunch, and he said this was one of the best. Plus, instead of the regular split english muffin w/ two eggs, Jane's served it w/ 1 1/2 english muffins and three eggs.
And although the place was relatively busy, we didn't feel rushed out of seat and could read part of the morning paper in peace. Definitely a winner in the search for a great brunch!

Re: “Andalous”

Two of my friends and myself went there on a Sunday afternoon for an early dinner. The room was relatively bright and cheery but everyone in the room was really quiet so we felt kind of loud walking in. The complimentary starter was this oil, olive, and lemon spread w/ pita bread, which was really tasty.
The three of us just had water (it's BYOB) and we decided to split three entrees. We ordered the
1. Pastilla: layers of chicken, almonds and spices rolled in dough and baken until crispy. It's topped w/ what seemed like cinnamon and sugar although the dough itself was salty. By far the table favorite!
2. Andalous tagine: a variety of roasted vegetables - eggplant, green pepper, zucchini, etc. topped w/ parsley. It was supposedly served w/ provolone cheese as well, but I don't remember that very well. It's also served w/ couscous. While this dish was a nice portion, it wasn't as tangy as the pastilla.
3. Chicken Kebab: chicken breast that was marinated in some kind of herb sauce and then served w/ couscous and vegetables. While this was the 'standard' of the bunch, the chicken was really tender and juicy. Like I mentioned above, the pastilla was definitely the favorite. The food wasn't spectacular but it is a nice neighborhood restaurant and good for groups.

Re: “Riverside Cafe and Deli”

My boyfriend and I couldn't decide where to go for Sunday brunch that wouldn't be too crowded, but would be bright and have a homey feel to it. We really lucked out when we found this place. It's an old house turned into a restaurant, so when you walk in you're deceived by its size...it's really huge! The decor is kind of country kitsch, but well done and interesting. The hostess and the servers are all very friendly and attentive.

On Sundays they have an all you can eat buffet for 10.95 that comes with fresh squeezed orange juice. And this buffet has everything you can imagine, eggs benedict, eggs florentine, pancakes, three different kinds of toast (garlic, wheat, & rye) and also great french toast. There's also different fruits and veggies made in varying ways - ie. cucumbers with lemon and salt, green beans and sesame seeds. But what really makes it, is there's tons of fun food to eat and lunch stuff as well. They had Mexican, Cuban & Argentinian Empanadas, Quesadillas, turkey & foccacia, open-faced reubens, spinach wraps, blts, different subs cut up, bruschetta, and tomato/mozzarella/basil bites. The kicker for all of this is that since my boyfriend and I got there so late for Sunday brunch, the food was relatively cold. I'm not sure if it's just like that or because we got there late, but I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and go back because you could tell the food was fresh and well-made.

What am amazing trip for your taste buds? All the regulars done differently, and great service to top it off. First of all, definitely get a mohito! It's a drink with fresh lime, mint leaves, and sugar ground into the bottom of the glass. Then a shot of rum and 7-up, wonderful.
For an appetizer we had the quesadillas which were much better than expected. They had sundried tomatoes, brick cheese, garlic mushrooms, salsa morita & sour cream...just different then most and very good. My boyfriend had the special Caribbean Snapper which came with tomatoes, olive, onions, mushrooms...and was very tasty even though I'm not a fish person. I had the Blackened Duck - pan seared with a portabello mushroom sauce, jalapeno mashed potatoes - wonderful! - and seasonal grilled vegetables.
The portions were so nice that I couldn't fit in dessert but I will definitely be back to try it. All in all, a fun experience.

Re: “Casbah Cafe”

I absolutely adore this restaurant. My boyfriend and I find ourselves drawn back here again and again. The food is wonderful and innovative, the atmosphere is like walking into a well-set hidden gem, and the service is friendly and personable. The manager is always just one step away and while the food can take a little bit of time, it's makes you actually "have dinner" instead of just eat.
For an appetizer try the Casbah Pizza, very simple dish with baked lamb, tomatoes, cucumbers and spices on pita bread. Then, the most wonderful tasting entree, the Veal Mt. Olve. it's veal sauteed with green onions, olives and then topped with a cream-brandy sauce. First of all the veal is amazing and the sauce is drinkable it's so good! Their rice accompanies this and it's done to perfection. We also had the Moroccan Shrimp Brochette that has a bed of coucous served and then huge shrimp on top with a pistachios sauce, apricots, and at this time of season it's sprinkled with pomegrantes - beautiful, different, and tasty!
For dessert we had the Muhalabie, rice pudding. And it's actually pudding textured, with a lemon glaze overtop and pistachios. After all of this we always top it off with some Turkish coffee.
This place is a great fabulous joint. Keep in mind it's going to take awhile but you'll exchange that for very personal service and great food.

Re: “Bite Cafe”

I had went to the Empty Bottle last night, so my boyfriend and I both thought we'd round out the weeknight with going back to Bite (which is right next to the Empty Bottle) for brunch the next day. I'm glad we did.

The first thing I noticed is that the food is very well-priced and you get large, but well prepared portions. I had the Sweet Potato Hash - wonderful. I could tell the veggies were fresh, and the hash wasn't too crunchy or soggy. Just right :) I'm also usually very picky about my eggs, but they were just right.

My boyfriend had the Eggs Bite - another winner. The spinach looked fresh picked and there special sauce rocks. The servers were all very friendly but not intrusive. The did however make sure that my coffee cup & water were never empty. The room is very bright and well - arranged. I'll definitely be back there.