COGnitions

8 August
2016
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Brunch Your Way through Boston – Back Bay | By Jeff Hamilton

For a higher end brunch in Back Bay East we propose Mistral, a French Mediterranean restaurant from chef/owner Jamie Mammano. A nice change of scenery from some of the other locations on the list, this restaurant is bright and airy and their food will give you a taste of luxury in every bite.

What to order: Start out with the baked to order warm cinnamon buns for the table, they are sure to please. Although you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the Graham Cracker Crusted Challah French Toast and the Confit of Duck with Root Vegetable Hash are a few of our favorites.

Stephanie’s On Newbury ($$)

190 Newbury Street, Boston, MA

Stephanie’s On Newbury is an institution for brunch in Boston’s Back Bay. They pride themselves on being a brunch staple for many people, serving up their favorite American comfort foods in a fun and relaxed setting. When you are shopping on newbury this is guaranteed to be your new fave spot to drop if you aren’t a regular already.

What to Order: You must, without a doubt, quench your thirst with one of Stephanie’s legendary build your own Bloody Mary. Load your drink up with the works including everything from shrimp and bacon to cheese skewers and olives. For food we suggest starting with the cinnamon monkey bread for the table, and then going with either the Skillet Breakfast, featuring applewood smoked bacon, maple sausage, home fries, fried eggs and cheddar cheese all served in a sizzling cast iron skillet, or the Crabcake Benedict consisting of sauteed crab cakes and poached eggs topped with a spicy jalapeno hollandaise sauce.

This brunch spot also located along Newbury Street is the perfect place to sit back and people watch through the window wall, which gets opened up to let in fresh on warmer days. The restaurant boasts a classy yet casual ambiance and features international cuisine from critically acclaimed Head Chef and Partner, Bill Poirier.

What to Order: Some of our favorites include the Big Blueberry Pancake, served with whipped creme fraiche and maple syrup and also the Chunky Prime Rib Hash with peppers, onions, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. If you are still feeling hungry after your main course we suggest trying the Pumpkin Cheesecake for a sweet ending to your brunch. You really can’t go wrong with any of their delectable desserts from the pastry team!

Saltie Girl is a newcomer to the Back Bay scene but is is more than holding its own. Opened in the end of May 2016, Saltie Girl is inspired by seafood spots in Barcelona and is bringing one of the largest tinned seafood collections to New England. Kathy Sidell and Chef Kyle McClelland aim to introduce us to some more exotic seafood experiences, and show Back Bay a fresh new spin on the classic New England Seafood we all know and love.

What to Order: It was hard to pick just one dish at this joint so we’re giving you three! First option is a take on avocado toast, The Snow Crab Toast, topped with a hefty amount of avocado slices, fresh snow crab and stracciatella. Next we suggest a salmon dish unlike any you’ve had before, Torched Salmon Belly, featuring torched salmon belly atop avocado, cucumber, green apple and topped with a miso glaze. And finally the Fried Lobster and Waffles, served with a sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup.

Abe and Louie’s is a classic American Steakhouse with a classy high end ambiance. Showcasing the traditional high end steak house decor with mahogany walls, and white table cloths you are sure to feel like an A-lister at this spot! Something that truly puts Abe and Louie’s above the rest is their service. The wait staff is extremely attentive and know exactly what you need, sometimes before you do!

What to Order: If you are in the mood for a benedict we recommend two options, the Eggs Benedict with Truffle Hollandaise or the Benedict Three Ways for those who are a little more indecisive or perhaps just want to try a bit of everything. This dish features three separate benedicts atop filet mignon, crab cake and lobster. If you aren’t feeling an egg dish we suggest the Abe and Louie’s French Toast with butter, pecans and a maple banana topping.

The Pour House is a no frills bar and grill priding itself on its great attitude, great pricing and great portions. And they aren’t lying, you will not go hungry at the Pour House! At night this is a Boston watering hole for those just getting out of a game and looking to end the night with a few drinks and some friends in a casual yet eclectic setting. On the weekends from 8 am to 3 pm this is your brunch self’s dream, serving up brunch favorites for a steal.

What to Order: The Pumpkin Pie Pancakes are a must! They come with whipped cream, but if you are in the mood to treat yourself splurge (a.k.a spend the extra $1.25) on a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you will not be disappointed.

 

Honorable Mention:

The Friendly Toast ($$)

35 Stanhope Street Boston, MA

This retro style brunch location is relatively new to the Back Bay area, however it will be your new go to for a boozy brunch. This is the restaurant’s third location opened after success in Portsmouth NH and Kendall Square in Cambridge. The classic diner-style atmosphere decorated with quirky trinkets will have you feeling like you traveled back in time to 70’s. The food will provide you your brunch classics with a unique twist!

What to order: The Friendly Toast makes its own bread in house so definitely load up on the carbs while you are there. We recommend the Anadama french toast or, if you are in the mood for eggs, we suggest one of their many Benedicts!