Tag Archives: pancakes

Breakfast at Le Bristol, Paris

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Le Bristol in Paris is known for both its fine accommodation and exquisite food. It is a palace of luxury situated in the fashion district of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

We skipped out of our hotel bright and early for a breakfast booking at Le Jardin Francais , one of the many prestigious dining options at the hotel. We were greeted like royalty at the door by the smartest doormen I’ve ever seen. The interior twinkles: polished marble, blooming flowers and magnificent chandeliers.

Le Jardin Francais is a pretty floral sitting room offering an extensive morning menu of Parisian treats. The waiters are smart but humorous and made our meal luxurious but relaxed.

Vibrant fresh orange juice was first brought to our table, the sweetest I have ever tasted, and free from unwanted pith. A basket of fresh pastries followed soon after, a feast for the senses, smelling, looking and tasting divine. When people talk of unbeatable French croissants they are referring to the baked goods at Le Bristol. Buttery, soft and sweet, they melt in the mouth.

Eager to try something else from the menu, we both ordered a plate of pancakes with red fruits and vanilla cream. These were beautiful, arranged perfectly with a dusting of icing sugar and a miniature white chocolate Le Bristol medallion. They were as delicious as expected, a soft subtly sweet pancake with ripe strawberries and raspberries and a drizzle of contrasting cream.

Along with my cup of strong coffee, it was the perfect Parisian breakfast.

More information here.

www.lebristolparis.com

The Breakfast Club, Soho

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Come rain or shine the queue outside the Breakfast Club is a permanent fixture. I have often tried to visit this popular cafe but have been discouraged at every branch (there are four: Soho, Angel, Hoxton, Spitalfields) by the wait. Sitting down in the back of the cramped Soho branch, I admired the boho decor and hippie vibe.

The menu has a variety of breakfast classics, brunch necessities and other dishes that fill in the gaps and provide for hungrier customers. I’d gone for a run that morning just so I could indulge.

A fruity, refreshing and sweet virgin apple Mojito quenched my thirst – made with mint, lime and pressed apple, it is the perfect breakfast juice option for cocktail lovers. Then I ordered a large strong cappuccino to accompany the food. My friend tried the ‘Return of the Red Eye’ smoothie jammed full of berries   (blueberry, raspberry, passionfruit, orange), it tasted wholesome and healthy though could have been a bit sweeter. Apparently this drink is a good hangover cure.

Food came quickly, and thank god, because I was starving. The Breakfast Burrito is my ideal meal, involving many of my favourite ingredients. A hefty portion of spicy grilled chorizo wrapped in a tortilla with guacamole, fried pepper, melted cheese and with salsa and sour cream on the side. Eyeing the huge portion, I never thought I’d finish it, but it was so delicious my fork automatically went back for more.

Pancakes with Red Fruits and Vanilla Cream were as wonderful as they sound, fresh soft pancakes with lightly caramelised edges. The fruit and sweet cream made each mouthful even more heavenly… another dangerously moreish dish.

Apple and Cinnamon French Toast was an innovative treat. Adding seasoned fruit to the American classic gave a spicy kick. Alternative toppings might have been heavy but the soft apple was the perfect match.

Dining at The Breakfast Club is like waking up on the right side of the bed, it is just a happy, good feeling. I am definitely adding it to my list of weekend favourites.

Brunch is served 9-5pm every day. If you don’t want a wait arrive early.

Visit the website for more information here.

Best Brunch in Balham at Harrisons

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I used to come to Balham quite often, only out of necessity though, to get on the Northern line or nip into Sainsburys for a quick shop. Not once did I consider visiting this area of south London to hang out or enjoy a boutique brunch, I always assumed Balham didn’t have that kind of eatery on offer. Harrisons however provides a reason to visit Balham and I would happily do the lengthy journey again for food of this calibre.

Brunch is a tricky meal to get right… you have to provide equally for the breakfast crowd and the hungrier lunch lovers. There must be sweet and savoury options, light and heavier dishes, and a whole range of drinks from Bloody Mary cocktails to revitalising fresh orange juice and wakeup worthy cappuccinos and comforting teas.

Harrison’s glittering sign draws you from the street into the large New York style diner. A sibling of Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick, this restaurant will appeal to everyone, it has a jolly vibe and welcoming staff. The tables are cosy and casually surround the busy kitchen, the food is absolutely delicious and perfect for a relaxed weekend meal.

A typical west London girl, I was quite out of my comfort zone this far south… but bumping into an old (also west London) school friend proved Harrison’s popularity. After a refreshing non-alcoholic strawberry cocktail at the bar, we took a seat, starving and SO ready for a feast. Enamoured by the Buttermilk pancake stack at Sam’s, I couldn’t resist a comparison test here: served with smoky bacon and maple syrup for my friend and blueberry compote and crème fraiche for me. To pick a favourite between the two options would be impossible as both excel. Usually I don’t like sweet and savoury combinations but the marriage of high quality bacon and sweet fat pancakes just works: melting, perfect mouthfuls. The pancakes here are cooked to perfection, soft and light but plump and flavoursome. The fruity compote and dollop of rich crème fraiche option are absolutely divine.

For second course (there were far two many yummy options to have only one course each) I tried the popular cheeseburger and my guest opted for the epic steak sandwich. The chips here are just right: thin, crispy and salty, definitely worth considering when ordering a burger or sandwich meal. The steak sandwich was juicy and full of flavour with sloppy onion and grain mustard. I really enjoyed the burger: well seasoned meat with luscious melted cheese, crisp salad and red onion… the only problem was the lack of tomato… one of my favourite elements in a burger. We finished off the meal with coffees… my friend politely demanded a vanilla skinny latte; I was very impressed that Harrisons had the ingredients to offer this and came back with a beautiful sunset coffee in a tall glass, so pretty that I regretted my boring cappuccino choice.

At Harrisons you will find the best brunch in Balham and I think it would be hard to find better anywhere in South London.

Visit the Harrisons website here for more information and to book.