Wild Eggs

http://www.wildeggs.com/

I savor rare moments when I am allowed a chance to catch up with my crazy busy friends who are almost all married, working full time, and chasing around their little ones. I like to pretend that I am busy too but seriously, I have more free time and hobbies than anyone should ...hence this food blog. But anyway, like I was saying, I relish the chance to catch up with friends and even more so when I get to meet them out to eat.



Lindsey and I decided to meet at Wild Eggs. I had dined here on two occasions a few years ago and I  recall going bonkers for the "Surfer Girl" - fresh spinach, mushrooms and tomato, adding a little bit of healthy goodness, along with the oddly enjoyable taste of alfalfa sprouts, all mixed in with my favorites - avo, pico, sour cream, and cream cheese baby, yeah. I went in with my mind set on ordering this for the third time. However, I had to change up my plan fast when I realized that Lindsey, who was about 7 months preggers at this time, was game for a gluttonous feast! See photo below.





Now keep in mind that she is a very thin gal and you can hardly tell that she's with child. I am not skinny by any means but I think most people would consider me a smaller woman. So you can only imagine the looks we got from surrounding tables. The two of us, feasting on a platter that could easily feed three hungry men...it was pretty funny

Lindsey started things off right when she ordered an enormous cappuccino with whip cream. She immediately informed me that she wanted to order two entrees for herself and baby. She chose the Kelsey KY Brown (their verson of a hot brown) It sizzles with applewood bacon, creamy white cheddar cheese, and savory turkey, all piled on sourdough bread, and topped with fried eggs and diced tomato. Her second pick was the Rasberries and Lemon Oh My! This buttermilk cake is filled with tangy lemon curd, fresh rasberries, along with a heavenly rasberry sauce, powdered sugar, and topped with whipped cream of course. I sampled a lot of this baby and could not get enough of the rasberry sauce...oh, so fresh and so sweet!

I pondered over ordering one of their decadent crepes, the Sweet Home Apple Bourbon. But I found myself going with a hearty breakfast instead, the Kalamity Katie's Border Benedict. This bad daddy included two eggs over medium - just a little runny in the middle, which was nice - tasty chorizo, creamy fundido cheese, along with my favs - pico, fresh avo, and cream cheese. I didn't care for the green chili cheddar corn cake. It was just like dry corn bread. My dish came with a huge side of standard skillet potoatos and a muffin. However, I opted for the nicely toasted wheat bread instead - my only healthy choice at this platter. Needless to say, we had one hell of a feast. And don't worry, we did take home some boxes.

Wild Eggs is a great spot and definitely earns my recommendation. There are now three locations in Louisville and they are almost always packed for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. You should expect a longish wait on the weekends for breakfast and brunch. But also expect wonderful food and service.

The next time you wanna catch up and celebrate a meal with a good friend, don't hold back. Have yourself a Wild Eggs platter for 2 or better yet, for 3...and Live to Eat !!!!

Toast on Market

Everyone is saying that Toast on Market is the place to go for brunch, and we Holladays have to agree that "Everyone" is so right . We would like to take this time to raise our glasses and toast to Toast! Sitting at 736 East Market Street, you can expect friendly smiles and prompt service. The specialty you ask? Take a guess genius, it’s Toast!

Beth and Toast go way back to the beginning of April when she and a dining companion happened upon the casual yet chic breakfast/lunch destination. They were sat immediately on a Friday morning and were satisfied with their server who was more than happy to share the daily specials. Beth observed the walls adored with bold colored paintings of familiar faces and she felt the atmosphere was busy yet relaxing at the same time. They immediately noted that the table for two was a bit small, even without their food in front of them. However, the chairs were comfortable and tables spaced out well so they did not feel cramped.

Beth’s pick was also the staff favorite, simply the Toast and Eggs. This dish however, far exceeds anything that could be described as simple. Eggs over medium draped on toasted brioche and cloaked in the signature “harissa” hot sauce, Beth was sure that her heart must have skipped a beat a time or two. She also swears that the toast was hands down the best she’s ever had. This French bread with incredibly high egg and butter content was so rich that it almost has a pastry like aspect despite the lack of sweetness. The golden, flaky crust was perfectly complimented by the harissa sauce which is Tunisian hot chili sauce commonly used in North Africa. Moderately spicy and insanely flavorful, you must have a brave palate for this one. Her friend opted for the decadent buttermilk pancakes with blueberries which, he noted were spaced out well and were just enough. The hash brown casserole is absolutely amazing. In general, portions at Toast are ample, but this casserole will definitely leave you begging for more with it’s incredibly creamy, cheesy, crispy allure. Let’s face it, hash brown casserole is almost always good but it can be a little dry, leaving you with a parched palate. You will not find that to be the case at Toast. Smitten by the moistness of the heavenly hash and brilliant toasted brioche, Beth just had to take her favorite little bro back for a bite!

We made the smart move to call ahead to make a reservation, since the wait can get pretty long for a Sunday. However, we were surprised we only had to call ahead about fifteen minutes before a 12:30 reservation and were seated within minutes. Beth picked the “South of the Border” omelette, which was extremely fluffy and featured chorizo that was nicely ground. The white cheddar was present yet slightly overshadowed by the spiciness of the chorizo. Perhaps sharp cheddar could’ve given the chorizo a run for it’s money. It was served with medium spicy salsa and sour cream which was not enough for her taste. She opted for wheat bread, delightfully buttered, and no doubt had to go with the hash browns again. She enjoyed this dish but had to say that her heart lies with the brioche toast and eggs. Michael totally agreed that the hash brown casserole was great, not even a little dry like most. He took advantage of the build-your-own omelette option and picked mushroom, avocado, and feta cheese. He noted the eggs to be light and fluffy and was impressed by the nicely ground feta chunks that blended well with the smooth, fresh avocado. He ate half of the omelette, and then, with the other half, he made a sandwich using his sourdough bread, which was equal parts sweet and tart.

The server was not as friendly this time around, although the other staff’s help kept us pleased along with a visit from the manager who asked us how we liked our meal and thanked us for coming in. Hmm... we wonder if word is getting out about this dynamic food blogging duo. Next time we go, we'll have to try out the lunch menu, which consists of not-your-average deli sandwiches (mustard aoili, tangy apple mustard, ciabatta, sourdough, Fontina cheeses, and fresh basil, yes please!) The prices are quite reasonable for brunch with no meal exceeding $10. And, we'll also have to get some mimosas, since we all know that's what a good brunch needs.

Just remember at your next holiday platter, when you are expected to give a toast to a family member’s good fortune and are wondering when the hell it will ever be your turn to receive a toast, you can always slip out with your favorite brother or sister and get your toast at Toast on Market. Until then…Live to eat!

North End Cafe

http://www.northendcafe.com/

Hip is the perfect word to describe this café which is situated at 1722 Frankfort Avenue at the north end, as the name obviously suggests. After opening in April 2003,  it has become well known by Louisvillians for a killer spread of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, which greatly caters to those who prefer vegetarian and even vegan options.

When it comes to the greatly popular weekend brunch, expect a 30 to 40 minute wait unless you have a reservation. And once you are seated, expect a 30 minute wait or so until food is served. However, like Michael says, you should be willing to wait for good food, and boy is this food good. In fact, it's great! So let the wait begin. You will no doubt be pleased by the impeccable service and an atmosphere that is boisterous and bustling with a modern, fresh appeal, much enhanced by the trendiness of the wait staff. Though, this café is not overly pretentious or trying too hard. The food pretty much says it all.

We were seated on the covered patio for Sunday brunch on Mother’s Day. Our table for four was big and comfortable and we were delightfully pleased that they cranked up the fans on this hot afternoon. Mom enjoyed her garden burger that she described to be freshly ground, a far cry from the imitation meat-like patties that she has had elsewhere. She thought the Swiss cheese enhanced the flavors of her veggies, and she raved about her side salad that included several types of greens, romaine, spinach, arugala, topped with cherry tomatoes, and a unique champagne vinaigrette. Mom was happy and therefore, we were all happy! The daily omelette specials included both a vegetarian and meat option. Michael went with the vegetarian omelette filled with mushrooms, spinach, and Gouda cheese mixed with a white wine cream sauce. He loved it. The spinach was fresh, not soggy in the mixture, and the mushrooms were plentiful. Dad ordered the hearty breakfast which includes two eggs cooked to order, two pancakes, bacon, sausage, home fries, grits, and choice of bread. A truly dad dish. He was satisfied, save for the pancakes that were whole grain. "These pancakes suck. They taste too healthy," he grumbled. Oh, Dad. His down home fried in butter-lovin' food preferences aside, the best part of his meal was the sausage. We all sampled it and agreed it was uniquely spiced and smoked to perfection, much different from the average "breakfast platter" sausage. Beth got the Migas, which include three eggs scrambled with blue corn tortilla chips layered within jalapenos and cheddar cheese. She noted the eggs were very fluffy and the salsa complimented the dish well. 

The menu features a half a dozen choices drastically ranging in price. For example, if you're on a budget, you can get the Basic Breakfast for $5.50, reasonably priced Tapas, Sandwiches, and Salads, or if you're feeling more lavish you can select from several diverse entrees such as Grilled Ribeye or even Scallops and Grits, the most expensive menu item at $22.50.

Needless to say, all the Holladays enjoyed their platters at North End Café. So just remember when you are looking to take your mom somewhere special on her special day, look no further. Plus it’s where all the hipsters take their hip moms. Until next time... Live to Eat!