Toast, Montclair, NJ

 

Like pretty much all of my brunch spots thus far, Toast was introduced to me by one of my girlfriends! Hey what are girlfriends for right?!?! It's always nice to catch up on the weekends and get away from the boys for a bit......sorry babe! Toast is the perfect place to do just that. From the outside it looks like a tiny little building. but when you go inside, there are three levels of seating and it is jam packed with fellow brunchers. They have a menu that is very accommodating to everyone's needs in your party. The menu consists of traditional breakfast foods like your waffles, eggs, and pancakes. To more decadent versions such as the Bella Nutella (pictured below left), which is Nutella stuffed French toast with strawberries, S'mores pancakes (below right), and, Red Velvet pancakes. 

There are also food items for those that have certain dietary or diet needs. Pictured below is their gluten free carrot cake pancakes (they were amazing). And in case you're wondering, this food was from two times there (I usually take my hubby another time if I love it so he can experience it too). So besides all the amazing food choices there is something else that is amazing about this restaurant........it is BYOB! Those mimosas that the ladies  and I enjoy with our brunches usually come at a hefty price (around $7 per mimosa). However, by bringing our own bottle we end up saving about $40 (split between us) which adds up! This will definitely be a spot I will want to take those who come visit, but if you are in the area you should check it out. Beware it does get packed (the longest wait I've had is 30 minutes) because it is soooooo good!  

Red Eye Cafe, Montclair, NJ

Last weekend I went to a new restaurant with one of my girlfriends. It's nice finding friends in the area because they let you in on all these little gems and advice about the area. I have discovered a few new restaurants that I may not have found otherwise by myself. So far, they have all been delicious and unique in their own way. The restaurant we went to for brunch was the Red Eye Cafe in Montclair, NJ. It is a tiny (it looked like it sat maybe 20 people), BYOB coffee shop with an eclectic menu (think beet tartar and shrimp & grits).  

I opted for the Chipotle Cheese sandwich (below) which was "Queso de freir with avocado, tomato, refried beans, and chipotle mayo on ciabatta bread. Served with shaved Brussels sprout, apple, red onion, and spiced walnut salad". Of course in usual brunch fashion, it was complimented with mimosas. I was throughly pleased with my selection, but can't wait to go back and try other items on their menu. They don't take reservations so if you plan on going for weekend brunch be prepared to wait (we waited about 25 minutes for 2), though it is worth it. Red Eye Cafe is also a short walk from the train station which makes it super convenient since there is no parking lot and street parking can be hard to find.

If you are in the area, I suggest you try this restaurant out if you have a moment. If you don't have time to sit down for a meal, you can get coffee and a pastry to go. Since I am a sucker for anything French, I got their Sludge coffee to go which they make through a cold brewing method and it is so good and potent! Enjoy your week!