Monday, August 23, 2010

A "Crabby" Morning

"R" and I didn't get to spend much time together this weekend, so we woke up on Sunday morning and both had a craving for a good brunch. He had plans that afternoon with friends, so brunch was a great way to start the day together. We quickly and easily decided to use a gift certificate to Latitude 41. On our last visit, and first visit ever, I really didn't enjoy my meal. But "R" had loved his pizza and has been talking about it ever since. I was ready to give them another shot, and I've heard nothing but good things about their Sunday Brunch.

Fall was in the air yesterday, and after settling into a comfortable booth we helped ourselves to steaming mugs of their Cinnamon Coffee- very unique. After my required sugar and creamer were added- it was perfect, and the coffee warmed me from the inside out. Did I mention that we had taken the motorcycle there? Yeah, not the best decision ever.

Several items sounded good on the brunch menu, but one kept jumping out at me: Chesapeake Stuffed Omelet ($8.5)- lump crab meat & artichoke cream cheese mix (pictured above). All omelets are served with Lat 41°n breakfast potatoes and toast. When the dish arrived, there was a surprise- hollandaise sauce! As you can see, the omelet was completely smothered with the creamy, rich sauce. Even though it was broken and had started to separate, it was a welcomed component and enhanced the flavor of the omelet. The omelet was light and fluffy, crab meat was flavorful without being fishy, and the artichoke cream cheese mix was smooth with a great punch of artichoke flavor from time to time. I was lovin' this omelet! The breakfast potatoes were also very good and clearly made in-house. The only component that wasn't a shining star was the toast. Some homemade bread, not the standard pre-sliced grocery store version included, would have just pushed this dish over the edge. Even though I don't eat jelly or jam very often, I did appreciate the chunky homemade jelly that accompanied the plate.

"R" was craving that Southern BBQ pizza that he had the first time, but decided to go for a breakfast version instead. He ordered the Pizza for Benedict-pizza dough layered with spinach, mozzarella cheese and choice of protein topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce; served with a side of Lat 41°n breakfast potatoes. Diners have the choice of five protein toppings, and "R" went with the Maryland Crab Cake ($10.5). See, it was a crab-filled morning for us! His pizza was very good (they really know how to make a good crust!), and a great portion size for breakfast. I would happily order this dish as well.

At the end of the meal, I can more than say that Latitude 41 redeemed themselves in my eyes. Now that I've witnessed first-hand their famous Sunday Brunch- we'll be back, and soon.

Did I forget to mention that it started raining just as we left the restaurant? It made for a cold, and wet, ride home!

Latitude 41°n
5712 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 961-0000

5 comments:

bonnjill said...

Oh yum! From the cinnamon coffee to the pizza description. Thanks for sharing this with us. I just took a look at the menu and want to go as soon as possible. The candy bar pancakes intrigue me, but then again everything on the menu looks divine. The chicken and waffles and pizza for Benedict are sure to be a hit with our brunch members.

alexa @clevelandsaplum said...

i was just there last week to lunch, i love it there!

Jen said...

Was the hollondaise sauce actually hollondaise sauce? I've been looking for a brunch place that makes REAL hollondaise - the best was Juniper Grille on Carnegie - but that's now closed. Everyone else seems to serve cheese sauce or chicken gravy and attempts to label it "hollondaise." If you know of anywhere, please let me know! Thanks!!!

Bite Buff said...

Jen, I promise that this was NO cheese sauce or chicken gravy! Just pure delicious hollondaise.

Bite Buff said...

You should certainly check it out bonnjill! It would be a great place for a brunch group to gather.