Story and Photos by Ashley Ruzich
Beignets with Cherries Jubilee at The Square Root in Brevard
Early risers and late sleepers often disagree when it comes to making weekend morning plans. Sometimes these two worlds converge in a culinary delight everyone can agree on: brunch. It’s early. It’s late. It has the power to bring people together. Brunch is a meal that makes everyone happy.
There are many places to enjoy this relaxed culinary experience, so make sure to get out and do it often. Several restaurants offer items created exclusively for their brunch menu that perhaps taste even better when enjoyed al fresco. Some restaurants even welcome the family dog.
At Kitchen 743 at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall (isisasheville.com) in West Asheville, the food is always top-notch and their outdoor dining area is a must-do for Sunday brunch.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the music is perfect for your southern dining experience. Sitting beneath their iconic red outdoor umbrellas, you can slowly sip your coffee while listening to soul, blues, old-timey, and more. Try the huevos rancheros chimichanga and you’ll start your day off right.
Mayfel’s signature drink the Mayfelade
Another great brunch spot is Mayfel’s (mayfels.net) in downtown Asheville. Manager Eli Goode says, “We have not one but two outdoor dining areas. Our covered patio on College Street is wonderful for views of Pritchard Park and the hustle and bustle of downtown Asheville. Then you have our courtyard located off Wall Street, which is like a little slice of New Orleans dropped into the mountains. We have a little bar out there. It’s got so much gritty personality. Really one-of-a-kind. And both areas are pet-friendly, so bring the pooch along.”
Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and capers at Mayfel’s
Mayfel’s Big Easy indoor theme continues outside in the front and back with fleur-de-lis décor and other relics reminiscent of the French Quarter. Order some savory southern-fried goodness, sit back and watch the people because this is a recipe for a great brunch experience. The eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and capers is a great choice for those who crave lunch and the French toast is lovely and sweet with fruit and cream sauce that will have the adults and kids begging for more. Mayfel’s has a unique Bloody Mary bar stocked with olives and pickled okra. They have other specialty brunch drinks, too, such as their signature Mayfelade, a ginger-infused lemonade, mint, club soda, and vodka.
Monte Cristo Frangelica French Toast at The Square Root
Looking for something a little different? Take a drive to one of Brevard’s finest Sunday brunch spots, the patio at The Square Root (squarerootrestaurant.com). Chef Adam Wilson takes pride in each plate, adorning many of them with sprigs of rosemary, edible pansies, and pea shoots from his garden.
“Come warm weather, we take every opportunity to step out, dine in the sunshine, and enjoy the beautiful scenery we are surrounded by,” says Adam.
His Sunday brunch menu includes hot and fresh beignets with cherries jubilee sauce, a new interpretation on classic southern shrimp and grits, a Monte Cristo sandwich with ham, and Frangelico French toast topped with blueberries.
So what is brunch? It’s a lazy Sunday morning with friends. It’s a special menu that chefs put out once a week. It’s a conversation over coffee. It’s a savory breakfast or lunch.
Shrimp & Grits at The Square Root
Impressive Cheeseburger Bloody Mary at The Square Root
