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10/10/2017 12:00 AM

Best Places to Brunch on the Shoreline


The PJ. Photo by David Ciastko

[naviga:u]Editor's Pick[/naviga:u]

The Tea Kettle Restaurant in Old Saybrook

I don't even know where to start with this place. Living in Hamden, I don't make my way out to Old Saybrook too often. But after hearing all the buzz from numerous people about The Tea Kettle, I knew I had to make the trip out there to see what it was all about. When you first walk in they have a pancake menu that takes up an entire wall with items like "The Shorty" (blueberries and bacon) and "Mocha Momma" (mocha sauce, chocolate chips, and coffee beans). They also offer usual breakfast fare like breakfast sandwiches (which I ordered and was delicious), but I instantly regretted not ordering a pancake once I saw them come out of the kitchen. Although they just offer one, it takes up the entire circumference of the plate. There's also "The PJ" (peanut butter and jelly French toast) which was featured on the Food Network, and they offer paleo and gluten-free options. They even have a specialty mimosa menu with drinks like "Bl(ooze) Clues" (champagne and blueberry puree) and "The Boozy Pancake" (champagne with maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon). You could even build your own mimosa from any of the ingredients in their mimosa cart. I mean, if you're going to go anywhere for brunch, its mimosa game better be on point. As someone who spent her Sunday morning driving almost an hour just to eat at this restaurant for brunch, I can say with absolute authority that it's worth it.

The Tea Kettle Restaurant is located at 1395 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook. For more information, visit www.theteakettlerestaurant.com.

[naviga:u]For the morning after...[/naviga:u]

Bloody Mary at The Stand

Sometimes when you're really hungover, you need a good Bloody Mary. Sometimes what you need is a good chunk of meat. If you go to The Stand, you can get both all in one drink. The drink is made with their own Bloody Mary mix and Tito's Vodka, rimmed with smoked pepper and paprika, and can be garnished with bacon, charred corn bread, smoked pepper, a chicken wing, or smoked rib. Between all of the garnishes, you probably don't even need to order food.

Brunch is served on weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Stand: Roadside BBQ & Market is located at 196 South Montowese Street in Branford. For more information, visit www.thestandbranford.com.

Disco Tots at Bull & Swine

Okay, they're basically cheese fries. But the beauty of brunch is that it allows you to eat something like this early in the day without judgement. And if greasy hangover food is what you need, then tater tots covered in creamy cheese is what you order.

Brunch is served on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bull & Swine is located at 969 State Street in New Haven. For more information, visit www.bullswine.com.

[naviga:u]For mimosas...[/naviga:u]

Blood Orange Mimosa at Elizabeth's Café

This is an interesting twist and the basic orange mimosa. Elizabeth's Cafe is also a cute and cozy spot to enjoy a Sunday morning brunch on their built-in couch seats that line the walls of the restaurant.

Brunch is served on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Elizabeth's Café is located at 885 Boston Post Road in Madison. For more information, visit www.perfectparties.com.

[naviga:u]For food...[/naviga:u]

Avocado Toast at Carson's on Whitfield

It seems like avocado toast has become a staple food group for a lot of people (thank you, hipsters). If you're an avocado lover, you'll be happy to hear that Carson's on Whitfield serves avocado toast during its brunch. The avocado is served on whole wheat toast with sliced tomatoes, poached eggs, and extra virgin olive oil and comes with a side salad.

Carson's on Whitfield is located at 2 Water Street in Guilford. For more information, visit www.carsonsonwhitfield.com.

[naviga:u]For lazy day brunch...[/naviga:u]

The Lace Factory in Deep River

If you're someone who wants to eat breakfast at 11 a.m., chances are you're someone who appreciates eating at a place that is the ideal setting for a lazy Sunday. The Lace Factory in Deep River is the perfect spot to eat, sit back, and relax while enjoying a buffet-style brunch. Guests are served in their Riverview Room and they offer outer deck seating with views of the Connecticut River, although it may be a bit chilly for fall.

Brunch is offered on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last seating at 1 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but they are not required.

The Lace Factory is located at 161 River Street in Deep River. For more information, visit www.thelacefactory.com/brunch.

Bloody Mary garnished with pork, bacon, jalapeno, chicken wing, and corn bread crouton. Photo by Emily Burkhardt
Disco Tots. Photo courtesy of Bull & Swine
Blood orange mimosa from Elizabeth's Cafe. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth’s Café
Avocado toast from Carson's on Whitfield. Photo courtesy of Carson’s on Whitfield
The Lace Factory in Deep River. Photo by Erin Colwell