We went on a Saturday afternoon around 1 pm for brunch. This is the only location of Muriel’s Kitchen that serves their breakfast menu on Saturdays until 2 pm. The other locations stop at noon, which defeats the purpose of offering a brunch.
Comfortable, rustic ambiance. Felt homey, but nice. I don’t think they take reservations, but we didn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for a table, though when we left around 2:30, there was a queue outside. They have a nice looking selection of pastries and desserts when you first walk in – chocolate nutella cake, carrot cake, red velvet cupcake, chocolate caramel brownie (which I tried as they were giving out samples and I actually thought it was pretty good – would recommend it – it’s cakier instead of fudgier), cookies, croissants, etc. They also have some prepared food ready to be dished up or eaten in the restaurant.
We were there for breakfast, though. Their breakfast menu is quite limited, but it covers most bases, so no complaints there. Quite egg based and I’m happy to say they have both an omelette and an egg white omelette already on the menu. We ordered the egg white omelette and the ultimate breakfast sandwich.
Egg White Omelette – this was fine, nothing special, and actually pretty bland. Good portion. Served with raw spinach inside the fold and 4 oily roasted vine tomatoes on the side.
Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich – This sandwich came with scrambled (or fried) eggs, tomatoes, spinach, bacon, cheese, and avocado. We didn’t want bacon and asked if there was a way to add another vegetable instead. The server said no, but that he could remove the bacon and just provide extra of another item already on the sandwich (avocado, tomato). We opted for extra avocado and confirmed there would be no extra charge, as was implied from our conversation. He acted as though he was doing us a favor and said that there should be, but for us, he wouldn’t charge. As if we bought that.
Nonetheless, the sandwich was substantial and delicious.
Ordered an Americano, which was nothing special, but appreciated the fact that per my request they served it with pouring cream (heated). Many places will put up a fuss about serving it with some type of cream and insist only milk is available, when all kitchens use single cream, double cream, or pouring cream for various items on their menu.
I also like the fact that they have good quality ketchup and other sauces that they bring with your food.
The worst part of this place, I thought, was really the service. Our waiter was not pleased with anything it seemed and he constantly tried to upsell – even for the egg-white omelette. He first asked if we wanted to add vegetables to that (no), then asked if we wanted vegetables on the side or any sides at all (no). He didn’t check in, refill waters, or seem to remember to bring out our food until after 30 minutes passed and we inquired about where it was.
Still, not a bad place overall and I’d recommend giving it a try if you’re in the area.
