Claire's on Cedros -- Solana Beach, CA

Claire's on Cedros is one of the greenest, most environmentally-friendly brunch places I've had the pleasure to recently visit. Eating here makes you feel goood, if not for the scrumptious fare on offer that's great can indulge in on a breezy weekend morning, then at least because you're not destroying the planet while engaging in said indulgence :)

The venue is an eco-friendly building located across from the Amtrak station in Solana Beach. More often than not, it will be packed with a wide range of patrons happily chatting away....families, college kids, well-to-do ladies-who-brunch, surfers, etc.....in essence, it's a cozy spot where everyone can feel comfortable.

Back patio dining area, looking back towards the main building 

Although Claire's also offers an extensive lunch selection starting at 11:30AM, the main culinary magnet here is the famous breakfast menu that's served all day. Basic favorites such as eggs and omelets are prepared well; as expected, eggs are cooked as you like, and can be paired with bacon, sausage or even grilled grass-fed skirt steak. With herb-roasted potatoes and fresh toast, this staple of any American breakfast won't disappoint. 

Two eggs with herb-roasted potatoes and sausage, toast on the side ($9.95)

Basics aside, Claire's mouthwatering breakfast specialties also succeed in tempting the diner. Eggs Benedict are flavorful and well-textured, and can be served either with the standard English muffin or a croissant. The Caprese Frittata was equally satisfying: an omelette with generous amounts of ricotta and provolone topped with a delicious arugula salad in pesto and basil oil. 

Eggs Benedict with herb-roasted potatoes ($9.95)

Caprese Frittata ($9.95)

Of course, what breakfast would be complete without French toast? The French toast at Claire's is prepared with their freshly made brioche bread, served with butter and maple syrup. It provides a sweet and filling finale to a delicious brunch. 

French toast ($7.95)

Complimentary house-baked shortbread cookies 

At the end of the meal, each patron is given a small house-baked shortbread cookie in the shape of a heart, which I'm assuming comes fresh out of the oven since it was still warm when it arrived with our bill. Not excessively sweet, they were delicious and provided a nice ending touch. An on-site bakery also allows you to bring some freshly-baked treats back home for later enjoyment. 

Claire's on Cedros 

246 N Cedros Avenue

Solana Beach, CA 92075

Map

858 259 8598

Mon-Fri 6:00AM-3:00PM

Sat-Sun 7:00AM-3:00PM 

clairesoncedros.com

900 Grayson -- Berkeley, CA

At first glance, 900 Grayson appears to be just another unassuming little restaurant located in a rather nondescript area of West Berkeley. Upon closer inspection, it presents itself as a surprisingly hip little brunch nook, attracting large Saturday morning crowds of Cal kids and chic locals. Their specialty is brunch and burgers, and indeed they do it well!

What seems to be the most popular item on the menu is the Demon Lover (spicy buttermilk chicken on top of a buttermilk waffle served with cream gravy). To those unfamiliar with this combination, it is absolutely scrumptious and filling. 900 Grayson's chicken is fried in a manner that retains the meat's moisture...thus, my initial fears of biting into a tough and dry piece of chicken were put to rest. Aside from this, the Tom Boy (poached eggs, potatoes, Fuji apple and corned beef hash, and white toast) was also a very pleasant dish to savor. The beef hash was meaty and flavorful, and mixed well with Fuji apple bits, with the perfectly poached eggs' runny yolk providing just the right texture. The accompanying toast was freshly prepared from the local Acme Bread Company, and served with tasty homemade fruit jam. 

We also had a side order of Idaho hashed browns and the spicy sausage, which were both welcomed additions to the meal.

Top: Demon Lover ($12), bottom: Tom Boy ($10), right: Idaho hashed browns ($3) and spicy sausage ($2)

Of course, they also serve other breakfast dishes, as well as burgers and sandwiches which looked promising. The Demon Lover and Tom Boy are definite winners though. Sadly, these items are available only until 10:45AM on the weekdays, but are served up until 2:30PM on Saturdays. When we went on a Saturday morning, there was a wait which wasn't too unbearable. The venue is a bit small and crowded....but I'd say it adds to the charming atmosphere. This place is very ideal for a hearty and energizing (although maybe not exactly the most relaxed) brunch. Believe me, it's not easy writing this review at 1 in the morning....just thinking about the food makes my mouth water!

900 Grayson 

900 Grayson Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

Map

510 704 9900 

Mon-Fri 8:00AM-3:00PM

Sat 8:00AM -2:30PM

Closed Sun

900grayson.com