This was the case both times I ate at the lovely Studio Café, both times with
Today, we went back for brunch. As regular readers know, I'm a big fan of brunch and always happy to sample another place. One of the things I care most about in a brunch place is good juice, and the Studio Café obliged with smoothly fresh orange juice - I drank three glasses of it. C. reports that their coffee was above average, if not overwhelmingly good, and above average coffee is crucial in a good food place, at least for him. We all had starters, and again, I was impressed. In my gluttony for nice tastes, I was the only one who sampled at least a little of all three starters, but I'm glad I did, for I can report back that there was a great deal of good about all of them. Mine was a little round of light-but-flavorful goat's cheese, passingly deep-fried so that the lightly crunchy outer coating was like a delicate candy. It went nicely with the bittersweet sidesalad of shredded tart green apple and sweet beet. C.'s granola, yogurt, berries, and orange blossom honey would have made a nice light breakfast all on its own. It was one of the best granolas I've ever tried. I only nibbled at a candied pecan from
Mitzi's has spoiled me on being able to really enjoy normal pancakes. I think I must be looking for something as special as Mitzi's pancake in the french toast department, for I've not been completely happy with any french toast I've had in years. This one was made from challah, always a good sign. I love mascarpone sauce too, although I think I like it better when it's more distinctly flavored than just with sugar - the best flavored mascarpone I've had has been with lemon juice. The french toast was a very respectable, very competent, very correct french toast, but it couldn't compete with my appetizer for particular memorableness.
I'd recommend the Studio Café, especially for ambiance and for dinner; but I'd especially recommend the appetizers and desserts, for all the ones I've had there have been really, really good.