LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lamorinda's Specialties of the House


Metro's Crab Benedict Photo Metro Lafayette

Nothing says Easter like a beautiful plate of eggs - scrambled, fried, or however you take them. Spring has officially sprung, and we're celebrating with one of Lamorinda's favorite weekend pastimes: brunch. Whether it's an early-morning omelette, a midday frittata or an afternoon of sipping mimosas, you're sure to find something that suits your palate and your budget.

On the 'spendy end' of the brunch scene is the Michelin-recommended French-Californian menu at Artisan Bistro in Lafayette. Specific offerings vary according to season, availability and the creative whims of Executive Chef John Marquez. Dishes range from a marinated beet salad and a bowl of spring garlic and onion soup to cinnamon brioche French toast topped with fresh berries, and halibut fish tacos served with creme fraiche, pico de gallo, cabbage and red onion slaw and mixed greens. Artisan also offers three varieties of Benedict and sides of applewood-smoked bacon and sweet potato fries. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations recommended. Artisan Bistro is located at 1005 Brown Ave. in Lafayette. For information, call (925) 962-0882 or visit artisanlafayette.com.

Too many choices have you looking for a prix fixe option? Check out the three-part prix fixe brunch menu at Lafayette's Metro, urban sophistication in a suburban setting. Select a starter of apple fritters with créme anglaise or Strauss organic yogurt topped with Café Fanny's granola, choose a main dish of Croque Madame, Eggs Florentine or Metro Benedict, and pair your morning meal with a cocktail or refresher of choice. Savor your selections in the dining room, at the bar, or on Metro's outdoor patio. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations can be made by phone or online. Located at 3524 Mt Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette, call (925) 284-4422 or visit metrolafayette.com for information.

For a California brunch that is as farm fresh as it is comforting, sample the homemade creations of Moraga's Home/Made Kitchen Cafe and Bakery. Organic eggs and local ingredients are used in every chef's scramble, blueberry buttermilk pancake, market quiche and poached egg salad. But the real champ on Home/Made's menu is the chile relleno bake, a spicy savory egg bake made with roasted Anaheim peppers, avocado, spicy relleno sauce, and three types of cheese. Homemade pastries are available all day long, as are steaming hot cups of fresh Four Barrel coffee, both of which can be enjoyed in the sun or under the umbrellas of Home/Made's spacious patio. Brunch is served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Located at 337 Rheem Blvd. in Moraga, for information, call (925) 388-0841, visit homemadekitchen.com or email aly.homemade@gmail.com.

If you're looking for a place to stop, sip and stay, try the bottomless mimosas at Table 24 in Orinda's Theatre Square. Match your mimosa with a slice of house-made quiche or a serving of jalepeno cornbread, or opt for something more substantial, like the new orange brulée French toast or the tasty Monte Cristo sandwich. Table 24 also offers brunch-time Bloody Marys, and for the less indulgent day drinkers there are espresso beverages and fresh-squeezed juices. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Located at 2 Theatre Square, Ste. 153 in Orinda, for info, call (925) 254-0124 or visit table24orinda.com.

Hunting for a brunch that's easy on your budget and still high on character? On the lower end of the spending spectrum is the tucked-away charm of Millie's Kitchen, a homey little spot with friendly faces, generous portions and efficient service. The doors open before dawn, making Millie's the perfect place for early risers. The house favorite is Millie's classic coffee cake along a strong cup of coffee, though All-American options abound, from fried eggs, bacon and hash browns to pancakes and huevos rancheros. Nothing fancy. No notice needed. Open 5 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., seven days a week. Located at 1018 Oak Hill Road in Lafayette, for information, call (925) 283-2397.