East Coast Grill | Inman Square

East Coast Grill gives a whole new meaning to Sunday brunch. I am quite confident the 24 bloggers who gathered in the private bamboo walled back room lined with a bright teal booth and huge tiki masks, would agree. The netted ceiling, tropical volcano mural and seashell lights also set the scene. East Coast Grill's staff and kitchen stuffed us, spoiled us, and brought the spice with four incredibly unique appetizers and one intense entrée of our choice all at a fixed price of $25 including tax and tip. The family style appetizers were served one at a time. First up were the Fried Sweet Plantains with Queso Fresco, banana and guava ketchup.

This was my first time eating plantains! The sweet banana relative has a very similar flavor, as you might expect. The fried exterior adds firmness and crunch. What an excellent dish to kick off the meal. I'm definitely a fan of plantains now. Next up: Sweet Potato Fries with House Inner Beauty Hot Sauce. Muy Caliente! That Inner Beauty Hot Sauce is something else. A fantastic heat gives big flavors to the thick cut crispy sweet potato fries. It also enhances the smoked pork stuffed bananas in the Banana Rellena. The pickled jalapenos on the side kicked up the heat another notch. A notable variety of textures with flavors lending smokey, sweet and spicy prove this appetizer to be the true standout. Out next comes the Monteray Jack Grits with molasses glazed grilled banana, grilled pineapple, jalapenos, toasted pecans and crispy smoked bacon.These were creamy and cheesy, warm and comforting, enhanced by all that sat within them, especially the smokey bacon. The ECG offered a choice of the following three entrees: The Smoked Pork Tostada (above) received rave reviews around the table. I chose the Yucatan Breakfast Platter. Good old fashioned cheesy scrambled eggs over a pool of salsa roija came with fluffy white rice and black beans, more of those incredible sweet fried plantains, a mango-pepper-hearts of palm salad, and a warm flour tortilla.  So many elements on one plate made for a fun and filling meal.
Our waiter Arthur was a hoot. His quick whited humor and ability to tell a story to his guests without lingering was just as welcome as the company I dined with. He (as well as other members of the wait-staff) were on point with water and coffee refills throughout the duration of our lively brunch. His thank you speech at the end of brunch and kind gesture letting us know to call on them for whatever we might need in the future was thoughtful and appreciated.
Boston Brunchers - it was wonderful, as usual, to see all your smiling faces this morning. East Coast Grill - the whole 25 of us were lucky to have such a filling and delicious meal at your bustling, bright and friendly establishment. And Renee - thanks for organizing another flawless brunch, you rock!

East Coast Grill

1271 Cambridge St

Cambridge, MA