Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Vinoteca di Monica | Sunday Brunch

Brunching within the confines of the North End is a rare commodity. There are plenty of cafes to sit with a frothy cappuccino and a pastry, but to enjoy a leisurely mid-morning meal of eggs, bacon and the essential hair of the dog comes with limited availability. With all the restaurants in proximity you'd think more of them would decide to cater to the french toast and mimosa minded crowd! Branching out from the pasta filled dinner plates of norm is Vinoteca di Monica located on the Freedom Trail at 143 Richmond Street. Festive fall décor welcomes with a simple display of bright orange pumpkins and cornstalks set in the exterior windowsill. The autumn scheme compliments nicely with the red facade. Adam and I arrived just after they opened at 11 am to a prompt greeting and our choice of tables, a cozy window nook where the sun shone in brightly was the ideal spot. Attentive and courteous service echoed for the duration. Foregoing the standard bloody mary (though the round ordered at the table next to us looked excellent) an inspired coffee based cocktail is a whimsical prelude. The Spanish Coffee ($8) combines fresh brewed java, robust and piping hot with rum and Tia Maria liqueur. This eye opening elixir is topped with a mountain of frothy whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a maraschino cherry! It proves to be equal parts playful and sophisticated, not unlike the Pizzetta di Colazione ($10) which is an artisan breakfast pizza topped with potatoes, cheese, bacon and sunny side up eggs. Every thing about the first breakfast pizza I've ever consumed was spot on. The eggs were perfectly cooked for the occasion - soft set and gooey - not runny to the point of annoyance. A pizza should be eaten with your hands for sure, I was nervous I'd come out on the other side a mess. The contained yolk nicely deterred that chaos; meanwhile, the crust was easy going, offering remarkably soft and chewy bites. The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with a few home fries  topping it for good measure were fully comforting. The bacon took a supporting role, adding a crispy, salty counterpart here and there, which is exactly how I like mine in most instances. I felt like this pizza was made for me. The portion size was incredibly substantial, especially for $10. The center section sans egg was taken to go and heated up nicely for lunch the next day.
Adam's Bistecca con Uovo ($14) provided ideally cooked over easy eggs and an over cooked 6 oz marinated sirloin. He requested medium rare, there was not a trace of pink, however, it was still plenty flavorful and juicy. 
Along side were roasted potatoes and rustic toast, and a glass of OJ that was refilled without even having to ask.This was a solid Sunday brunch, which I am so grateful Monica's has decided to offer! We will definitely be back.

Other posts that might be of interest:
North Street Grille - Long known as the only "go-to" neighborhood brunch, unfortunately, I would not recommend it. (I get asked about this place all the time.)
Caffe Nuovo - another rare but fantastic and always crowded North End sit down brunch.

21 comments:

  1. Funny that more N.End restaurants don't offer brunch. I've had a couple bad dinner experiences at Monica's but the brunch does look great!

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  2. that breakfast pizza looks divine! we get a huge one from mediterranean grill downtown in the mornings when my coworkers and i are hungover!

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  3. I went to Monica's for dinner awhile back (read years) and it was good; but that breakfast pizza looks like I may need to make a trip back to Monica's for brunch!

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  4. The real good chefs hate Sunday Brunch after they have just busted there ass on Friday And Saturday nights

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  5. I actually have not had brunch at the North End yet, but I'm glad to know there's this good option. That breakfast pizza is calling my name!

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  6. I like the looks of that breakfast pizza! I'll have to add this place to my brunch list!

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  7. the food looks great but i cant get over the coffee drink. it looks like dessert!


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  8. I would never think about the North End for brunch but that breakfast pizza looks so interesting as does the fun coffee drink!

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  9. Ahhhh, everything looks so good! I bet that you had the best time.

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  10. Wow, what a great find! That breakfast pizza looks incredible! Thanks for sharing.

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  11. I've never had a breakfast pizza. It looks incredible!

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  12. A yummy brunch, I would so love to try that Spanish coffee!

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  13. A breakfast pizza! I love it! You always did like a hearty breakfast on the weekends. This was definitely made for you!

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  14. the pizza looks soo good. I've wanted to try a bfast/brunch pizza w/ egg.

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  15. Looks almost lieke a Full Scottish Breakfast! I say almost...

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  16. Ok, I really need to go grab a snack because these photos are torturing me. It's been too long since I've been out to brunch. This place looks amazing (we should go back together!)

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