The Store

I love long weekends. Right now I'm very much upset that this is a regular work week, and not a short one like last week. It may not have been the most exciting of weekends, but that extra day was really worth it. Ok, now I'm getting misty-eyed.

One thing that makes a long weekend even better is a sunny Sunday brunch. It's better than a regular Sunday brunch because you don't have to go home to a list of chores in preparation for the work week starting the next day, you're just free to enjoy your meal and do whatever takes your fancy. And that's what we did. 

Somehow I tricked Wil into getting up early, and by the time we reached Britomart it was warm and sunny. And still early.  We decided to nab a table inside at The Store since it was still a little shady out in their courtyard and tucked into two giant mugs of coffee while we pondered the menu.  It's straightforward and simple, a nice mix of savoury and sweet, classic breakfast fare and some more substantial lunch items. There's all of the favourites, and a few with a twist, and very moderately priced for place that has a teensy bit of a ritzy schnitzty air about it.

With coffees promptly in hand we both made excellent choices, although I still suffered some meal-envy when plates were delivered to a neighbouring table, but I guess that just means we'll have to come back!  Wil went with the Huevos Rancheros and pronounced them quite possibly the best he's ever had. Perfectly poached eggs, fresh & spicy salsa, crispy corn tortillas with cheese and a stack of fresh coriander. The one bite I was allowed was delicious. Wil was well stoked.

I opted for the croque madame, a twist on croque monsieur with the egg atop the sandwich and fancied up a little with the addition of crispy, salty proscuitto in place of the traditional ham.  The brioche used was light and fluffy, crispy and eggy on the edges and delightfully cheesy. It was the perfect amount of decadence for a non-hungover morning that filled me up, but not so much so that our day's adventures were a struggle.

Service was prompt and friendly and the best we've had in quite a while. The other options on the menu are supremely enticing and with a takeaway counter round the back decorated with delicious looking sweet treats, sandwiches and a gelato cabinet we know we'll be visiting again. You should!