Street Smart: Joining Boston Brunchers at B Street
by Natalie Shmulik
What does one eat for breakfast when anticipating a 2:30 pm complimentary brunch at B-Street in Newton? This being my first time joining the notorious Boston Brunchers, I anticipated a modest one plate meal and decided to start my morning with the usual abundant breakfast. Oops.
We were immediately greeted with a specialty sampler menu and large cocktail pitchers to whet our appetites. After sipping on a spicy Bloody Mary and a peachy Rosé Sangria, the last of the brunch bunch arrived and food began to rapidly leave the kitchen.
The featured menu items are diverse and international, served in appetizing geometrical shapes, which complement the clean and modern space. The feast began with triangled Quesadillas stuffed with tender steak, scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar. Next came a spanakopita-inspired spinach and feta pie. The proportion of spinach to feta to flaky filo was just right and unlike the Greek economy, this dish was rich and promising.
Most exciting was the challah French toast, which rapidly disappeared. I am a strong believer in three course brunches, complete with sweet and savory bites. This dish was exactly the right amount of sweet needed to break up the bordering plates of savory fare. Challah was the right choice with a crisp and marbled cover blanketing the soft and moist center. Although I could have done without the slightly chewy outer crust, I thoroughly enjoyed the caramelized apple topping complete with ample flecks of cinnamon bubbling up from a pool of pure maple syrup.
Following a breakfast flatbread complete with bacon, eggs, and garlic, we were given the option of choosing a “main” dish. Feeling the weight of the previous four courses, it seemed natural to share the Turkey Hash. Served right in a cast iron skillet, the hash offered big chunks of veg, meat and potatoes, bound to satisfy any hungry brunch-goer looking for a good fix.
Finally, just when we thought we were done, a surprise of three house-made desserts crashed down on our table and suddenly, our appetites slavishly returned. Fresh blueberry crostata, a towering baked Alaska with a divine pillow of meringue, and everyone’s favorite strawberry and rhubarb crumble, widened our eyes and our stomachs ever so slightly.
The company was as delightful as the food. These bloggers come from all around and everyone has an interesting story to tell. This group is fun, inviting, and most importantly, they all love food. As we passed the time with great conversation, slowly nibbling on the minimal remains of dessert, we were greeted by the bashful chef who hinted at an exciting new selection of goodies that will be added to the brunch menu. Looks like I’m going to have to go back for seconds.