October 2013
Within the confines of twitter brevity, Square Cafe describes itself as such, “There are omelet people; there are pancake people. The choice defines you. Both will find something to love at Square Cafe in Regent Square.”
The choice does define me. I want the sweet, and I want the savory. More than an omelete person, more than a pancake person, I’m of the brunch people persuasion.
Twice a year, Square Cafe invests a lot of time and tinkering into releasing a new menu featuring as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. In order for the team to be fully acquainted with all the new menu’s nuances, the group gathered in the kitchen to experience the menu in plate form, and I was fortunate enough to be invited!
Corned Beef Benedict
After listening to the chef’s descriptions, this invite meant I had the opportunity to sample a whole lot of brunch. People who know me well, and even people who may not know me at all, know that brunch is my favorite meal. This was an entire new menu’s worth of brunch and for dinner no less!
Brussels Sprout Hash; Succotash & Black Bean Skillet
As a guest at the kitchen table, my excitement was expected, but even the longtime Square employees were wide-eyed and eager to dig in, which is a good sign indeed!
Jerk Tofu Sandwich (vegan) & Tahini Chickpea Burger (vegetarian)
Steak & Eggs: 6 oz filet cooked the way you like it. Served with two eggs any style, succotash and toast.
Shrimp Salad; Huevos Rojos: Three eggs any style on top of house-made tortilla chips, spicy rojo chili sauce, cilantro, onions and black beans.
Spinach Salad: fresh spinach topped with tomatoes, onions, shredded asiago cheese, raisins, toasted almonds and sliced apples.
Gluten Free Pancakes: caramelized apples, butter, powdered sugar and whipped cream.
Vegan pancakes with warm fig compote and powdered sugar. Pumpkin walnut pancakes with butter, powdered sugar and whipped cream.
As we all rotated around the table and passed plates to combat the traffic jams, our feeding frenzy felt like that proverbial dinner table described by those who had to walk uphill both ways in the snow. “In my day, there were so many mouths to feed, you had to fight for your share.”
Pulled Pork & Cheddar Crepe
Luckily, we were all just excited about food and still maintained our manners.
Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese Crepe
If there is one lesson I learned from this sneak peek, it’s this: Yes, there are omelet people. Yes, there are pancake people, but you want to go to Square Cafe with your brunch people. You know who they are. They are the ones who want to get a plate of pancakes for the table, and they want to try what’s on your plate in exchange for what’s on their plate. With Square’s variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free items, everyone can share. You’re definitely going to want to invite your brunch people because you are going to want a little bit of everything!
