Close enough, as in right across the bridge in Arlington, Virginia. The foodie travels have not come around for a while and with an Australia trip also in October, it is time to bring them back and talk about some of the great food scene Washington D.C. (and the immediate surrounding area) has to offer. Starting with a brunch time favorite in the Ballston District, Ted’s Bulletin.
A hefty breakfast after a long weekend reunion with best friends is often just what the doctor’s ordered to solve most accrued pains. Most certainly the case here, I got the thing that had it all on the “all-day breakfast” menu- Thick-Cut French Toast served with 2 eggs, hash browns, and an optional meat add on, which I of course did.
Starting with the French Toast, what could go wrong with a nice thick homemade bread, soaked in batter that adds a touch of sweetness, and fried up to a delectable crisp? Being a carb lover, bread served any way works for me, but this might just be the best way to. Unsure what goes into the batter at Ted’s Bulletin, but I can assume some cinnamon, almond extract and vanilla extract are what add that pleasant sugary touch that does not overpower. I added the berries as well, which with the syrup to add on top, was like the “cherry on top.” The berries were fresh and juicy and plentiful so there were some with every bite. Then the syrup is what sweet dreams are made of, I made sure the toast was swimming in it. Brought me back to life right away.
Ted’s serving them with eggs and hash browns was just too good to believe- some savory goods with the sweet. I went with scrambled and was less excited about them. Rather plain, but what else would you expect? The hash browns were similarly just what you would expect, although for some reason from a modern restaurant, I was expecting a bit more from both the hash browns and the eggs. Do not get me wrong though, they were very good, and along with the French Toast, the most filling and needed brunch I could have asked for. Overall, very happy with this to cap off a wonderful weekend.
My partner ordered something on the lighter side and as always, we share. The Garden Omelet made of egg whites, spinach, broccoli, diced red onion, tomato and a side of fruit. Sounds healthy enough to counterbalance the carb overload above! And it tasted so much as well. Egg whites and greens lightly folded over and tasting very much like a garden as a result. Normally this would be something I really enjoy but, in this case, not at all. There was one massive problem: the stalk of broccoli stuffed in the middle of the omelet. There is nothing else that you can focus on with how ridiculous this broccoli is. Cutting diagonally into the omelet you can try and minimize the amount that you get in each mouthful or spread it across the omelet, which does help, but it was just the strangest presentation of an omelet I have ever seen or had. I did not enjoy this one bit personally. If you are watching your diet, I understand wanting to order this dish, but you are better off with one of the other Lighter Fare items, I think.
Just look below. The menu item should really be re-branded as “Broccoli Stalk with eggs on top.” I may be known for exaggerations but see for yourself:
And not to be forgotten is this trip included the pup, Bailey, and the smells which had the puppy dog eyes out in full force. I mentioned adding the meat side to my meal, which was secretly purely for Bails. Turkey bacon is one of her favorites and makes me feel a bit less guilty than other foods that are prepared for humans (albeit no great reason). Unfortunately, I am weak and not only were many bites of sausage snug under the table, eggs, berries and maybe even a hash brown bite or two went to the lucky lady:
While I tried to get rid of some of that broccoli through Bailey, she would not help us out at all. Typical.
