3301 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
214.754.4940
www.breadwinnerscafe.com
Sunday brunch is a religious experience for me. Yes, it’s just that good. In fact, I do believe God himself invented the Sunday brunch. Surely it’s in the Bible somewhere, possibly Genesis, or maybe Proverbs. But I’m pretty sure it went something like this: “…And God created man in his own image. There was evening; there was morning–the sixth day. Finally, God rested. Then God took himself and his peeps for eggs Benedict, and lo, Sunday brunch was created–the seventh day.”
Now, enter Breadwinners Café. Located in Uptown Dallas on McKinney Avenue, this is a little French-infused gem. On a recent weekend jaunt up north to the Big D, my extracurricular activities got a little rowdy. After a night of beating our livers to soppy, vodka soaked pulps, our pack of gals decided the best remedy was Sunday brunch. Let choirs of angels sing.
Due to freak-warm February weather (thank you, Texas) we were able to score a courtyard table after our 30 minute wait. Perfect for people-watching, especially when conversation came to a lull because our brain cells were still drunk. Lazy bastards. First order of business was the hair of the dog. The Bloody Mary was maybe the best I’ve had in Dallas- the perfect mix of spice and fresh juice to nurse our hangovers.
Speaking of hung over: I can’t be certain, but we were fairly convinced our waitress was just this side of drunk. I am not judging, but her breakfast probably consisted of dry wheat toast and a six-pack of Rolling Rock. To be sure, I’ve paid my dues and spent about six years waiting tables. I know how it is. Although it looked like girlfriend was at least able to wash her face and brush her hair, there was not much else working in her favor. She seemed generally flaky and I think she may have actually momentarily fallen asleep while taking our order. Rough day.
Breadwinners bakes its own sweet goods and serves up large portions, so the six of us decided to divide and conquer by ordering three different plates and sharing. While we waited for our food, we were pleasantly teased with a basket of blueberry bread and cinnamon sugar bread. The breads were perfectly dense and moist and an excellent contrast to the heat of the Mary.
We ended up with the Hamptons Casserole (a delicious plate of brunch potatoes loaded up with asparagus, chicken, onion, jack cheese, and hollandaise sauce), Julios Huevos (flour tortillas, chicken, onion, pepper, avocado, queso, eggs, salsa, and brunch potatoes) and banana bread French toast, topped with bananas and fresh cream. For being a packed Sunday, our food came out hot and without a frightfully long wait. Our only mistake seemed to be not ordering one more plate of something sweet, as we inhaled the French toast. Next time, we might try the heralded cinnamon rolls.
Although our waitress was a bit woozy, the experience would make anyone a believer in Breadwinners. Well-balanced recovery drinks, home baked sweet breads, and a cheery atmosphere had me saying, “Alleluia!” Besides, I respect any place where you can sit, wear oversized shades, and drink alcohol before noon on the Lord’s Day.
by Phyllis Anastasia Gasper
[Photos: Krystal Pritchett]
