Unofficially dubbed the “Restaurant Row” of Media, State Street and the blocks surrounding it boast any and every cuisine from around the world—and no shortage of hot brunch spots too. Each restaurant I’ve visited offers a twist on the popular weekend dining event, and each celebrates its unique cultural and culinary flair.
Azie
Renowned for its inventive Asian fusion style of cuisine, Azie shines during Sunday brunch. The sushi selection includes an assortment of spicy tuna, spicy salmon, shrimp and vegetables. The crab cream cheese spring rolls, chicken dumplings, Japanese chicken nuggets and veggie fried rice are a few diner favorites. For the traditional breakfast lover, there’s an extensive made-to-order omelet station, plus an assortment of crispy breakfast meats and potatoes. The make-your-own Bloody Mary bar is quite impressive, with a wide array of garnishes and trimmings for the Sunday staple cocktail. And the sweet table is simply decadent, but I don’t want to ruin your appetite just yet. Coming soon: I’ll give you the full scoop on Azie’s brunch. Brunch runs Sundays, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 217 W. State St., (610) 566-4750
Bittersweet Kitchen
Having opened a short few months ago, Bittersweet Kitchen has quickly become a mecca for weekend brunch-goers. Owners and “Mediaites” Jeremy Pflug and Michelle West have spent the better part of their career in the hospitality and culinary industries, but now the quaint breakfast, lunch and bake shop has become a labor of love for the married couple. And boy, does Media just love the old-fashioned, American creative comfort food and small-batch baked goods they create daily. The line’s out the door, literally, on Saturdays and Sundays for the brunch, as it should be. The pancakes are oh-so-buttery and oozing with chocolate chips and covered with real maple syrup. Other popular dishes include challah French toast stuffed with cream cheese and a bourbon caramel sauce and Green Eggs and Hamburger (an egg-topped burger with salsa verde). Can’t forget to mention the unforgettable baked goods and sweets too, including scratch buttermilk biscuits, Jewish apple cake and signature bittersweet chocolate cake. Check out my full review of Bittersweet for more yummy details! Brunch runs Saturday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. 18 S. Orange St., (610) 566-1660
Dos Gringos Mexican Kitchen
Nestled on Olive Street, off State Street, Dos Gringos brings authentic Latin American food to Media’s culinary scene. Owner Greg Quintiliano takes a great deal of pride in creating the freshest, most savory dishes true to the Mexican culture. What better to do on a Saturday afternoon than kick back with your amigos for huevos rancheros and ‘ritas? A Dos favorite, the two eggs on a crispy corn tortilla are topped with salsa ranchera and served with housemade chorizo sausage, rice and refried beans. A few other popular dishes include the El Fresco (eggs, cheese, rice, beans, avocado and pico de gallo) and a Mexican twist on French toast: grilled, batter-dipped torta bread topped with cajeta caramel sauce and canela or cinnamon. You can also choose from the lunch menu featuring classic dishes, such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas made with shredded chicken, pork carnitas, shredded beef, grilled veggies, chorizo or shrimp. And don’t leave without sampling the housemade tortilla chips, guacamole and complimentary salsa bar. Now, how about that ‘rita? Dos Gringos is BYOT—you supply the tequila, and for $10, they will shake up a pitcher of refreshing margarita mix. Of course, you’re free to bring your favorite wine, beer or other spirit of choice too. Brunch runs Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 113 S. Olive St., (610) 565-7794
La Belle Epoque Wine Bistro
The French-inspired cafe is casual but stylish and the brunch menu follows suit. On Saturdays and Sundays, guests can dine alfresco or inside the romantic restaurant to enjoy the authentic French dishes created by owner and executive chef Loic Barnieu. The eggs Benedict is a fan fave—a fresh baked roll topped with ham, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, with asparagus and sautéed potatoes—as is the Pain Perdu, or lost bread, which you know better as French toast. La Belle is also celebrated for its savory crepes, made in the Brittany tradition with buckwheat flour on a large griddle called a Bilig. Choose from an array of flavors, like La Brie with fresh basil, brie and bacon, or La Provencale with olives, plum tomatoes, spinach, onion, goat cheese and pesto sauce. Pair your meal with a glass or flight of wine from the carefully selected wine list featuring bottles from around the world. If you’re in the mood for a light cocktail, I recommend the top-selling Sparkling Ginger, a delightful mix of Canton ginger liqueur, sparkling wine and a piece of candied ginger. Brunch runs Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 38 W. State St., (610) 566-6808
House
Located directly off State Street on Jackson, the cozy BYOB features locally sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Specialities on the brunch menu include farm-fresh egg omelets with Malvern-based Canter Hill farm sausage or bacon. Then there’s the “Ben-addictions,” three special variations of eggs Benedict. Diners can also order from the lunch menu featuring farm-to-table fresh items like soups, salads and sandwiches. The hot tomato soup is a creamy, smooth blend of ripe tomatoes topped with garlic-infused olive oil. It pairs well with the Florentine Grilled Cheese, created with double crème brie, fresh spinach and ripened tomato. A deliciously crisp and tangy salad is The Tuscan—a bed of mixed greens topped with olive oil-marinated tuna, balsamic, artichokes, lemon oil and roasted red peppers. Brunch runs Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 110–114 S. Jackson St., (610) 566-2505
Spasso Italian Grill
The authentic Italian restaurant offers brunch every Sunday, with classic dishes like eggs Benedict and steak and eggs. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of frittata, I chose the Frittata Carne, an Italian crustless quiche with sausage, bacon, ham and Fontina cheese. I also sampled the Lobster Strudel—lobster, baby shrimp and jumbo lump crab meat mixed into a bechamel sauce and baked in a light puff pastry. The seafood was cooked perfectly, and the crust was browned just so. Spasso offers an arsenal of brunch cocktails, including classics like screwdrivers, whiskey sours, Bloody Marys, prosecco bay breezes and mimosas. The bar has an extensive wine list, as well as the newly released summer drink cocktail menu. I sipped the Spasso martini, a refreshing combination of Grey Goose Le Citron, lemon juice and limoncello. Cheers! Brunch runs Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 1 W. State St., (610) 565-7803
Dos Gringos photo: Dos Gringos; Remaining photos: Lauren Avellino Turton
