Just a block from Copley Square, directly next to Back Bay Station, lies a hidden gem of a brunch eatery. Seven days a week, Brownstone offers patrons delightful twists on traditional brunch offerings. The classic neighborhood bistro has become popular with South End and Back Bay residents and tourists alike. Executive chef Kelly Snogles has made sure the place doesn’t serve standard diner fare. Among the mouthwatering options: duck and sweet potato hash ($14), stacks of made-to-order pancakes ($6 for 2, $9 for 3), and a “Bad Ass Bloody Mary” garnished with bacon ($12). If you’re going for brunch during the week, you probably don’t need a reservation. We stopped by about 10:30 a.m. on a recent Sunday, and getting a table was easy. However, if you plan to get there much later, you probably should make a reservation. Customers’ attire ranged from business casual to gym clothes, and the waitstaff was decked out in New England Patriots gear, psyched for the game later that day.
The bar’s televisions were tuned to early morning NFL coverage. The vibe was invitingly casual. We were immediately drawn to one of the menu’s signature brunch dishes, and knew we had to try it. The F.C.C.F.T. ($14) arrived in a basket containing fried chicken nuggets, crunchy French toast sticks with maple syrup, and bacon. The chicken was warm and tender, every bite melting in your mouth. The French toast was crusted with Frosted Flakes, giving each forkful extra crunch. Looking around the restaurant, it was clear that the dish was popular. There was nothing left of our meal at the end, and it was worth every penny. We were curious about what struck us as the most intriguing menu offering, Crab Cakes Benedict ($16), a toasted English muffin topped with New England–style crab cakes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. One of the most expensive brunch dishes, it proved its worth. The crab cakes paired well with the egg and muffin and were seasoned enough to pack a wonderfully spicy kick, which managed to wake us up, pleasantly.
And who could resist a classic short stack of two pancakes ($6, $1 for an additional ingredient)? We split an order of the chocolate chip pancakes (other adds are berries, bananas, and bacon) and agreed that they were among the best we’ve ever had in Boston. They were tasty enough to eat without any garnish, but the added syrup, butter, and powdered sugar made them even more delectable. At just $6 for two relatively large pancakes, it’s a top-quality breakfast that won’t break the bank. While we did not indulge in one of Brownstone’s several brunch cocktails, we were impressed with the variety. Island Espresso Martini ($12), made with Blue Chair Bay coconut spiced rum cream, espresso vodka, and coffee beans, and Sunshine ($12), with Ketel One vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, and champagne, were among the options, as well as brunch stalwarts like Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Brownstone offers an enticing location, an even more enticing menu, and a casual, relaxed setting.
For students looking to venture into the city or to take their parents for a tasty meal when they visit, this is the place. Brownstone, 111 Dartmouth St., Boston, is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Phone: 617-867-4142. The restaurant accepts most major credit cards, but does not take Discover. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Copley. This is part of a weekly series featuring Boston lunch and brunch spots of interest to the BU community. If you have any suggestions for places we should feature, leave them in the Comment section below. Connor Lenahan can be reached at lenahan@bu.edu; follow him on Twitter at @ConnorLenahan.Shop unique and handmade items directly from creative people around the world Popular items for bay rumThere's big business in booze – and celebs know that too! We're breaking down which stars are mixing it up with their very own alcohol brands. 1. In early 2014, Justin Timberlake developed a brand of Sauza Tequila called "901" – the name is inspired by his hometown area code in Memphis and "the time of night things start to get interesting."
2. George Clooney's in the tequila business too! He helped develop "Casamigos" tequila with close friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman after an inspired trip to Mexico. In fact, the viral ad has George waking up next to Rande's wife, supermodel Cindy Crawford, inspired by a real-life mix up! NEWS: Cindy Crawford Tells Story Behind George Clooney Ad 3. Fergie has her own line of flavored low-calorie vodkas "Voli Vodka." So you can enjoy a cocktail guilt-free at the end of the day! The line comes in six flavors: Original Lyte, lemon, orange vanilla, pear vanilla, raspberry cocoa and espresso vanilla. 4. Sean "Diddy" Combs famously partnered with Cîroc. The entrepreneur could very well be a future billionaire should the popular vodka brand ever sell. The spirit's value is estimated to be worth $1 billion. 5. Is there anything Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie can't do? Brangie's 2012 wine was the only rosé on Wine Spectator Magazine’s list of 100 best wines, effectively crowning it the best rosé in the world!
Their brand of wine is called "Miraval" – if that soundsThat's the same location the couple wed in August. NEWS: Brad and Angelina Wed in France 6. Drew Barrymore is also in the wine business, inspired by her travels through Italy to develop "Barrymore Wines" – her very own brand of Pinot Grigot! Where my girl, Drew? 7. Bethenny Frankel went from reality TV star to millionaire mogul when she developed and sold her famous line of "Skinnygirl Cocktails," which she ultimately sold for multi-millions in 2011. And now she's doing what she does best by expanding the brand into low calorie snacks. 8. Country music star Kenny Chesney launched his own premium rum line called "Blue Chair Bay." The beverage was prominently featured in Chesney's No Shoes Nation Tour and has boosted the singer's already triumphant status in the country world. 9. Even Hanson has dabbled in the biz! The now grown-up '90s boy band created their very own brand of beer, cleverly named… Celebrities have been in the alcohol game for some time now, endorsing and even creating new spirits.
Way back in the 1950s, Frank Sinatra lent his aura of cool to his favorite beverage, Jack Daniel's, helping to propel the Tennessee whiskey to legendary status and sending sales skyrocketing. As consumers have become more informed and opinionated about their whiskey, rum, and vodka, smart celebrities are jumping onboard with some truly great offerings of their own. Of course, there are exceptions. Here are some of the best—and worst—of the new crop of celebrity spirits. A New Study Reveals the Best Time of Day to Drink Coffee People Are Outraged Over How Adele Makes Tea Champagne Vending Machine Arrives in the States 25 Cocktails for an Award-Worthy Oscars NightProsecco and Champagne are About to Get More Expensive 10 Ways To Drink Champagne Like An Expert There's a Way to Age Whiskey In Days Instead of Years, According to Science The Queen Is Producing Sparkling Wine From Her Windsor Estate Johnny Depp Apparently Spends $30,000 a Month on Wine Alone