As if there aren’t enough reasons for me to keep going back to EATS Kitchen & Bar at the Hotel Irvine, they give me yet another one. Those of you who are brunch aficionados will be happy to hear that the restaurant now serves brunch on Sundays from 11.30am to 2.30pm with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar ($14) and mimosa flights ($15). Those of you who keep emailing, or Facebooking me about where to get bottomless mimosas? Well here’s one for you, and at $8, it is a STEAL!
Here’s a peek at what you will find. Surprisingly, I am the only person at the table who is interested in drinking a Bloody Mary, however, there are no shortage of eager participants when it comes time to build one! There are two types — a red and a green — with several choices of vodka, including a cucumber-infused option you can select. The accoutrements are impressive from the ubiquitous celery stick, olives, pickled peppers to shrimp and bacon on a skewer.
The mimosa flight comprises four 6oz mimosas including peach, passion fruit and blood orange, mango, and a strawberry-lemon.
** please note, photos depict tasting portions **
When it comes time for food, I’m happy to say, most of them come with a runny egg on top! Shrimp and Grits ($19) offers up a delicious cheddar and roasted garlic grits topped with chorizo sofrito, tomatillo salsa, soft poached egg, succulent shrimp and drizzled with chile oil. This is one of my favorite shrimp and grits compositions due to its obvious kick of heat.
If you’re a fan of Eggs Benedict like I am, you’ll find Portobello Benedict ($14) right up your alley. Instead of the usual boring Canadian bacon, Chef Jason has switched it up and added prosciutto to the mix. Portobello mushrooms add another level of heartiness to the dish and roasted tomatoes balance the flavors with a little acid. Opt for only portobello and it becomes a highly respectable Benedict for vegetarians.
Looking for something light? The Frisée and Egg Salad ($12) might just do the trick. You’ll get crusty bread topped with goat cheese, a frisée salad tossed with sherry vinaigrette topped with bacon lardons, and that perfectly poached egg as well.
Those with a sweet tooth will love Cinnamon Crunch French Toast ($13) topped with macerated strawberries is surprisingly not-overly-sweet even with the dulce de leche. The brioche is soft and quite addicting, might I add. Some of you might choose this as your main course, but I suggest sharing a plate with your friends at the end of the meal.
As always, there is patio seating at EATS which makes for a lovely Sunday al fresco dining experience. Valet parking is complimentary — don’t forget to have your ticket validated before you leave the restaurant.
EATS Kitchen & Bar
The Hotel Irvine
17900 Jamboree Rd
Irvine, CA 92614
Tel: 949-225-6780
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