The second part of my Pickled Monk review focuses on its newly anointed brunch menu offered on weekends (along with their regular menu). If you’ve read part one, the menu is solid, and undoubtedly so, from the creative mind of Chef David Fune. The brunch menu features some great choices for everyone, with modern takes on classic breakfast and brunch selections.
Fans of traditional breakfast items will delight in dishes such as Sausage & Egg Sandwich ($12.99) which sees house-made sausage, a fried egg, American cheese, and Hollandaise sauce, enveloped in a brioche bun. The tastiest sweet potato tots accompany. If you’re a lover of breakfast sandwiches, this is one that definitely stands out.
I’m a huge fan of eggs Benedict, and Monk Benedict ($14.99) is a solid version using ciabatta instead of the traditional English muffin. Braised pork belly, poached eggs, spinach, and Hollandaise come together to create a truly modern-day Benedict. I love cutting into the perfectly poached eggs and seeing the runny yolk ooze all over the open face sandwich.
Everyone is doing avocado toast these days, so this obligatory dish comes in the form of Loaded Toast ($11.99) here at Pickled Monk. Marinated tomato, radish, and avocado sit on top of ciabatta with a poached egg, goat cheese, and Green Goddess green salad. The flavors meld well together, creating something so much more elevated than just simply, avocado toast.
My absolute favorite on the brunch menu has got to be Shrimp & Dumplings ($14.99). Handmade gnocchi is tossed with charred broccoli, Asiago cheese, tomato, spinach, and bacon-cilantro pesto. The shrimp is well-executed, possessing that excellent snap I want when eating them. The gnocchi are pillows of delight, and are made in-house by Chef Fune and his team.
If you prefer something sweet for brunch, then look no further than Flapjacks ($9.99) seen here with a side of sausage ($3.99) interspersed between the pancakes. Served with brittle butter and maple syrup.
Those with a sweet tooth should absolutely order Monk’s Iconic Doughnuts ($8.99). Although these balls of fried goodness are served with a caramel apple dipping sauce, but I like them just the way they are. A great shareable item with which to end a highly satisfying brunch.
Of course, brunch is best paired with a beverage. Choose The Monk Bloody Mary ($10) made with vegetable-infused vodka and Tanjin gin, and garnished with a lime wheel, pickled vegetable skewer, and candied bacon. I can’t stress enough how awesome Chef Fune’s pickled vegetables are! I’d order this simply for the veggies alone!
Or, choose from any one of their featured cocktails, such as Mango Monkarita ($11) …
… or Monk’sey Mule ($10).
Pickled Monk’s casual concept is friendly, and perfect for the whole family. Come for the food, but stay for the libations — or vice versa. Whatever you decide, know that it will be an excellent experience, regardless.
Pickled Monk
101 N Harbor Blvd
#100
Fullerton, CA 92832
Tel: 714-793-9100
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