I’m not a huge brunch fan. I’d much rather eat lunch than most traditional breakfast items, which explains why the brunch at CdM is rather appealing to me. Executive Chef Jon Blackford has created a fantastic menu featuring items that will speak to a wide variety of palates, ranging from savory to sweet.
The 3-course brunch ($40) is not only creative, but also, generous, so I suggest you bring some friends and order a selection to share.
Complimentary brioche arrives at the table before anything else, and it is sublime. Slather with butter and Italian marmalade for the best bite.
FIRST COURSE
Start with Hatch Chile Deviled Eggs filled with a roasted hatch chile concoction topped with a tender chunk of butter poached lobster. It is garnished with a sliver of bacon, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of espelette pepper. They’re a great start, but the two egg-serving is mighty big to eat alone, which is why bringing friends is highly recommended.
Avocado Salad is a refreshing first course item with labneh, avocado, cucumber, cilantro, lime and dukkah spices. The accompanying crispy sesame lavash is a perfect vehicle with which to eat the labneh, adding a lovely crunch to the creamy soft yogurt.
I’m a big fan of grits, so while Bacon, Egg, and Grits is a hefty starter, it will also leave you feeling very happy. A generous thick-cut slice of crispy pork belly is served with Anson Mills grits, drizzled with maple gastrique, and finished with a soft poached egg. Mix the egg into the grits for a silky smooth treat.
My ultimate favorite was Pastrami Cured Salmon. Luscious house-cured salmon is served alongside a generous ball of everything spice cream cheese, and rye waffles. I love the dill fronds, crispy capers, and sweet onion garnishes, which add to the flavor of the entire plate. I could eat this every single day!
SECOND COURSE
For your second course, the Niçoise Salad with rare ahi is fantastic. Included are Blue Lake beans, asparagus, radish, cucumber, potato, boiled egg, and tomato, tossed in an olive vinaigrette. It is perfect for those wanting a light, but highly satisfying entree.
If you have a sweet tooth, then Horchata Pancakes will be your choice. Ricotta pancakes are paired with vanilla and cinnamon, warm apple, granola, and berries. A condensed milk syrup is served on the side.
Breakfast Pizza is another fabulous offering. Sausage bechamel, ricotta, baked eggs, prosciutto cotta, and spinach top this tasty pizza, but again, it is best to share because it is WAY too much for one person to consume.
Spinach + Gruyere Quiche is a light and fluffy pie served with a side of mixed salad tossed in white balsamic vinegar. I loved the quiche, but wished that the truffle cream sauce was served on the side instead of over the quiche.
THIRD COURSE — DESSERT
Chocolate Cake is a decadent end to the meal. If you are sharing, or have ordered lighter options for your first two courses, then this makes absolute sense. The cake is topped with a quenelle of whipped chocolate ganache, with cherries and a sprinkling of white chocolate crumble.
If you’ve indulged WAY too much, then Coconut Panna Cotta is probably the more sensible option. Fragrant passion fruit, crunchy coconut granola, vanilla, and berries complete this highly satisfying treat.
**CdM’s brunch is offered only on Sundays, reservations recommended.
CdM
2325 East Coast Hwy
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Tel: 949-287-6600
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