The Friendly Toast, Kendall Square, Cambridge

We finally made it to breakfast at the Friendly Toast last Friday morning.
http://www.thefriendlytoast.net/

We had guests flying in early, so it seemed like the perfect time to try out the new spot, a diner in the complex at 1 Kendall. We've tried to get in twice before on weekends, but the wait was over an hour! Not doing that...

It was very quiet at 9 am. The kitschy decor is fun. We had the table with the book covers all around and a huge Mr. Mexican hamburger on a pedestal.

I tried their virgin Bloody Mary, which was way too spicy. I can eat a lot of spice, but this was way over the line. The orange juice was delicious - lots of pulp and fresh tasting.

It was hard to choose what to eat...so many interesting and strange combinations! I went with the eggs benedict to test a standard, and it was fine. We got their pumpkin pancakes with raisinettes to share...they were fabulous! Our vegetarian friend was impressed with her choices, and the guys enjoyed their omelettes. The prices are reasonable.

The service was friendly but spacey...we were left alone for long stretches, and finally had to take our check to the front to pay.

With the long waits on the weekends, we probably won't go very often, but they're open late and I definitely want to try their non-breakfast options. If I can figure out the down times, it seems like a great option close to home.

S&S Deli Brunch, Inman Square, Cambridge

We took our guests to the classic Jewish deli for brunch on Saturday morning, the S&S in Cambridge.
http://www.sandsrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/s-and-s-restaurant-deli-cambridge

We've taken them there before, and this is one of the places they always ask to visit again. I forget how dependable and delicious this neighborhood place can be. It was interesting to go there right after having tried The Friendly Toast, as this place is different in most ways.

We had a quiet table in the middle of the three dining rooms, and I was comforted by their wood grains and uncluttered decor. They aren't as crowded on Saturdays as they are on Sundays, and we got there before 10 am, so we got a table right away.

I had another virgin Bloody Mary...this one was too bland. I start to feel like Goldilocks. I need to remember where the one is that's just right..hmmm...I think that was Highland Kitchen. Their orange juice is fresh-squeezed and delicious.

There are lots of choices. I had the eggs benedict again...their Hollandaise is perfect. The food is wonderful - they give you a fruit cup on every plate. We shared their pumpkin panckakes. Without raisins, they weren't as exciting as the ones at the Friendly Toast, but the spicing was great and they were fluffier. Friends tried the pesto omelette, petite filet mignon & eggs, and the potato pancakes.

The prices are a little more than The Friendly Toast, but you get more and I found it tastier. The service was attentive.

I need to remember this place is there and go more often!