51406433
Sunday brunch is my favorite meal. I enjoy bagels and nova in a Jewish deli, pancakes with bacon at Darling’s in the Piazza, savoring dozens of oysters at XIX at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue and a perfectly prepared authentic French omelet at Kraftwork.
Although Kraftwork is known for its extensive beer list, Edward and I went for Sunday brunch on a brutally hot afternoon. The entire experience was a total delight.
Located in the ever-growing Fishtown, the space features high tops, banquettes, an exposed brick wall, a television for your Phillies viewing pleasure and a welcoming bar. Edward and I sat at the bar and sipped one fine Bloody Mary ($6.50). It packed quite a punch (I like a Bloody loaded with horseradish) and was garnished with pickles and olives. Our server told us about the specials, including the pancakes of the day ,which turned out to be chocolate chip, one of Edward’s favorites.
There are few places that prepare an authentic French omelet. The chef must respect the egg, a most delicate ingredient. Parc on Rittenhouse Square and Day By Day on 21st Street serve omelets that will transport you to France. They are puffy, golden on the outside with no speck of brown and creamy.
Kraftwork hit the mark.
I ordered the omelet with cheddar cheese and spinach ($9). It was piping hot, layered with baby spinach leaves and the cheese was nice and gooey inside. I marveled how downright good it was.
A choice of either a side salad or hash potatoes comes with the omelet. I love a good potato hash. At Kraftwork, the chefs cut the potatoes into small chunks and cook them with sweet red peppers and onions. They were nicely seasoned so I did not have to reach for the salt and pepper shakers.
Four strips of crisp bacon ($3) complemented my brunch as did the dreamy piping hot homemade biscuit ($1.50), which arrived with a small metal ramekin of softened butter and another filled with raspberry jam. I slathered on the butter, which melted on the hot biscuit, and jam and felt like the luckiest woman in the world to have landed in a restaurant that knows how to do brunch exactly right.Every dish was freshly prepared and arrived hot.
The first time we ever tasted chocolate chip pancakes was at the Hershey Hotel during its famous chocolate festival. You rarely see them on restaurant menus, especially during the summer months when Hammonton, N.J. blueberries are in season and blueberry pancakes fill the bill.
Kraftowork’s chocolate chip pancakes ($8) were hot, light, fluffy and brimming with slightly sweet chocolate chips. Edward prefers more syrup than I, so he poured it on. They were so hot, the softened butter melted right on target. Like the omelet, I am still dreaming of them.
Kraftwork makes its own scrapple, which is the result of good old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch thriftiness. It was outrageously delicious. I felt I was eating it in a Lancaster County farmhouse.
Strong cups of La Colombe coffee ($2.50) kept us happy and content.
I know it sounds as if I am over the top. I am. It is so rare these days to enjoy a freshly prepared hot meal. Care is taken at Kraftwork. The chefs respect their fresh ingredients and each plate has eye appeal.
Service was impeccable. We learned Kraftwork employs the growler system for beer lovers. One man brought in an empty jug and the bartender helped him make his selection.
Three tips of the toque to Kraftwork. SPR
Kraftwork
541 E. Girard Ave.
215-739-1700
http://kraftworkbar.com
51401928
51406438
