El Rey, Washington DC
As a Southern California resident, quality street tacos are as easy to come by as the corner Starbucks. On the East Coast, finding a spot to watch the Chargers game AND throw back a few tacos (or five) proved surprisingly easy – thanks Eater DC! Expecting the caliber of El Rey’s Mexican food to match my San Diegan palette however, proved otherwise.
For the nature lovers, thrill-seekers and those in between (like myself), Queenstown, New Zealand is the ultimate playground. In the four days that we were in town, we would collapse into our hostel bunks, our bodies achy and tender from the most physical activity we’ve demanded of ourselves since our college volleyball years. There was so much to do and, as the cliché goes, so little time.
If you’ve been following the blog for a bit, you will know that I enjoy a good brunch, and that’s just me being modest. One could say that I live for leisurely weekends and brunch was invented for just that.
Throughout my brunchventures (brunch + adventures) I have found it difficult to find a dish that combines sweet and savory on one plate. You could argue that I just order two plates (which I have) or to just pick a side, which I have also done. The former can get expensive, especially if I am ordering an a.m. cocktail, which I usually am while the latter leaves me full yet incomplete.
During a recent day-trip to Santa Barbara, I was pleasantly surprised to find the brunch dish I’ve been searching for at Scarlett Begonia, a charming restaurant tucked into the Victoria Court shopping center just off that main drag downtown (State St.).
The sweet and savory came in the form of the Pork Belly Bourbon French Toast; maple-glazed pork belly served with almonds, fresh fruit – blueberries, strawberries – and a poached egg to pair with the thick-cut piece of brioche French toast. The pork belly was generous as well, which I like to see. What a well-balanced meal; definitely not from a nutrition perspective, but we’re not talking about nutrition.
Unfortunately, there were leftovers even after stuffing myself to capacity. I opted not to take the leftovers with us. A meal this good never tastes the same after you’ve nuked it outside of the restaurant.
On the other hand, I’ll make my way back North next weekend to catch the tail end of the Music Academy of the West Festival. You’ll know where to find me in the likely hours of 11 – 2.
We sat outside. I’m a sucker for ambiance. Photo credit: Scarlett Begonia
the curious passport 