Looking for a different spot for Sunday brunch? I was too, and found a very delicious, unique and artsy brunch at 1921 by Norman van Aken in Mount Dora, Fla.
We previously dined here for dinner and were incredibly impressed by the fresh, local seafood menu, along with dishes and pairings not found anywhere else. We also loved the art on display throughout the restaurant from the Modernism Museum across the street. Plus, we had the pleasure of meeting 1921's owner and author of Norman van Aken's Florida Kitchen, Norman van Aken. What a down-to-earth, wonderful person to get to know. Although he has had considerable success in Miami, van Aken's cuisine at 1921 has a unique Central Florida vibe with Asian influences.
Back to brunch. Everyone at the table was presented a special menu because it was my birthday - what a nice touch! The unique brunch menu has so much to choose from, including oysters and the restaurant's version of chicken and waffles.
One of the favorite dishes we ordered was the Corn Tamale Scramble with chorizo sausage and tomatillo salsa. The flavorful and novel dish was delicious - and featured the artsy presentation you would expect from this eatery. The Eggs Benedict was different than any other Eggs Benedict I have tried, with pork belly and creamed spinach. All the flavors worked together very well, and I loved the pork belly and hollandaise sauce.
The Golden Pancakes with citrus curd and fresh fruit were also delicious. While the 1921 Burger with house bacon and horseradish cream was tasty, we were shocked at the price of the dish: $17.
Before or after brunch, take time to walk around downtown Mount Dora, where you can find some wonderful gifts for both human and furry friends!
Also see:
An unforgettable dining experience at 1921 by Norman van Aken
In my quest for the best brunch offerings in Orlando, I have been fortunate to enjoy three delicious brunches recently. These are the top three I have tried, but there are so many more restaurants that I have been told have great brunch, including Soco Thorton Park, Hash Hash a Go Go, Briar Patch Winter Park and White Wolf Cafe. I hope to try them soon. Let me know your favorite brunch spot in the comments section below. Meanwhile, try not to drool over the scrumptious dishes that made it into Flavorful Excursions' Top Brunches list:
1. Two Chefs Seafood & Oyster Bar: Although Two Chefs began serving brunch only a few short weeks ago, the chef/owners got the menu and execution right from the beginning. $8 unlimited mimosas and a massive Blood Mary Bar are enough to draw diners in. Then, they will be delighted to find an extensive menu that features sweet and savory items, and both breakfast and lunch fare. We recommend the Rosemary Parmesan Waffle with Fried Chicken, the Duck Confit Hash with Fried Egg & Truffle Oil, the Cinnamon Roll and the Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding.
2. Artisan's Table: Like Two Chefs, the brunch menu at this beautiful, buzzing downtown eatery has everything you would want in a brunch: inventive plates that are both sweet and savory, and a wide array of breakfast and lunch items. I knew I was in for a treat when brunch started with a friendly server and classy tea presentation. The dish I had was heavenly, and I would highly recommend it: Breakfast in Bread, a puff pastry tart with medium cooked egg, crispy crumbled bacon, parmesan cheese and queso blanco. The Breakfast Potatoes on the side were perfectly seasoned and fried to the right amount of crispness, and I loved the garnish of scallions. Bonus points: General Manager Monica McCown was very accommodating with my food allergy substitutions.
3. Dexter's: The restaurant chain has been offering great brunch for years. But I re-visited the Dexter's Lake Mary recently for brunch and was reminded that the local restaurant chain offers a unique take on traditional brunch dishes - and executes them well. My favorite brunch dish there is the Dexter's Benedict. I really like the addition of smoked turkey, along with tomatoes and spinach, as well as the flavorful hollandaise sauce. We also really liked the Country Style Chicken & Biscuits, Waffles and Blackened Mahi & Grits. The mimosas come in so many different flavors - including mango and yummy peach - and are inexpensive at $2.96 each or $12 for unlimited.
One of the favorite dishes we ordered was the Corn Tamale Scramble with chorizo sausage and tomatillo salsa. The flavorful and novel dish was delicious - and featured the artsy presentation you would expect from this eatery. The Eggs Benedict was different than any other Eggs Benedict I have tried, with pork belly and creamed spinach. All the flavors worked together very well, and I loved the pork belly and hollandaise sauce.
