Brunch This Weekend.
The Philly Style Sandwich
Breakfast all day is an easy sell for me. I recently visited Buffalo and Bergen which is spearheaded by the well-known genius mixologist, Gina Chersevani. Buffalo and Bergen is a 1930’s style soda fountain located in Union Market. I often pass here on my way to pick up fresh produce on the weekends (Union Market is one of my go-to grocery stops), but had never stopped to try any of the goods. Why had I let this carry on for this long?! I should have known if Gina had anything to do with it, it was going to be good.
Being away from New York means bagels are never in my diet, this area tends to miss the mark on the deli style bagel. The deli style bagel should consist of a thick, chewy interior with a perfectly browned and crisp exterior. Buffalo and Bergen’s bagels hit the mark. For the first time, I did not miss the New York deli’s I was so used to getting toasted bagels with butter and fresh cream cheese. Buffalo and Bergen gives variety in their bagel styles helping me to branch in my typical bagel order.
The Bubbe Approved
The Bubbe Approved (smoked trout, dill cream cheese, cucumbers and pickled onion) is my favorite, but I will add the disclaimer: If you do not like fish/seafood, you will not appreciate this one. If you crave a good salmon benedict and/or salmon/caper bagel on any occasion, the Bubbe Approved is a good pick. The Philly-style Steak sandwich is my second runner up with all the meat and cheese of a traditional Philly cheesesteak on a bagel. Swap out the beef for turkey if red meat is not your thing.
Keep It Cumin Cocktail
Another reason, I will put my bags down to take a seat at this counter on my next visit to Union Market: the #dranks. It is no surprise the drink selections would be superb with Gina crafting the menu but I think this is the first time I have seen this side of her creativity. Always a perfectionist, Gina has added an Egg Cream (Chocolate, Vanilla or Nutella) to the menu that she is constantly evolving after her Mom told her it still does not match up to the ones she had in her old Brooklyn neighborhood. Until (and after) this is Mom approved, I will be here to appreciate the process. Brunch, anyone?
Category: Brunch, restaurant reviews, Reviews, Washington D.C.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.Subscribe
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