Where: Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Avenue, Maplewood; 314-241-2337)
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
We Tried: A "build your own frittata," $7
The Verdict: When it comes to breakfast, Gut Check has trouble deciding. We want a little bit of everything, and we love having choices. Although Bottleworks' brunch menu isn't terribly large or innovative, there's enough variety to satisfy most, and even an ordinary breakfast item becomes exceptional when made with fresh, local ingredients, as they are here.
We opted for the frittata largely for the "build your own" part. For $7, you get:
Three eggs with your choice of three items. CHEESES: blend, vegan; VEGETARIAN OPTIONS: Tofu or "Match" vegetarian meatballs; VEGETABLES: artichokes, mushrooms, onion, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, spinach; MEATS: bison, chorizo, bacon, ham, chicken. Comes with potatoes and an English muffin.
They had us at "build your own," and they sealed the deal with the potatoes and English muffin. No matter what you order at Bottleworks' Brunch, add a biscuit or English muffin. It's worth the extra dollar and carbohydrates if for no other reason than to use it as a fluffy canvas for the homemade preserves of the day (lately, it's been strawberry, and they put Grandma's preserves to shame).
We chose bacon, mushrooms and the "cheese blend" (which consists of mozzarella, smoked Gouda, provolone, Monterey jack and cheddar). The frittata was beautiful and about seven inches in diameter. With its size and generous heaps of toppings, this already reasonably priced brunch could easily be shared. Of course, it's easy to get lost in the crispy bacon, creamy cheese and fluffy egg, only to look up and realize you've eaten a little more than you should have. Just make sure to save room for that English muffin.
