Monday, January 27, 2014

Brunch at Cipollina

Italian fare with a bistro vibe, Cipollina is a favorite hidden gem for those in the Clarksville area of Austin. The menu is of course seasonal, with a chef ready to give anything and everything a try. And boy, do they get creative...


Today let's talk brunch, starting with the Pork Belly Benedict (pictured below with the hollandaise on the side). A healthy portion of pork and a perfectly poached egg atop a classic Texas biscuit. Toss on a tomato and you can't get much better than that.


There's the Frittata filled with seasonally fresh vegetables, a touch of cheese, and served right up in the cast-iron skillet. It's filling, healthy, and delicious!


A side of fruit? More like a big ole bowl! Definitely a generous portion and sliced to perfection.


The Mixed Green Salad comes with cherry tomatoes, gorgonzola, radicchio, a pancetta vinaigrette, and best of all - Bibb lettuce. It's a favorite for me.


The Beet Salad is served up pickled with grapefruit, fennel, parmesan, and parsley garnish. Not only does it look beautiful, but it's a delightful taste combination to tease the palate.


Now what gets better than a classic Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato sandwich? Serve it up with a fried egg on top! It is breakfast-lunch after all.


Pizzas are offered for brunch as well. We like to put two and two together by topping our pizza with a couple of eggs sunny side up, yummy and delicious! It's off menu, but they're flexible like that.


Not only does the brick oven come in handy for their pizzas, but it's also essential in the crispy crust of the Quiche, a breakfast staple overflowing with vegetables and a touch of arugula to bring out a complimentary flavor.


And for those bringing a bit appetite to the table, there's the Steak and Eggs, Wagyu Sirloin that is. Ready to absorb last night's indulgence, or load one up for a fun-filled day.


Despite not having a liquor license, they have creatively concocted a few brunch cocktails. There's the Blood Orange Mimosa with sparkling white wine, lovely with its slightly reddish hue…


or the Ginger Champ, which truly is a champion in flavor with just a hint of that ginger bite. This one is my favorite.


And last but not least, the Michelada, an import from the Mexican border consisting of your classic bloody mary mix but served with a bubbly beer instead of vodka. Served salt-rimmed and all. Sometimes it's just what the doctor ordered.


Cipollina
1213 West Lynn Street, Austin, TX 78703
Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 3pm

Wine and Beer, BYOB for a corkage fee
Reservations available through OpenTable
www.cipollina-austin.com

WiFi is available