Bistro 27 Brunch

Bistro 27

Category: American
Rating:3 / 5
Website: Bisto 27

Likes:Interesting menu options, twists on the usual brunch fare, butter AND jelly for the biscuit, tasty food, dainty dishes

Dislikes:Bad coffee, slow service, not enough creamer on the table (which could quite possibly have fixed the bad coffee)

Comments:
I like Groupon. I can go to places that I like on the cheap once in awhile. Other times, it gives me an excuse to drag Brad places that he does not want to go. Bowling is the perfect example. Brad hates to bowl, but I think it is fun once in awhile. So when we are bored, I say, "Let's go bowling! We have a Groupon!" And then, we magically end up embarrassing ourselves at the bowling alley. 

 Today's Groupon inspired visit was Bistro 27, off of Broad st. in downtown Richmond. I met with a colleague for brunch. I got there early and was sat by a friendly hostess. The waiter immediately gave me coffee. That was the end of the good service. I actually do not think he was a server, but the manager waiting tables because he was out of uniform. 

The coffee was stale and tasted like it had been sitting on a pot kept hot for too long. It was served in cute little plain white mugs. They were quite dainty. I felt very posh sipping from them, but for a hearty brunch it did not hold enough coffee. There was a cute little creamer already on the table, but it did not really hold a whole lot of cream. It seemed as though the set up was designed for people to sip on as opposed to sit and cozy up to. Sometimes I think restaurants keep smaller mugs so that they evade "campers." Campers are people who sit at the table too long for the servers so that they don't get a good table turn over.

Stale coffee in a dainty cup

When my friend came, we chatted awhile. The server (aka manager waiting tables) did not really give her a lot of time to check over the menu. It took him way too long to come back and check. Perhaps I am being over sensitive since I used to be a server. But if a restaurant is concerned with table turnover, then they need to add prompt service to their small coffee cups. Once we ordered, they did bring out cute little biscuits though. They kept butter and jelly on the table to put on the muffin. Up north, I always chose to put either butter or jelly on breakfast breads. However in the south, Brad has taught me to use butter AND jelly on it... and that's exactly what I had.

Biscuit with butter AND jelly

The food menu was the best thing about the restaurant. They had all sorts of options, including scrambles, different types of eggs benedict, and wraps. My friend ordered brioche French Toast with Nutella sauce. She said it was good and it looked fabulous!

Brioche French Toast with Nutella

I always choose to get something a little different when I am at a restaurant. I like to find something that I wouldn't fix by myself or order at another restaurant. So, I ordered the Pork and Duck Hash. It was excellent! It has shredded pork and duck, mixed with home fries, peppers, and onions. The peppers put a little spice into the meal. Over the top, it had two eggs over easy. When they were broken and mixed in with the hash, it made for a warm and hearty treat. It was served with fresh fruit on the side. The cantaloupe and honeydew were ripe and tasted very good with the meal.

Pork and Duck Hash

Overall, I am not sure if I would return for brunch. Although the food was very tasty, the service was a hassle and it was kind of a far drive from my home. If it were closer, then I'd be back for sure!