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New & Notable: From New York-style breakfast sammies to foie gras torchon, two new dining spots are filling niches on the peninsula

New & Notable: From New York-style breakfast sammies to foie gras torchon, two new dining spots are filling niches on the peninsula
May 2022

Try the much-touted French fare at Brasserie La Banque or go New York-style with Bodega brunch offerings



Bodega

Formerly a pop-up with Uptown Social, this energetic Ann Street spot features bright blue garage doors, a backsplash wall dripping in graffiti, and a colorful porch shared with coastal cantina Sharehouse. Taking inspiration from the New York bodegas of his childhood, executive chef Alec Gropman adds a twist to old-school breakfast sammies stacked with eggs, house-made sausage, and more creative toppings—try “The Smoky Swine” with pulled pork and pimiento cheese—plus deli classics and lunch-box meals. For morning visits, make use of the full-service coffee bar or indulge in brunch-worthy craft cocktails, including espresso martinis and a “Bodega Bloody” served with candied bacon. Stop by after hours for more of a bar scene and fancier fare, such as truffle burgers and charcuterie boards. bodegachs.com 

Brasserie La Banque

Since this much-anticipated Indigo Road restaurant opened last November, locals and visitors alike have been flocking to the handsome former bank building on Broad Street for brasserie fare in a convivial setting. The classics are on the menu—think chilled oysters, onion soup, and steak frites—however, chef Jeb Aldrich’s elevated dishes, including the much-touted (and deservedly so) torchon de foie gras, are likely why prime-time dinner reservations can be hard to come by. Happily, and in true brasserie fashion, the team added lunch service this spring. Its lineup includes the onion soup, as well as salads, sandwiches, and a few of the dinner favorites—try the rich and satisfying poulet rouge (above) and the delicate and flavorful gnocchi Parisienne. Our advice? Book your dinner reservations now, and if you can’t wait, pop in for a leisurely midday meal. brasserielabanque.com