Restaurant Review: Tried-and-True Toast

Brunch is one of my favorite meals to eat out or cook at home for company. I love the variety of dishes offered including eggs if I am in the mood or a sandwich if I desire. I enjoy going into New York City for brunch once in a while but don't really look forward to the train ride. Who knew there was a brunch place closer to home? No need to schlep into the city anymore - we have a great restaurant of our own.

As we pulled up to Toast on Bloomfield Avenue, we noticed a very charming façade with black French doors. We were seated in a comfortable booth soon after we were welcomed with a bright smile. The décor was a mix of country and nautical meets charming and trendy.

We ordered a cappuccino and a seltzer with lemon and started looking at the menu. Full disclosure: once I received an okay from my editor for this place, I took my time studying the menu online. It is extensive with choices including oatmeal ($2.95), pancakes ($5.95-$7.95), French toast ($7.95-$10.95), omelettes ($7.95-$10.25), eggs benedict ($9.00-$11.25), burgers ($8.25), wraps ($6.95-$15.95), and salads ($8.95-$15.95). The Huevos Rancheros ($8.25) stood out right away. It was described as two corn tortillas layered with fried eggs, manchego cheese, tomatillo sauce, and frijoles (which are refried beans). I loved every word of that description and was looking forward to tasting all the ingredients.

My friend ordered the eggs Florentine ($9.95), which is eggs Benedict with spinach substituted for the ham. As I sipped my cappuccino (which was not very strong and flavorful) I remembered reading about how the ingredients used at Toast are fresh and real. Since I use organic and local ingredients myself at home, it is very important for me to know the restaurants I go to do the same. I don't mind paying a little extra for really good, fresh food - although, in this case, I thought the prices were just right.

Our food came and I dove right into mine as soon as I added a few drops of hot sauce onto my dish. The first bite was full of crispy corn tortillas, black and pinto beans with bits of bacon, eggs, manchego cheese, and bits of tomatoes and sour cream - yum! Did I mention the delicious tomatillo sauce? It brought all the ingredients together with its tangy flavor. It was a party in my mouth. The corn tortillas were deliciously crispy and turned soft as I ate the dish. The eggs were perfectly cooked and added to the creaminess brought in by the refried beans. I was happy and will be replicating this fabulous dish in my kitchen soon.

The eggs Florentine came out looking picture perfect. The English muffins were toasted perfectly, topped with poached eggs (which were done just right), and a delicious hollandaise sauce. The sautéed spinach was very delicious with a possible hint of lemon juice. As the egg yolks flowed onto the plate they made everything even more delicious. As we sat, chatted, and ate our delicious food, we decided to come back with our families as there is a kid's menu ($2.50-$4.95) consisting of pancakes, egg and toast, hot dog, salad, etc. They even offer a chocolate sandwich ($4.95)!

Overall it was a great experience with wonderful food, great atmosphere, good service, and, most of all, everyone working at Toast seemed happy to be there. I will definitely be coming back to this wonderful eatery. If you haven't been to Toast yet, you must go. If you have gone, what did you think?

Toast is open 7:30 a.m. till 3 p.m. seven days a week.

700 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, New Jersey 07042
973-509-8099