ROCKY RIVER, Ohio - Our brunch and breakfast series continues as we check out Tartine Bistro. Here's a look at what to expect:
Location + hours: 19110 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-0800. Sunday brunch is served 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Street parking is out front. Francophiles will love the artwork on the walls of the restaurant, which is nestled with other storefronts in the Old River Shopping Area.
Menu or buffet? Menu.
For starters: The hors d'oeuvres listing is eclectic. You can order mussels, or stuffed dates with goat cheese, bacon and Port reduction. Or you can opt for more traditional French Toast Bites, which are accompanied by apple compote and Ohio Maple Syrup.
Main offerings: Sausage and scrambled egg biscuit, stuffed pepper scrambled eggs, bangers and mash, and shrimp and grits are among about a dozen choices.
Don't miss: Flap Jacques. These dense pancake medallions come with bourbon-barrel maple syrup, diced pieces of smoked pork belly and spiced apple. You get a sweet and salty combination going on, and the portion is not overwhelming.
Unique item: The breakfast pizza is not just a name here. The pizza-dough crust is covered with egg, bacon, roasted potato and hollandaise aioli, and is enough to share for two.
Nice touch: Homemade whipped butter served with several of the dishes is about as light as air.
Have a brunch spot you've wondered about and want us to visit? Email me.
Previous eats: Northeast Ohio breakfast-brunch spots we've tried:
Hofbrauhaus - Cleveland
111 Bistro - Medina
Akron Family Restaurant - Akron
Alley Cat - Cleveland
Beau's on the River - Cuyahoga Falls
Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern - Twinsburg
Blue Door Cafe - Cuyahoga Falls
Brim Kitchen + Brewery - Willoughby
The Eye Opener - Akron
First Watch - Fairlawn
Flying Fig - Cleveland
Fred's Diner - Akron
The Girves Brown Derby - Medina
Michael's A.M. - Akron
Mustard Seed Market & Cafe - Fairlawn
Valley Cafe - Akron
Wally Waffle - Akron