The Scene

As you arrive at The Hay-Adams brunch, the white tablecloths, pristine dining room, and enchanting live piano music set the stage for a spectacular afternoon. In the center of the room are two tables, one laden with savory appetizers and the other brimming with sweet treats. As you are seated, you will be offered a glass of champagne from you warm and friendly server, which of course you should accept! From there, the culinary ride begins.

The Food and Drinks

While you sip your glass of champagne you will have time to peruse The Hay-Adams brunch menu, which features items like eggs benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, oatmeal soufflé and pappardelle with mushrooms and truffles. Once you place your order, it’s time to hit the appetizer buffet! My husband and I went to town. Oysters, asparagus salad with perfectly cooked egg yolks, crostini with avocado mousse and Romanesco, glistening tomato and mozzarella salad, greens with housemade dressing, half a dozen cheeses, croissants, apple turnovers, baguettes, muffins, and cinnamon rolls, and more.

More Food…

After you stuff yourself silly, your main courses will arrive! My husband treated himself to perfectly cooked eggs and potatoes, while I enjoyed light, fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and served with a mini bottle of maple syrup. As your champagne glass is refilled once more you will find yourself slowly entering into a blissful food coma, but alas you cannot miss the chance to indulge in the dessert buffet.
My husband made a plate of macaroons, but I went all out. Mini key lime pies, teacups of crème brulee, and shot glasses of chocolate mousse. The lemon meringue was divine, and the chocolate cake was even better. There is no shortage of decadent sweets at The Hay-Adams brunch.

The Hay-Adams Brunch: The Verdict

The only problem with The Hay-Adams brunch? You won’t ever want to brunch anywhere else! At $90 it is a hefty price tag for brunch, but for a romantic escape or a treat for a special occasion, this is the spot for you.

The post Luxury Eats: The Hay-Adams Brunch appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

The Scene

The Lafayette is an elegant refined, and quiet, perfect for a breakfast meeting or breakfast date. (Yes breakfast dates are a thing!) White tablecloths, excellent service, and a display of breakfast pastries make for a great backdrop for conversation. It’s also a wonderful venue for dining if you are visiting DC and want to check out one of the city’s best fine dining options.

The Food

There are so many tempting choices on The Lafayette’s breakfast menu, you will have a hard time picking just one item! Definitely start with a pastry: the cranberry bread is rustic and earthy, the almond pastry is sweet and buttery, and the scones are dense and savory. Then, move on to an entree. The eggs benedict are smothered in an oh-so-creamy hollandaise sauce, and the bagel comes with a perfectly boiled egg, tomatoes, capers, and cream cheese. For something truly decadent, get the oatmeal souffle. It has a crisp top and gooey, melted center that is reminiscent of cookie dough. The smooth berry sauce on the side is bright, sweet and tart. Be sure to enjoy the restaurant’s coffee and one of their wonderful fresh squeezed juices: the watermelon juice is especially addictively refreshing.

The Lafayette: Verdict

The Lafayette offers a breakfast that is bound to impressive anyone. Make sure you have a reservation; the restaurant is well-known for its good food and it is often completely booked, even for breakfast.

The post Dining Out: Breakfast at Hay-Adams’ The Lafayette Restaurant appeared first on The Dining Traveler.