Buzzfeed was spot on when they made their list of the 21 things you miss after moving away from Portland, specifically with number 13: “…and nothing can ever top brunch at Tasty n Sons.”
Launched in 2010 by chef and owner John Gorham as a sister to Toro Bravo, a successful Spanish tapas inspired restaurant, Tasty n Sons, along with its fraternal twin Tasty n Alder, hold a special place in the hearts of every Portlander who regularly find themselves daydreaming about the sultry marriage between breakfast and lunch. Considering brunch is a meal where attire of yoga pants, messy hair and flannel is not frowned upon but welcomed, it is a meal loved by every Portlandian. In this city, brunch is not simply for those whose greatest enemy is their alarm clock and truest lover is their snooze button, but it is an occasion in which friends spend the week planning, and people are willing to wait in a 30 minute line for the perfectly poached egg accompanied by a masterfully crafted Bloody Mary.
Tasty n Sons is no exception to this rule, open daily for brunch from 9 am to 2 pm, this small North Portland eatery draws in a crowd of mouth-watering patrons willing to nurse a coffee for sometimes more than 20 minutes to a full hour until a table clears up, even on a Tuesday. Although the menu changes daily based on seasonal variations and local farmers’ produce, it is guaranteed not to disappoint, but do make sure you invite a date or dates who do not mind a wandering fork because the plates are designed to be shared.
The menu makes couples wish they had invited a few more out just so they could taste the Chocolate Potato Donut, with a side of the Griddled Bacon Wrapped Date, followed by the Cast Iron Fritatta bursting with asparagus and feta only to be washed down with the Shakshuka, a red pepper and tomato stew with baked eggs. Although my stomach could not handle as much as my taste buds desired, not a bite let me down. And considering I am a self-proclaimed (cheating) vegetarian, it is always an impressive feat when a restaurant’s scent entices me into indulging in the salty, meaty goodness bacon has to offer.
Similar to the goal of shared plates, this location is also situated for the guests to share eating space. Next to the fully stocked bar, it holds a table reminiscent of one likely to be at home in a summer camp’s dining quarters—a massive slab of rectangular dark wood comfortably seats 12 strangers around it as does the long, bar-like surface parallel to the retractable, glass-paneled garage door in the front of the eatery.
The difficulty one is faced whilst having to choose a boozy midday beverage is almost of the same caliber as an individual who plans on leaving Powell’s Books with just one item. The menu of the day lists six bubbly choices and six variations of Bloody Marys alone… And that’s not accounting for their spirited coffees, their digestifs, brews or wines. If you are looking to deviate from the predictable, yet always delicious and refreshing mimosa, might I suggest the Golden Delicious? Clear Creek Apple Brandy, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur and Angostura Bitters collide with bubbles to create a fresh pick-me-up. If your head is still pounding from last night’s decisions and a Mary is more up your alley, the choices range from the traditional vodka to aquavit or tequila with an abundance of spicy and citrusy additions that make each cocktail unique. Not up to make such a life changing decision before you’ve indulged in house made jerky and potatoes bravas? Not a problem, the bartender will have their pick of the day written nice and large on the door by the front entrance and, in this establishment, it’s safe to put your fate in their hands.
This upcoming Sunday, or Monday, or Tuesday or really any day of the week where your morning is free and you can give your bland cereal and protein bars a break, I challenge you to satiate your hunger and thirst with a true Portland brunch experience at Tasty n Sons.
Tasty n Sons || 3808 N. Williams, Suite C, Portland || tastyntasty.com/sons
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