Brunch at Expatriate, despite being highlighted a few times in the food media here, still seems to be a hidden secret. But this is fine with me, as it means the vibe is laid back and uncrowded and unhurried. It’s available only on the weekend on both Saturday, Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM. It’s easy to find parking a few blocks away, even on a Sunday – and no line! Here’s a look at some highlights of their brunch menu.
Of course you can get your bottomless coffee (which they refill using this clear scientific flask pitcher). But you may consider upgrading to a coffee cocktail: the David Howitt Cocktail is concocted with J.T.S. Brown Bonded Bourbon, Whole Egg, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao, Averna, B.G. Reynolds Cinnamon Syrup, Whole Milk, and Extracto Cold Brew. It’s creamy and like a coffee and bit of a horchata in one.
Or get your vegetables and fruits in with a Bloody Mary – the Expatriate Bloody Mary includes Monopolowa Vodka, Snap E Tom, Red Boat Fish & Crystal Steak Sauce, XXX Death Sauce, Fresh Lime & Orange, Horseradish, Smoked Salt, Habanero Bitters, Celery Bitters, Indian Spice Rim.
If you are vegetarian, your only option is the sweet combo of the Rice Waffle with Black Sesame Ice Cream made with heirloom carolina rice flour, coconut glaze, local honey. The waffle is very crunchy on the outside and very doughy on the inside, so different then a regular waffle texture wise.
If you are an omnivore, you have the best options. The Smothered and Covered Expatriate Hash Browns will ruin you for all future hash brown skillets because it not only comes with crispy edges of potatoes but the flavors are so intense and bold. I guess that seems natural considering the Hash Browns come covered with pho sour cream, sharp cheddar, Thai chili & sauteed onion, salsa, basil, thinly sliced eye of round, hoisin-tamarind sauce, and fried shallots.
If you want something as a small side, get the Expatriate Congee which comes in a small Asian soup bowl (probably not enough as a breakfast or brunch entree on its own). This savory rice porridge with dashi, fried garlic & shallots, chinese celery, poached duck egg, fish sauce ponzu is tasty, though it’s not admittedly my favorite congee in town (that honor belongs to Wares). Do be aware it is a small portion – remember, think cup of soup.
And, I admit there are times I go to Expatriate just for the insane Expatriate Nachos, available at brunch Sat Sun 10am – 2pm and early and late night on weekdays only (between 5-6 pm or after 10 pm only).
Fried wonton chips, thai chili cheese sauce, spicy lemongrass beef, crema, kaffir lime & tomato salsa, herbs. This is a do not miss order item!
Don’t feel afraid to over order because their take out boxes for your leftovers are cute.
Would you ever eat this type of food for brunch? What of these items would you order, if any? What’s your favorite brunch spot?
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