Debuting on the new menu soon, Winter Briii’s. Spiced Remy, brandy, Averna, lemon – photo-Nagel
After learning German, I switched to trying my hand at French, and I was shocked to see the words crème anglaise simply translate to English cream. While at brunch, a lightbulb went off in my 11am cocktail buzzed head…”Does hollandaise mean Dutch cream?”
My daughter, who speaks French, shakes her head as if I dropped another lame dad joke. “In fact, hollandaise doesn’t contain cream, so it just means Dutch,” she replies. “Then what the hell is mayonnaise, and why do the Dutch douse their fries in it,?” I spout back, taking a sip of my cocktail.
All that sauce talk aside, we’re at Benny & Mary’s in Irvine near John Wayne, and I’m sort of like the guy wearing the band’s T-shirt while seeing them live as I order a Benedict and Bloody Mary. If a place has food items in its name, it’s a personal rule that I always have to get that item.
Salmon Benedict with “Dutch.” photo-Nagel
I’ve been to this space many times over the years with different restaurants, and this is by far the classiest modern take. It looks and feels worthy of afternoon tea in London, with mid-afternoon light spilling in from the tall ceiling, reflecting back upon their black marble tables and blue fuzzy chairs. Candle-esque lighting accents the space with a large open kitchen and side bar. There’s also ample cushy outdoor seating and even a private “speakeasy-like” lounge for private events where you enter through a bookcase.
The kid’s fave: Fried chicken and waffles with boozy honey bourbon sauce – photo-Nagel
Somewhat odd, I notice I’m the only guy dining in the restaurant, where every table is filled with ladies popping corks for champagne mimosas while snapping photos of their dishes. The menu looks heavily brunchable, where various toasts like an avocado towers toast or pork belly with melted provolone compete with things like country-fried filet, chilaquiles, and even a shakshuka making a rare appearance.
The Old Cuban, a brunch cocktail worth trying. photo-Nagel
The real shocker for me are the inventive brunch cocktails, where a beer lover like myself can get a brunch box (fruit, lager, and Amaro) or a Michelada. However, I start the morning off with an Old Cuban (Royal Standard white rum, Prosecco, mint, lime) which is zippy, bright, and fresh served in a coupe.
Ben, the brunch bartender, mentions a new menu dropping soon, complete with winterized drinks, and drops a Winter Briii’s – somewhat of a drink one would serve as a holiday punch with spiced Remy, Aperol, brandy, pineapple, and lemon juice, cranberry bitters, and topped with smoking cinnamon and rosemary. It’s definitely something that got me in the mood for the holidays!
Iced Latte for the kid. photo-Nagel
Benny & Mary’s just started brunch a few months ago, and is still somewhat of a secret; so if you’re looking for a spot without a wait and fantastic drinks, service, and bites, definitely grab the gang and go.
Benny & Mary’s is at 18420 Von Karman Ave #100, Irvine. Parking was free on my visit. // bennyandmarys.com
