For a couple years now, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Half & Half, in downtown Clayton. My non-gluten-free roommate Katherine LOVES it. And raves about it. I went in there once for dinner when it was the upscale Mexican restaurant Medianoche (aka, before it was Little Country Gentleman), but had never been in for breakfast or brunch. It consistently has a wait on the weekend, and I’d always dreaded the possibility of waiting an hour to be seated when I was likely already pretty hangry to begin with. I like sticking to my regimented feeding schedule, as you may know.
A few weeks back, though, I took off work the day after our Christmas party (which was at Harry’s, I might add) and was in need of some recovery brunch lovin’. Since it was a Friday, I jumped at the chance to go to Half & Half without the crazy weekend brunch crowd. Ken was in town, so we ventured out and made it a date.
I ordered a coffee (aka nectar of the gods), and Ken got a tea, which came out with its own precious little teapot and was accompanied by an ampersand mug with a little garnish of rock sugar for sweetener.
For brunch, the main event, I was a little disappointed – many of the gluten-filled goods that Katherine and friends have raved about do not have a gluten-free equivalent. I went with the the Brussels Sprouts and Cheddar omelet, plus a side of bacon. (#YOLO.) The potatoes are sadly not gluten-free due to cross-contamination, but the waitress was quick to offer fresh fruit as an alternative (though it does cost extra).
It was a solid omelet. I appreciated the interesting combination of brussels sprouts and eggs, but there was a little too loaded with cheddar for my liking. The bacon, however, was awesome. Perfectly cooked – not too soggy, but not too crisp. The fresh fruit was a good combination – grapes, strawberries and pineapple. However, I was desperately in need of some good ol’ carbs and there were none to be had.
I told Ken he should definitely come back and try some of their gluten-filled delicacies – perhaps the french toast combos I’ve heard so much about. For me, though, there are other places I’d like to knock off my bucket list. I’d consider going back on a weekday when I can get in and out easily, but I won’t be back on a weekend. For me personally, as a gluten-free diner, the wait isn’t worth the payoff.
Until next time,
Kate
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