Most often, if we're meeting people in Berkeley for breakfast, we head to La Note. It doesn't happen too often, as they don't take reservations and I hate waiting on line for upwards of 45 minutes when I'm grouchy and famished.
So, I was really excited when C's best friend called to invite us to Venus, just down the street from La Note. 'Cos here's the thing -- while they don't take reservations for brunch, you can call on your way down, and they will put your name on the list. The only caveat is that they'll only call you a couple of times before giving your table away if you're not there, which is totally fair if you ask me.
So, how's the food? Awesome, and so much more interesting than La Note's.
C and I shared an order of Luxury Flaps ($7), luscious, sexy pancakes with Belgian chocolates and fresh raspberries. They didn't need butter, syrup, or anything else, and the texture was moist and tender. I can only imagine how amazing they'd be at the height of summer.
I also had the Country Breakfast ($6.50), which included salty, crisp-tender homefries, two eggs (scrambled) and "Amy's Biscuit". While I didn't much care for the biscuit, which seemed to be made with whole grain, the eggs were clearly incredibly fresh and the potatoes were seriously addictive.
C loved his Royale Omelette ($9.50), a California omelette souped up with chipotle crema, though I passed up a bite as I was at my egg-limit for the day. G had his regular 2x2x2 ($8.50), which two slices of tasty thick-cut applewood bacon.
J's Indian Brunch ($9) could be the most unique brunch entree I've ever had, and it was really delicious. Curried veggie pancakes were served with curry scrambled eggs, chapati and banana raita. I already know that this is what I'll be getting next time I go back.
Service was just fine (though several sources report that it can be slow and sometimes surly), and since we had called ahead, we only had a 5-10 minute wait. The space is warm and inviting, with lots of exposed brick and rotating artwork. Unfortunately, the tables are set very close together, so it's hard to maneuver the tables and the place can get pretty loud.
Venus is a great alternative to La Note... well, really -- it seems that La Note may become my alternative to Venus!
Venus Restaurant
2327 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA
510.540.5950
Technorati Tags: Food | Food & Drink | Brunch | Bay Area | Berkeley
