Eggs. Runny. Threaded with saffron. A slip of prosciutto. Why is this beauty only offered on weekends? Why do we banish eggs to Saturday and Sunday? Why? Why? Why?

Photo by Stefanie Gans

Image: Stephanie Frey/Shutterstock

How do you top your pancakes? For me, it’s hands-down with a smear of butter and drenched in warm pure maple syrup. Skip that imitation Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup, made with high fructose corn syrup and caramel color (okay, so it doesn’t taste BAD). I like me some of that 100 percent pure maple syrup, straight from the sap of maple trees. The only problem with the legit maple syrup is the high price. So how can you get the real maple syrup without the high cost?

Not by buying imitation syrup. Aunt Jemima isn’t pretending their syrup is of the maple variety, and there’s no hint of the word “maple” in their product– but that isn’t true with other syrups being sold in the syrup market.

Did you know that if you’re caught fraudulently selling maple syrup, you can be put in jail for up to a year? (There’s the reason why Aunt Jemima’s syrup is marketed as “pancake” syrup.) But some people believe this punishment isn’t enough.

A recent CNN article calls attention to the Maple Agriculture Protection and Law Enforcement (MAPLE– how nicely does that acronym work out?!) Act introduced by Vermont and Maine Senators Patrick Leahy and Susan Collins. The Act could make the “fraudulent” sale of maple syrup a felony offense, with up to a five year punishment. Sure, I like legit maple syrup better than the frauds, but is five years in prison really fair punishment for selling a mislabeled pancake product?

Image: GoodMood Photo/Shutterstock

The forces behind the MAPLE Act make a strong point about the importance of protecting the maple agriculture industry and honesty to consumers, which I’m in full support of.

When I was in elementary school, I remember taking a field trip in to a cold forest somewhere to learn from some lumberjack-looking man how to tap into a tree and get maple syrup. We got to sample some fresh maple syrup, and I went home with sap all over my hands, face, jeans, and sneakers. Everyone benefited (except my mom, who had to clean off my sappy self).

Some people may be mocking it, but I’ll support the MAPLE Act. I don’t think any maple syrup imposters are making shady deals down dark alleyways with faux maple syrup, but can’t we at least let Vermont and Maine have their maple syrup?

-Julia Harbo

I’m a big cereal person and got into granola about five years ago. When I was in college I would fill up a heaping bowl of “Low-fat granola” every morning in the dining hall and eat my heart out; then I learned just how much, despite the label, unhealthy fat and sugar was actually in there.

I started looking for healthier granolas in the grocery store, and there are a lot out there, but they can add up to a lot of money spent quickly. Recently my friend told me how she started making her own granola and how much easier and more fun it is than buying it in the store. Plus, it’s much cheaper and you can’t beat the sweet, cinnamon-scented smell of fresh granola baking in the oven.

The essentials to homemade granola are quite simple. All you need are dry oats (I like to keep a big canister of Quaker Oats in my cabinet at all times), oil and sugar, or any other liquid/sweetener replacements, and whatever else you want to throw in there. I’ve seen recipes that use mixtures of canola oil and brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey and water. Typical throw-ins are any kind of dried fruit, chopped nuts, wheat germ or flax seed (if you want a healthy boost), shredded coconut, even chocolate and/or peanut butter; it’s really up to you– that’s the best part about making your own granola!

The batch I made used honey and water instead of oil, raisins and dried pineapple, fresh apples (that I picked this weekend!), chopped walnuts and almonds, and cinnamon.

Honey, Apple, Nut and Cinnamon Granola

3 cups oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts and almonds
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped dried pineapple
1/2 cup chopped fresh Fuji apples
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup water

On a deep baking sheet, pour out the oats and the rest of your dry ingredients and mix together with a spoon or your hands. In a separate bowl, whisk together your water and honey, then pour over the oat mixture on the baking sheet. Mix together and spread out evenly. Bake for 20-30 minutes on 300 degrees, stirring occasionally. Granola is done when it looks toasted brown and feels crunchy enough for your liking.

I enjoyed mine warm out of the oven in a bowl with almond milk. It would also be good over Greek yogurt or, heck, even plain! Store in an air-tight container to enjoy for weeks!

-Julia Harbo

(Image: Cappi Thompson/Shutterstock)

I don’t know about you but breakfast is always a challenge for me. I never give myself enough time to eat a “well-balanced” meal and when I do have time for a quick bite, the only options available seem to be covered in sugar or drowning in bacon.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Sometimes.

You always hear that old adage: “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But why?

A study at California State University suggests that eating breakfast gives your brain the fuel it needs to function at a higher level. Eating breakfast gives you energy, can help you concentrate and can reduce your likelihood of overeating later in the day. So don’t give up on breakfast just yet- there are easy solutions to healthy eating in the morning!

I’m always on the lookout for new breakfast ideas that are fast, easy and healthy but that involve more than just peeling a banana. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, either…

Don’t give up yet- here are some ideas for all you breakfast-lazy people, like me!

Greek yogurt- easy, fast and it’ll stick to your ribs a little better than regular old yogurt. Eat it plain or sprinkle with some low-fat granola for an extra energy boost.

Frozen breakfast sandwiches- there are lots of great low-fat options nowadays and most are high in protein and whole grains. I love the Jimmy Dean D-Lites sausage and egg white sandwich and it’s less than 300 calories.

Oatmeal- buy the quick oats and it takes only a few minutes to cook in the microwave. Yes, the steel-cut oats have more fiber, but in hurry, there’s nothing wrong with the quick-cooking kind. The best part about oatmeal is getting to doctor it up your own way! I love putting peanut butter, honey and dried cranberries in mine. After cooking, put it in a travel coffee mug for easy transportation and to keep it warm.

Waffle sandwich- toast up a couple of whole grain waffles and smear (shmear?) with your favorite spread! Low-fat cream cheese and jelly, peanut butter, or throw a slice of smoked turkey or ham in the middle. Eat one-handed.

Luna Bars- while they are marketed towards women, I think it’s a great option for both sexes. They come in lots of different flavors and are chock full of whole grains and organic ingredients. However, guys, they are made by CLIF Bar & Company so if you’re feeling too girly buying them, go for the original.

Hard boiled eggs- if cooking eggs in the morning is too time-consuming just do what I do: hard boil a bunch the night before and then have them all week, ready to go! Eat an egg or two on your way out the door with some OJ or an apple and you’ll be good until lunch.

20 Healthy “blobs” – make the night before. Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk, 3 cups crushed flake cereal, and 2 tablespoons honey. Form into “blobs” (should make 10). Wrap each blob in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Grab a couple on your way out the door with a travel cup of skim milk and go! (From Nutritionist Alana Unger)

Breakfast burrito- Here’s an easy and healthy version of a “burrito” that takes no time at all! Throw a whole wheat pita in the microwave with a piece of smoked turkey or ham, sprinkle some low-fat mozzarella cheese and nuke for about 20 seconds. Bam!

Cheese toast- my mom used to make this for me in the mornings before school. Just lay a few slices of jack cheese (or any cheese you like) onto a piece of whole wheat toast and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Mom used to sprinkle ours with some Mexican seasoning for an extra kick. It sounds a little weird, but trust me, its good!

– You can also do the same thing with a little margarine and cinnamon sugar instead for quick cinnamon toast!

On the weekends, when I have a little more time in the mornings, I love waking up late and going out for a leisurely breakfast. I grab the paper, a cup of coffee and just veg out. Check out this of places to get a great bite to eat in the morning that have lots of healthy options as well.

Amphora’s Diner Deluxe -1151 Elden Street, Herndon - (703)925.0900
Since 1997, Amphora’s Diner Deluxe has been offering freshly prepared International-American fare in a casual, relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Bentley’s -6654ArlingtonBlvd.FallsChurch – (703)532.4100
What began as a small town breakfast dinner consisting of a counter and 7 booths has with the times grown to a 150 seat full service restaurant, serving you for almost 40 years!

Eggspectation – Chantilly/Gainesville/Leesburg locations. Check website for location nearest you!
Features 160 creative and delicious breakfast items which are available all day long.

Einstein Bros Bagels – Check website for locations near you!
If you think it’s just bagels, think again!

First Watch -9600 Main St # S,Fairfax - (703)978.3421
Fresh is best! That’s why their Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch creations are made using the finest ingredients around.

The Original Pancake House -7395 MLee Highway,Falls Church – (703)698.6292
This unique and original menu which has gained national acclaim- come find out why!

The Royal Restaurant -734 N. Asaph St.,Alexandria – (703)548.1616
For over 100 years, the Royal has been the most popular restaurant inOldTown,Alexandria. It’s authentic Greek and Italian fare with hospitable service!

Tropical Smoothie Cafe -  Check website for locations near you!
Smoothies and more! Tropical Smoothie Café’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal.

Happy breakfast!

– Jennie Whistler

My idea of a good home cooked breakfast (Image: Mai Nguyen/Northern Virginia Magazine)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but who actually eats breakfast these days? I know that as a full-time student with a part-time job, I almost never eat breakfast because I’d rather get a few more minutes of sleep or be on time for work or class. But studies have shown that eating breakfast helps you lose weight, be more mentally focused throughout the day, and overall, be physically and psychologically healthier than those who do not eat breakfast.

Occasionally I get cravings for breakfast foods, so when I do get the chance, I just sizzle up from thick-sliced bacon, toast frozen Eggo waffles, scramble eggs, cut up honeydew, and wash some berries. However, since it’s the weekend, I’m sure many of us would rather rest and relax than wake up early to cook a meal. So here are a few restaurants in the area that serve breakfast.

Amphora
Opened since 1977, they serve breakfast all day long, and even have an option for you to create your own omelet. Aside from breakfast, Amphora has a large selection of salads, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts. QUICK TIP: This family owned restaurant is a great 24/7 alternative to the International House of Pancakes or Denny’s. 377 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA 22182; 703-938-7877; Open 24/7

First Watch
This is a nice little daytime café to cover not only your breakfast foods cravings, but also brunch, lunch, and also have a kids menu. One of their own breakfast creations that they serve is the “Crepegg” which is a “thin, sweet crepe combined with fluffy whipped eggs, served with First Watch potatoes and an English muffin.” The neat feature that First Watch has is an online menu that lists the nutritional facts of everything they serve. They also provide free newspapers and Wi-Fi. QUICK TIP: Try to go a bit early to avoid a long wait. 9600 South Main Street,
Fairfax, VA 22031; 703-978-3421; Open for breakfast and lunch daily

Moe’s Peyton Place
They serve breakfast all day, every day. If you’re not in the mood for breakfast foods, they have various appetizers, salads, sandwiches, dinner entrees, desserts, and a full service bar. Please do be aware that this restaurant is a smoking bar with a non-smoking room. QUICK TIP: From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Moe’s Peyton Place has a breakfast buffet for only $8.95 a person. 6516 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150; 703-451-6620; Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and late-night dining on Friday and Saturday

Metro 29
If Guy Fieri featured this place on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” from the Food Network, then it must be good. Opened in 1995, they serve huge portions of breakfast all day along with Italian dishes, Greek dishes, seafood, roasted meats, dinner entrees, sandwiches, salads, and burgers. For those who might not have a car or don’t want to drive, Metro 29 conveniently offers delivery. QUICK TIP: Try the French toast. 4711 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207; (703) 528-2464; Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining daily

I hope you guys get your fair share of a delicious breakfast this weekend, I know I will.

- Mai Nguyen

(Video: Hilah Cooking)

Simón!

–Warren

(Image: All Bread Recipes)

I know french toast isn’t the healthiest breakfast with its egg-saturated bread, butter, powdered sugar, and pools of maple syrup- but it is certainly one of the most comforting.  French toast is good when you are sick, for a fancy brunch, or to serve large groups of people.

You can make french toast with white, wheat, sourdough, or even challah breads.

(Image: My Tidy Kitchen)

There are so many versions of french toast and I like them all.  Top french toast with bananas or blueberries, stuff it with strawberries and cream cheese, or cover it in pecans and caramel.  The possibilities are endless.

(Image: Dessert Stalking)

If you have a ton of people to feed over the holidays, order the Brioche French Toast from French Connections Catering.  Thick slices of Brioche are dipped in milk and egg and then lightly drizzled with a delicious sauce made of butter and Grand Marnier.

French Connections Catering

1114 Herndon Parkway

Herndon, VA 20170

703-707-8304

-Liz Stevenson

Trader Joe's unveils its newest model of designer eggs -- now with twice the cholesterol! Photo by alx chief/Flickr.

Adam Kuban from Serious Eats reports that one reader bought a carton of Trader Joe’s jumbo eggs only to find found that every single one of them was double-yolked — that’s a total of twenty-four yolks distributed across only a dozen eggs.

I don’t know about you, but I had an immediate visceral reaction when I first laid eyes on that sea of yolks. It’s not like I’ve never encountered a double-yolked egg before. (I once found one while making an omelet and immediately whisked the whole thing together so I could pretend it never happened).

There’s just something seeing mutated foods en masse that makes me feel like the world is falling apart. One egg has only one yolk – that’s an equation that sustains our everyday logic. I can ignore one or two freak occurrences, but a whole dozen of them makes me question my view of reality.

A commenter on that Serious Eats egg post astutely points out that:

Factory farms sort out all the eggs that don’t meet the textbook image of what an egg should be. Eggs that are too long, too squat, too big, too small, unevenly shaped or colored are all picked out in order not to freak out the oh so fragile consumer.

Egg laying is a complex process…you can bet all the things coming out of the hens aren’t picture perfect.

So, what other egg mutations aren’t we aware of?

Conveniently, PoultryHelp.com has a whole page dedicated to odd eggs, complete with disturbing pictures. (Apparently enough people have emailed them with questions about egg mutations that they felt the need to give the topic it’s own FAQ).

Here’s a list of some of the creepiest egg malformations from that page:

-  NO YOLK – These are commonly called “fart eggs” in the poultry industry.

-  MORE THAN TWO YOLKS – PoultryHelp.com claims that one record-breaking egg held a total of nine yolks.

-  NO SHELL – Instead of a hard shell, a thin pliable membrane encloses the egg contents like a squishy water balloon (ugh).

-  EGG WITHIN AN EGG– It would blow my mind if I cracked an egg into a bowl and saw another miniature egg come out.

-  ODD-SHAPED – One egg found in China looks vaguely like a soup spoon (a Chinese soup spoon, of course).

Have you encountered any of these freaky eggs while making breakfast? More importantly, were you able to bring yourself to eat them?

– Christina Lee

By Warren Rojas / Photography by Anastasia Chernyavsky

Breakfast is often heralded as the most important meal of the day. Yet so often, our mornings get underway with whatever burnt offering spews forth from the toaster or some paper-wrapped abomination shoved out a drive-thru window.

No more, say we.

It’s time to reclaim the right to a hot, homemade meal prepared with equal parts love and farm-fresh ingredients. Let us rally for weekend bonanzas actually worth counting calories all week for.

So follow us, to where the coffee is always on, the baked goods don’t come from a vending machine and nobody leaves the table hungry.

Daily Dejeuner
Yorkshire
7537 Centreville Rd., Manassas | 703-368-4905
Average entrée: under $12 ($). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday; breakfast and lunch Sunday

Yorkshire’s Hog of a Ham Steak

When one ornery regular complains about runny eggs, the Yorkshire waitress quickly fires back, “the chicken probably drank too much water.” An innocuous inquiry about the availability of fresh cranberry juice is likewise shot down, but not before the silver-tongued server adds, “and we ain’t got no vodka neither.”

Welcome to breakfast as community theater.

Much like the yellowing calendar tacked up above the register—forever frozen on December 1950—breakfast at the Yorkshire feels like a trip back to the era of true hometown diners. Locals pound coffee, smoke and gripe about “the rich people up in Fairfax and Sterling.” Tables double as billboards for local businesses.

And when the waitress assures you that “you get a good-sized portion no matter what you order,” she ain’t lyin’.

A farmer’s special brings a gloriously salty ham steak—a bone-in monolith of cured pork surrounded by a ring of buttery fat—that’s a shade away from qualifying as a diuretic. The breakfast club is a good-looking sandwich stacked with bacon, ham, eggs, lettuce, tomato, mayo and cheese. Meanwhile, the titular Yorkshire omelet folds bacon, sausage, ham, peppers, onions and cheese into fluffy eggs and surrounds it all with hash browned potatoes and cakey, homemade biscuits.

Daily Dejeuner
Payne’s
13846 Lee Hwy., Centreville | 703-830-8935 | www.paynesrestaurant.com
Average entrée: under $12 ($). Open for breakfast daily; lunch served Monday through Friday, and dinner Friday

Seconds after sitting down, the coffee starts coming. It is strong, piping hot and absolutely will not run out if the waitress has anything to do with it. All around are fellow diners who have come to devour the daily paper, suck down the first Pall Mall of the day and stuff their gullets with gravy-soaked everything.

You’d be smart to join them.

A neighborhood eatery bedecked with faded wood paneling and even older Redskins’ memorabilia, Payne’s remains a refuge for those who refuse to stand in line for designer java or consume anything that is not straight-from-the-griddle fresh. It’s cash-only, so there’s no fumbling for credit cards or personal checks.

But the lumberjack-sized helpings ensure you get your money’s worth.

A short stack goes gonzo with mammoth flapjacks covered in hash browns, scrambled eggs and peppery sausage gravy (a monstrous wake-me-up). The country fried steak and eggs platter brings a solid cut of beef that’s been battered, breaded and drenched in country gravy. A barnyard round-up of pork chops and eggs summons two neatly grilled chops accompanied by more eggs and scattered home fries.

One especially sassy waitress shoots over a knowing wink and a smile as she retires a half-eaten mountain of food, teasing “You weren’t hungry?”

Weekend Workhorses
Palm Court at Westfields
14750 Conference Center Dr., Chantilly | 703-818-3520 | www.westfieldspalmcourt.com
Average entrée: $21 to $30 ($$$). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; Sunday brunch

Classic Benedict, À LA Palm Court

From the soothing piano music to the free-flowing Cava, brunch at the Palm Court compels you to break free from the daily grind.

While the decorum is all about elegance and class (think uniform-clad dining captains and sterling silver everything), diners appear to be a mix of everyday folk—including extended families, business groups and Red Hat Society ladies—looking to be spoiled for just a few hours.

And spoiled they are.

The awe-inspiring buffet is split between separate showcases of made-to-order creations (omelets, waffles), assorted salads (fresh fennel, ravioli and asparagus) and smoked fish (trout, dill-encrusted gravlox), and lavish desserts (fruit tortes, seasonal cakes).

Ample slices of rosemary rib rye taste even better crowned with a dab of garlicky gravy and homemade horseradish. Chilled duck breast partnered with Asian coleslaw is delicious. Roast chicken gets a boost from a tangy, Southwestern-style salsa. Carb lovers stand agape at the fresh fruit station (figs, apricot compote, orange mascarpone) as they deliberate how best to decorate their waffles.

And though I really shouldn’t, I head back for one more slice of fresh zucchini bread. And maybe a chocolatey black-bottom muffin …

Daily Dejeuner
Elsie’s Magic Skillet
8166 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria. 703.360.0220
Average entrée: under $12 ($). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday; breakfast and lunch Sunday

Elsie’s overstuffed omelets

The quaint, log cabin-like exterior seems oddly out of place along Route 1. Once inside, Elsie’s homey décor and friendly service quickly sets your mind at ease.

Unless you wind up as stumped as the gentleman who pleaded during a recent visit, “I’m having a hard time deciding. Everything looks good.”

A country kitchen boasting a broad array of breakfast options, Elsie’s keeps the focus on home-style cooking and overly generous portions. They cater to smaller appetites too, fielding abbreviated short stack (twin buttermilk pancakes) and mini-toast options (a pair of French toast slices).

Everyone else, prepare for the mother lode.

The Italian omelet is basically an egg calzone stuffed with zesty pepperoni slices, tangy tomato sauce and lots of molten mozzarella (bellissimo!). A so-bad-for-you-it’s-got-to-be-good creamed chipped beef creation summons a bulbous omelet bursting with bubbling cream and tender shreds of beef. The slightly healthier-sounding spinach, bacon and cheese omelet is packed with sautéed spinach, whole strips of bacon (so much for healthy) and gobs of American cheese. Meanwhile, tidy corned beef hash rounds are easily transformed into mini sandwiches when combined with a side of fresh biscuits.

Weekend Workhorses
Fortune
6249 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church | 703-538-3333/3338 | www.fortunebanquet.com
Average entrée: under $12 ($). Open for lunch and dinner daily

Eggs. Toast. Bacon. Mere child’s play.

If you view brunch as more of an adventure outing than a spectator sport, Fortune’s full-contact dim sum assault may be just the gastronomic challenge you’ve been searching for.

The expansive Chinese restaurant always appears to be bustling, but never more so then when the army of steam cart-toting servers circumnavigates the main dining room (daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), hawking their myriad wares. Although the dim sum parade happens regularly, you get a wider sampling of more native dishes during the weekend runs.

Shrimp and banana rolls sprinkled with sesame seeds are a savory-sweet triumph. Pan-fried dumplings of ground pork and shredded leeks get rolled into savory bundles and wrapped in wonton skin on their way to a quick sear. An alien-looking snowball of shrimp and crab gets rolled in rice noodles and is then deep-fried to seal in the real seafood flavor. Cantonese-style roast chicken bears crispy, honey-colored skin and five-spice infused white meat beneath (delicious). An order of barbecued pork reveals a mound of jolly, red goodness, dousing fatty strips of tender pork in a sweet soy glaze. The shredded pork reemerges with a slightly tangier sauce and a buttery crust as part of an equally enticing baked treat.

Daily Dejeuner
Amphora
377 W. Maple Ave., Vienna | 703-938-7877 | www.amphoragroup.com
Average entrée: $13 to $20 ($$). Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining daily

Eggs made extraordinary at Amphora

Round the clock breakfast service and killer pastries to boot? Oh, you wonderful folks at Amphora—you had us at round…

A neighborhood fixture for going on three decades, the Amphora has blossomed from humble family bakery into a full-fledged local restaurant empire. Daily crowds include guests ranging from famished families to hungry business associates to book-toting singles looking to fuel up on homemade brain food.

As expected, delicious cakes and pastries abound. But the kitchen crew has proven they can now give their confectionary counterparts a run for their money.

The nascent “Heavenly Hollandaise” selections—a welcome addition to the ever evolving breakfast carte—tugs traditional eggs Benedict in international directions, including the novel eggs Plaka (crowned with tender, shaved gyro meat), eggs Italiana (layered with patties of sweet Italian sausage) and eggs portobella (replaces the standard meat topping with a grilled mushroom, preserving all the flavor without sacrificing anything). The Greek pocket places a tomato, onion and feta-filled omelet atop a grilled pita, then scatters home fries all around. If sweet is what you crave, a stack of lightly browned peanut butter pancakes delivers a nostalgic jolt without sending you into sugar overload.

Weekend Workhorses
Paradiso Ristorante Italiano
6124 Franconia Rd., Springfield | 703-922-6222 | www.paradisoristorante.com
Average entrée: $13 to $20 ($$). Open for lunch and dinner daily; Sunday brunch

Hard to say where on his ethereal continuum Dante Alighieri might place Paradiso’s daunting brunch spread. One could argue that the banquet of rich foods and tempting desserts are meant to test the will of man. Conversely, the steady stream of complimentary Mimosas and added convenience of a supervised playroom—an understated amenity that allows both child and parent to enjoy breakfast on their own terms—could be seen as a reward for day-to-day sacrifice.

Let the theologians bicker. You are here to eat.

The entire bar/lounge area is converted into a caloric wonderland of Italian delights and breakfast standards. Eggy French toast slices are flanked by an elaborate array of otherworldy toppings like real maple or brandy syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar and assorted fruit. Antipasto creations (tortellini and black olives, artichokes-olives-mozzarella salad) jumpstart the appetite. Cheese ravioli in a spinach-asparagus-peas cream sauce proves pasta need not be flashy to fully satisfy. Homemade beef Marsala submerges wonderfully tender medallions in a seductive wine sauce studded with mushrooms. Sugary closers include a lacy red velvet cake and a make-your-own sundae area stocked with vanilla ice cream, a cauldron of bubbling hot fudge, and sides of chocolate chips and rainbow jimmies.

Daily Dejeuner
The Coach Stop
9 E. Washington St., Middleburg | 540-687-5515 | www.coachstop.com
Average entrée: $13 to $20 ($$). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

On the off chance your personal organizer includes abutting entries like “close multi-million $$ land deal” and “de-funkify stables” on the same afternoon, confidence is high your morning routine begins at Middleburg’s venerable Coach Stop.

Regulars receive a formal yet folksy greeting—”Good morning, Mr. ‘X.’ How was your weekend?”—before taking their place at a communal meal counter to begin laboring over their daily crossword puzzle, all the while nursing a bottomless cup of coffee. Hefty placemats adorned with fox hunting and equestrian scenes protect the worn, wooden tables. And an information smorgasbord can be had by picking up any of a number of available periodicals, including sporting journals (Horse Talk, Daily Racing Form), assorted dailies (International Herald Tribune, The New York Times), tony lifestyle outlets (Loudoun magazine, The Georgetowner) and local pubs (Leesburg Today).

But man does not live on news alone.

Dulcet slabs of sugar-cured ham slap your tongue awake. Spiced country sausage rounds sizzle on arrival. Oven-roasted potatoes emerge tender and golden brown. An order of creamed chipped beef blankets buttery, homemade biscuits in a beefy batter that clings to your fork.

Weekend Workhorses
Claire’s at the Depot
65 S. Third St., Warrenton | 540-351-1616 | www.clairescatering.com
Average entrée: $21 to $30 ($$$). Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sunday; closed Monday

Seems every trip out to Warrenton nets another dining destination extraordinaire. Case in point: a leisurely visit to Claire’s—an old school train station turned fine-dining experience with plenty of polish—uncovers a brunch opportunity that ties together comfort with just a touch of the unexpected.

The adventure begins with a complimentary basket of homemade, cranberry-orange scones (blissfully sweet) accompanied by frozen (tsk! tsk!) lemon-poppy seed butter. A hearty stock brimming with country ham, chewy lentils and sliced mushrooms is warming on a blustery day, but I kept wishing for a buttermilk biscuit or cornbread muffin to appear. Flash-seared tuna slices recline on crispy wonton crackers as they wait to be dunked into a tangy soy sauce or graced with a swipe of creamy wasabi paste. Plump, cornmeal-covered oysters are fried golden brown and come accompanied by a spirited bloody Mary cocktail sauce that threatens to turn breakfast into happy hour. A house special of fish and grits features a rotating fish selection (grilled trout is good) covered with scrambled eggs and a side of get’em-while-they’re-hot grits (as dense as mashed potatoes, but twice as cheesy). A dish of butternut squash ravioli showers the vegetable-filled noodles in a velvety fresh basil-Alfredo sauce blend.

Daily Dejeuner
Linda’s Cafe
45665 W. Church Rd. #109, Sterling | 703-433-5637
Average entree: under $12 ($). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday; breakfast and lunch Sunday

What’s better than having a hot breakfast waiting for you each morning? Having a hot breakfast whenever you want it.

The owner of this bright and cheery eatery says he spent five years slinging hash at the original Linda’s in South Arlington before bringing the no-nonsense business model out to the edge of western Fairfax. As such, breakfast is still served all day. Daily specials are dutifully scrawled on a dry-erase board. And the menu features the familiar omelets (ham and cheese, Western, Greek), assorted griddle fare (pancakes, French toast), and breakfast combo platters that have kept Arlingtonians well fed for ages.

A generous platter of crumbly corned beef and fluffy yellow eggs summons perfectly equal portions of each, plus a side of crispy hash browns. The namesake Linda’s omelet is a whopper of a wake-me-up, revealing a giant, egg-lined envelope filled with diced sausage, peppers, onions and just the right amount of cheese. Chopped steak and eggs unites eggs and home fries layered with grilled onions with a juicy, 6-ounce burger. Likewise, a good morning griller of lean sausage, fluffy eggs and melted cheese stuffed inside a buttery croissant gets things going at any hour.

Weekend Workhorses
Caribbean Breeze
4100 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington | 703-812-7997 | www.caribbeanbreezeva.com
Average entrée: $13 to $20 ($$). Open for lunch and dinner daily; Sunday brunch

Roast lechon is all the rage at Caribbean Breeze

Those who long to jumpstart their day with a hint of sabor Latino should blow into the Caribbean Breeze brunch, a global buffet melding traditional morning starters (eggs, waffles) with international favorites (made-to-order quesadillas).

Inside the sunny, pastel-laden dining area, a live jazz combo lays down a mellow groove. Jovial bartenders stand at the ready to whip up any number of festive fruit cocktails (rum and tequila figures prominently in just about everything) to brighten your mood. Or for $5 more, you can tack on unlimited Mimosas to your meal.

Just make sure to leave enough room for the main event.

Hand-carved slices of spice-rubbed lechon—a roast suckling pig dish that typically only graces Latin tables during the holidays or at special occasions—is divine, particularly when finished off with a splash of pineapple salsa. Tender chunks of charbroiled chicken shine beneath a sheen of homemade chimichurri. Crispy chicken empanadas are fantastic; the shredded chicken works equally well in the salsa-soaked enchiladas. Ropa vieja yields a hearty mass of shredded flank steak, sliced peppers and onions, all steeped in tomato sauce. Tortellini is smothered in broth of savory ground beef and stewed tomatoes (Irie!).

Weekend Workhorses
Clarendon Grill
1101 N. Highland St., Arlington | 703.524.7455 | www.cgrill.com
Average entrée: $13 to $20 ($$). Open for lunch, dinner and late night dining daily; brunch on weekends

Clarendon Grill's habit-forming crab hash

You might consider it dumb luck, that a neighborhood watering hole—perhaps best known for its unshakable allegiance to local cover bands—happens to prepare some of the tastiest brunch selections in town.

But offering up those signature creations all weekend long would suggest the folks at Clarendon Grill are actually full-fledged geniuses.

The core menu features about a half-dozen specialty omelets (seafood, chicken, garden, Mediterranean, western, build-your-own) plus a number of breakfast classics tweaked for the modern gourmand.

The stunning Carolina crab hash scatters nuggets of tender crab mixed with potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and onions around a pair of hollandaise covered eggs parked atop toast rounds (glorious).  A well-constructed egg sandwich—which one dining companion swears may be the best breakfast sandwich ever made, anywhere—slides eggs, ham, onions, peppers and provolone into a toasted potato roll slathered with spicy mayonnaise. For a Latin take on traditional biscuits and gravy, try an open-faced sandwich of fried chorizo and egg draped across a pair of sweet corn squares covered in country gravy. Or tear into an order of huevos rancheros bearing scrambled eggs smothered with cheese, tomatoes and onions, then poured over home fries.

Weekend Workhorses
Dixie Bones
13440 Occoquan Rd., Woodbridge | 703-492-2205 | www.dixiebones.com
Average entrée: $13 to $20 ($$). Open for lunch and dinner daily; Sunday brunch

Devout or not, everybody has to shore up their strength on Sunday to prepare for the week ahead. And while the worshipping masses may part company when it comes to their individual beliefs, disciples of stick-to-your-ribs-good barbecue can be found communing at Dixie Bones for what has become an unofficial after-church tradition.

Extended families squeeze into the narrow booths and risk despoiling their Sunday’s best to enjoy the heavenly arrangement of steaming barbecue, savory sides and made-from-scratch desserts.

A basket of hard rolls caters to the make-your-sandwich enthusiast in all of us. Slow-roasted beef brisket is tender, meaty and comes alive with a splash of the tomatoey house marinade (black topped bottle on each table). Clusters of shredded swine are quite fine, but get even better when crowned with the homemade slaw and a squirt of vinegar sauce (red topped bottle). Grilled Italian sausages are sweet, stocky snacks. The homemade macaroni and cheese is dripping with real melted cheddar yet never devolves into an oily mess. A heartwarming slice of pecan pie bears chopped pecans on top, a bubbling, sugary brown mash beneath, and a hearty flour crust to hold it all together.

Daily Dejeuner
Buzz
901 Slaters Ln., Alexandria | 703-600-2899 | www.buzzonslaters.com
Average entrée: under $12 ($). Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining daily.

Breakfast by the numbers at Buzz

Having made in-roads with the late-night (Vermilion) and fine-dining (Tallula) crowds, the Neighborhood Restaurant Group now wants to corner the breakfast market with Buzz, a bakery lounge specializing in sweet nothings that are really something.

Their post-modern coffeehouse is thoroughly outfitted with cushy sofas and recliners, free Wi-Fi for roving techies and vintage toy ovens for the kids to play with. They offer a full battery of Illy-based caffeinated beverages from full espresso on down to the clever “why bother?” (decaf, non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte), plus traditional espresso, cappuccino and even hot chocolate.

And then there are the baked goods.

Brioche packed with crumbled bacon, scrambled eggs and melted cheese is a mondo muffin concealing a built-in breakfast. Homemade cinnamon rolls are lightly glazed, golden ringlets filled with chewy cinnamon. A hearty maple sausage and cheese biscuit injects traditional buttermilk with savory-sweet sausage. A ham and cheese scone envelops the titular sandwich fillers in semi-sweet dough. Or sample any of the wonderful muffins, including pineapple-coconut (sweet hits you first while the coconut seems to linger) and strawberry (bright as a morning breeze), or fruit-filled scones (oat-currant has a welcome grit, orange-cranberry delivers a citrus kick).

(April 2007)

Chris Bifano
Executive chef, Elements on Level One at Dulles Hyatt

Wanna dazzle your loved ones one early morning? Elements toque Chris Bifano swears his regionally inspired repast looks and tastes great, without too much fuss. “This simple recipe can be reproduced in any kitchen and will make you look like a professional chef,” he stated.

Photography by James Kim

PREP TIME: 5 min.
COOK TIME: 25 min.
SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS
Spinach and egg cup
8 ounces shaved Smithfield ham
4 local organic eggs, scrambled
4 ounces local tomatoes, diced
8 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
4 ounces aged, Virginia white cheddar
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Tomato chutney
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large local tomatoes, diced
4 ounces small white onion, diced
1/2 bunch fresh basil, chopped
1 ounce fresh garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION
Rub sliced potato with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until tender. Set aside.

Saute garlic and onion in olive oil until translucent. Add tomatoes, and cook for 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste; fold in fresh basil before serving.

Meanwhile, grease 2-ounce muffin pan with butter, and arrange ham in pan to create bottom. Place spinach, tomatoes, cheese and pepper in the ham-lined cup. Pour egg on top of other ingredients. Bake for 12 minutes at 350 F.

Place potato slices on platter. After eggs have rested (about 5 minutes), remove from muffin pan, and surround with potatoes. Serve chutney on the side for dipping.

(November 2008)