Oxford Karma has been known to cover some pretty controversial topics in its time, ranging from racism to the inanity of certain state politicians. But now, we’re honing in on one of the most divisive topics of all: brunch.
That’s right, people. Brunch. Love it or hate it, this middleman of meals tends to turn some heads and ruffle more than a few feathers. Savory or sweet? Heavy or light? Classic or with a twist? It’s a meal that evokes questions like these plus so many more.
Whether you bow down to the alter of brunch or consider it to be as overrated as frozen yogurt (I mean, is it even nonfat?), you have to admit that this early afternoon smorgasbord beloved by white people the world over is truly deserving of an in-depth exposé. So without further ado, I present to you the following hard-hitting piece of journalism — top five, coming ’atcha.
The Wedge
Like a vast chunk of the American population, if I had my way, I would eat pizza all day every day. That’s why The Wedge is home to some freakin’ geniuses. They scoff at the idea of traditional breakfast food and opt to combine eggs and pizza (even Tallows agree that it’s good) like the damn patriots that they are. There’s The Hang-over — marinara, mozzarella, house-made sausage, pancetta, roasted potatoes, local eggs, and dipping gravy, for god’s sake — but my personal favorite is the Morning Glory, combining port wine sun-dried tomato sauce, mozzarella, criminis, wood-roasted red onions and red bells, spinach, and local eggs. Add $2 mimosas to the equation, and you have all the makings for an excellent Sunday afternoon nap.
Joey’s Café
I’ve only been here once (and it was the morning after a night at Groovy’s, so I’ll let you use your imagination as to the state I was in), but this down-home cooking sure did hit the spot. A little hole-in-the-wall in a shopping center on May Avenue, Joey’s features every breakfast food imaginable and then some, just like mom makes but without the obligatory clearing of the plates once you’re done. The omelet was cooked to perfection, the biscuits were hella flakey, and my carnivorous friends did a wonderful impression of Ron Swanson, so I can deduce that the bacon was satisfactory too. Basically, if you want to enjoy the best meal of the day at a local establishment without the judging stares of a bunch of Lulelemon ladies, then Joey’s is the place for you.
Cheever’s Café
Though Cheever’s can be a bit on the costlier side, this 23rd Street staple could actually end up saving you money seeing as you won’t have room for lunch or dinner after dining with them. The brunch menu features the increasingly popular dish of shrimp and grits and the classic southern fried chicken and waffles, plus you can also get lunchtime favorites like the quinoa avocado salad. I always went for the migas — which, depressingly, doesn’t seem to be on the menu anymore — but maybe if you pull out the puppy dog eyes they could whip it up for you. I promise it’s worth any amount of shameless begging and reception of “order off the damn menu” eye rolls.
Picasso Café
Ahh. Picasso Café. A veggie-lover’s paradise that even the most diehard of meat eaters can unabashedly dig. Whether a fan of benedict, brunch potatoes or breakfast burritos, you’re basically guaranteed to discover a culinary gem at this Paseo hangout. Since I’m known to mix my food together with the adept skills of a kindergartner, I greatly admire Picasso’s adventurous spirit in terms of ingredient combos, like ancho chili salmon and avocado in the spring rolls, alfredo sauce and a sunny side up egg on the Pizza Bismarck, and truffle cream cheese and spinach in the chicken crepes. And even if your palate is more tame (read lame), they have great stuff like burgers and biscuits to float your boat.
Jimmy’s Egg
I couldn’t call myself an Oklahoman in good conscience without including Jimmy’s Egg on this list. A staple of my childhood and likely so for many of yours, Jimmy’s is where you can literally get every breakfast food your heart desires and still not really even break the bank. Jimmy’s Egg is to Oklahoma what Starbucks is to Seattle; a sign on corner after corner, it’s hard to come across a person who hasn’t frequented this ubiquitous establishment. I love their skillet scrambles (see my aforementioned love of mixing foods together), where you get eggs and veggies (and meat if you want it) on a bed of home fries and melty cheddar cheese. But whatever you do, you have to order their toast. Thick and crispy, this carb-loaded slice of goodness gets even better with the addition of apple butter. Trust me.
