Today: Brunching at The Cottage.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]When three oatmeal pancakes, each the size of a small principality, arrive before you, it’s always best to have a table full of people to share them with.  Especially if, just beyond your pancakes, there’s a plate of french toast, generously stuffed with strawberries, staring you down as well.  Eating 9,000 calories in one sitting is a tough job.  But as the saying goes, somebody’s gotta do it.  Sort of.

A few Sundays ago, I swiped on a second coat of mascara (the first one was long gone after I got sucked into the 9/11 anniversary coverage on A & E) and met up with my fellow Boston Brunchers for a complimentary brunch at The Cottage’s newest location in Chestnut Hill.  Inspired by the beachfront cottage that is home to the restaurant’s first location in La Jolla, The Cottage serves fresh, seasonal food in a sunny, beach-chic environment.  The Chestnut Hill location feels a bit more model home than cottage, but the space is light and airy, and is perfectly tucked away from the busy-ness of Route 9.

I was the last to arrive (fashionable or rude, you decide) and found myself at the only open chair.  At the head of the table.  I felt compelled to make a speech, or at the very least say grace… but instead I ordered a cup of tea.  After carefully studying the menu, I selected one of the few vegetarian options: oatmeal pancakes.  Having run 13 miles the morning before, this was sort of the reverse of carbo-loading.

Before our meals arrived, we had a chance to chat with Chef Todd and John, the restaurant owner.  Both gentlemen were warm and welcoming, and shared a great deal of information about the restaurant’s history, the California food tours that inform their menu choices, and other things that are making me hungry as I type.

Soon, our waiters were delivering plates of truffled tots to share.  They were quite incredible. Our end of the table also ordered the aforementioned stuffed french toast– I snuck a bite of the strawberry filling, but passed on the toast.  My pancakes were dense and very filling.  I made it through half of pancake and was happy to share the rest.  I usually prefer something lighter for brunch– salads, fruit or yogurt, but alas, I ended up with one of the heavier dishes.  I imagine I might have better luck with their lunch or dinner menu.

I love any chance to catch up with my Boston Brunchers pals in person, and am truly grateful to The Cottage Chestnut Hill for generously hosting us this month and to Renee for organizing, so expertly, all of the fun.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Eat Boutique’s Local Market at Twelve Chairs
• Baking Pinterest-inspired cookies
• Cleaning out the closet for tomorrow’s swap 🙂