A nice brunch at this Berkeley institution
For her birthday, my daughter wanted to go out for brunch. This seemed like a lovely idea except for the fact that her birthday fell mid-week, she didn’t want to wake up early enough for breakfast, and she didn’t want to go to a coffeeshop/chain restaurant sort of place. That didn’t leave too many options, so I was happy when a google search reminded me of La Note, a quaint French restaurant in Berkeley. Now almost four decades old, La Note has reinvented itself into a brunch place, serving breakfast and lunch from early in the morning to 2 PM everyday. Exactly what we needed.
I’d been to La Note several times over the decades, both for breakfast and dinner, though apparently the only review I wrote of the place was from my first visit back in 2006. The restaurant has a smallish but very cute and crowded dining room, and a busy and funky decore. It’s more low key than country French, but I like the vibe well enough – my daughter wanted something cuter. We got very lucky in that we were able to snatch a window table – they are elevated and you get to enjoy more light. During weekends, you can stare at the people in line to get in. There is also a patio, though it apparently doesn’t open until 11 AM. This was a rainy, somewhat cool day, so indoor dining was best anyway.
We had a reservation and were seated promptly. We got lemon water and were given adequate time to peruse the menu. We started by sharing a kouign amann ($5), and incredible Breton pastry. This was only the second time I’d had one, and we were blown away at how delicious it was. Unfortunately, they were sold out so we couldn’t get any more. It was so good that I think if we go back, we’ll just order pastries.
For breakfast proper, I had the Pain Perdu au Chocolat ($20), French toast filled with chocolate hazelnut spread (aka Nutella). It was served with butter and a little jar of lavender honey. It was just OK. The bread was just too dry. It probably needed more egg. The portion was very large, and half of it would have been plenty for breakfast. I don’t think I would order it again – or even make it, for that matter.
My daughter had the Brioche Pain Perdu ($20), a French toast made with cinnamon brioche dipped in orange blossom water and accompanied with the same lavender honey and butter. She really liked the bread but wasn’t crazy about the lemon water flavor. At least, this toast wasn’t as dry as the other one. She did decide that she likes cinnamon bread French toast, but would probably order something else next time.
My husband had the Cote Est ($22), a dish of scrambled eggs, choice of pancake and either home fries or bacon. He liked the eggs, they were light and fluffy and cooked perfectly. He was also very fond of the lemon gingerbread pancake he selected. It was served with three slices of poached pear and a little blueberry compote and the whole combination worked very well. It was probably the highlight of his meal. He chose the homefries (not pictured), and these were remarkably tasty. The herbed cubed potatoes might have been baked rather than fried, and they had an amazing consistency, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your mouth inside. They were very nicely seasoned and the portion was quite generous.
We also shared a side of bacon ($6 for 3 slices). It was very tasty, definitely high quality bacon, but it was a little too crispy for our taste.
Both my daughter and I had the mocha ($8.25) but we differed in our assessment. I thought it was pretty good, though I found it a little strong for my taste – though that dissipated once I mixed in the whipped cream. It’s served in a handle-less bowl, and I liked the primitive feel of drinking it. My daughter disagreed completely – she pointed out that even ancient pottery comes with handles and disliked having to use two hands to drink it. She also felt the mocha tasted more of hot chocolate than of coffee. She drank it, but wouldn’t order it again. I might.
Service was friendly and competent – but I was unhappy that a surprise 3% surcharge was added to the bill. Upon enquiring, we learned that it was a tip for the kitchen, as the waitress does not tip out. I guess this means you can leave the waiter 3% less than you planed to, though most people, like us, won’t. Thinking back, it leaves a little of a bitter experience. Just increase the price of each item by 50cents or a dollar and don’t try to deceive customers! I should note, however, that prices have gone up $1.50 to $2 per item (drinks included) vis a vis the menu posted on their website.
In all we had a lovely breakfast. If we returned, however, my daughter and I would probably just order a basket of pastries and eat bacon and potatoes off my husband’s plate.
La Note
2377 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA
(510) 843-1525
M-F 8 AM - 2 PM
Sa-Su 8 AM - 3 PM
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