I love brunch. I must not be the only one because Buffalo's restaurants are bustling on Sundays, especially on sunny ones like the one we had yesterday. Reservations are a must when it comes to Left Bank's mid-day offering. On our visit the seats were full by noon, and the sounds from the quiet chatter of guests and clinking of glassware were warmed by the soft music from the trio in the corner.
Left Bank's dining room was beautifully lit, as the sun's rays bounced off of the pristine heaps of snow on the sidewalk and into the restaurant through its many large plate glass windows. The exposed brick walls, architectural elements, fresh flowers and wall art all added to our cozy dining experience. The menu is simple and reasonably priced. The offerings change every week, but it's extensive enough that you're always sure to find something that strikes your fancy.
Among the choices were potato pancakes served with smoked trout, fruit salsa and sour cream ($7), Angus steak with two eggs any style ($14), French toast with walnuts and brown sugar topped with whipped cream, Grand Marnier and a cranberry Chambord sauce ($8) and a crab, spinach and mushroom crepe finished with bandy cream ($12).
My companion and I agreed to split our plates, my favorite way to dine at any hour. She chose the Seafood Benedict comprised of soft poached eggs served atop two crispy flavorful crab cakes with a zesty orange-flavored hollandaise ($11). It was tasty; the eggs were prepared perfectly and the texture of the crab cakes stood up to the warm yolk and thick sauce. The hollandaise was a little on the sweet side, but the acidity from the orange provided a little lift to the dish's rich and heavy components.
I ordered the Huevos Rancheros; always a favorite of mine ($9). Here the eggs were scrambled and served with blacks beans, crumbly chorizo, salsa and sour cream on a puffy, deep fried tortilla shell. I enjoyed this light, airier take on the classic preparation, though I did miss the deep and grounding flavor provided by the use of the more traditional corn tortilla.
I love that we were left with a decanter of icy cold water to refill our water glasses, and wouldn't mind having the same privilege with a carafe of their wonderful coffee in the future.
Left Bank ranks high in the atmosphere department and the food is often equally as good. They remain one of Buffalo's most popular restaurants and brunch is my favorite meal to enjoy there. Based on the number of people waiting for a table it must be a lot of other people's too, so don't forget to make a reservation.
Left Bank
511 Rhode Island Street, Buffalo, 14213
716.882.3509