2.6 min readBy Published On: July 26th, 2017Categories: Eat and Drink0 Comments on Brunch Time: Publico

I was lucky enough to be invited to Publico Boston’s quiet opening for the residents of the buildings it abuts back in late winter and was really in awe of the incredibly fun and different designs used to create Southie’s newest hanging spot. With the airiness of the outside seating atrium coupled with green filled trellises and comfy sofa sitting, I could see myself kicking back and enjoying a late afternoon or early evening in the inviting environs.

Of course, best laid plans and all….

But then I got wind that Publico Boston (11 Dorchester Street) was planning on opening for brunch on the weekends and well, brunch and me? We’re a sure thing. 

Just last weekend I took my parents and my boyfriend to Publico to share in the tasting experience. My parents have traveled the world and love all types of cuisine – my dad can recall a meal he had in 1976 along the banks of the Seine as clearly as he can recall how much I still owe him on my student loans…. but I digress.

The menu had me at beignets and frosé. Yep – friend dough and frozen Rosé. BLISS I SAY!

All four of us diners have been to the New Orleans restaurants famous for their beignets and we all agreed – these Publico beignets rival the southern home of this French pastry. Oh and the bag o’ beignets is served with cinnamon sugar and “mezcal sabayon” which is a concoction of something sweet and a humdinger surprise from the addition of Mezcal tequila. 

For our meals we ordered: Mahi tacos, Chilaquiles, mais crepes and the chopped cheese hashburger. Nothing disappointed.

The mahi was fresh and expertly fried (not greasy at all) with pico de gallo, a generous amount of avocado and accented with cilantro.  The Chilaquiles was a simple dish but had a nice spicy kick in the fried salsa which was served over tortilla strips with two over easy eggs and again, no skimping on the avocado.

The mais crepes did not disappoint dear ‘ol dad; corn mousse with guacamole, green tomato relish and radish and is served with the option of an added egg, which of course he included and devoured the meal. The “hashburger” was no  burger but “arepas” (think hashbrowns but with a Columbian heritage) with pepper relish, hash and poached eggs.

The meals were delicious but just as importantly the portion sizes were perfect -not too small, not too overwhelming. And again the space is really delightful with the natural sunlight, trellis adorned with plants and high top seating at long carved tables. And one more note that will show my age: The music was not so loud that it prohibited table conversation – which can be a real bummer when you are enjoying great food and drink and it is simply to loud to hear what your companions have to say.

With four meals, an appetizer, and a total of 5 cocktails our meal was just over $100 before tip, which in Boston is a good deal. Check them out if you haven’t already and especially try brunch!

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