Vinoteca di Monica's Sunday Brunch

Brunching within the confines of the North End is a rare commodity. There are plenty of casual counter spots to grab a bagel and a coffee to go, or caffes to sit with a frothy cappuccino and a pastry, but to enjoy a leisurely mid morning meal of eggs, bacon and the essential hair of the dog comes with limited availability. With all the restaurants in proximity you'd think more of them would decide to cater to the french toast and mimosa minded crowd! Branching out from the red sauce pasta filled dinner plates of norm is Vinoteca di Monica's located on the Freedom Trail at 143 Richmond Street. Festive fall decor welcomes with a simple display of bright orange pumpkins and cornstalks set in the exterior windowsill. The autumn scheme compliments nicely with the foliage colored red facade. Adam and I arrived just after they opened at 11am, to a prompt greeting and our choice of tables, a cozy window nook where the sun shone in brightly was the ideal spot. Attentive and courteous service echoed for the duration. Foregoing the standard bloody mary (though the round ordered at the table next to us looked excellent) an inspired coffee based cocktail is a whimsical prelude. The Spanish Coffee ($8) combines fresh brewed java, robust and piping hot with rum and Tia Maria liqueur. The eye opening elixir is topped with a mountain of frothy whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a maraschino cherry! It proves to be equal parts playful and sophisticated, not unlike the Pizzetta di Colazione ($10) which is an artisan breakfast pizza topped with potatoes, cheese, bacon and sunny side up eggs. Every thing about the first breakfast pizza I've ever consumed was spot on. The eggs were perfectly cooked for the occasion - soft set and gooey, but not runny to the point of annoyance. A pizza should be eaten with your hands for sure, I was nervous I'd come out on the other side a mess. The contained yolk nicely deterred that chaos; meanwhile, the crust was easy going, offering remarkably soft and chewy bites. The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with a few homefry style pieces topping it for good measure were fully comforting. The bacon took a supporting role, adding a crispy, salty counterpart here and there, which is exactly how I like mine in most instances. I felt like this pizza was made for me. The portion size was incredibly substantial, especially for $10. The center section sans egg was taken to go and heated up nicely for lunch the next day.
Adam's order of Bistecca con Uovo ($14) provided ideally cooked over easy eggs and an over cooked 6oz marinated sirloin. He requested meduim rare, there was not a trace of pink, however, it was still plenty flavorful and juicy. Alongside were roasted potatoes and rustic toast, and a glass of OJ that was refilled without even having to ask. This was a solid Sunday brunch, which I am so grateful Monica's has decided to offer! We will definitely be back.

Older posts that might be of interest:

Dinner at Vinotecca di Monica - Restaurant Week

North Street Grille - Long known as the only "go-too" neighborhood brunch, unfortunately, I would not recommend it. (I get asked about this place all the time.)

Caffe Nuovo - another rare but fantastic and always crowded North End sit down brunch.