Centre Street Cafe, Boston, MA

After "sandwich brunch" on Saturday we decided it was time for something more traditional for Sunday. Our friends were still in Boston, but had already visited the more touristy parts of city. So we took them to one of the city's best kept secrets: Jamaica Plain. We promised them a walk around the neighborhood and the beautiful arboretum, but Diego and I knew that the main reason for the trip was to brunch at the Centre Street Cafe. This small and cozy cafe right in the middle of JP's commercial district offers amazing food made with high quality organic and seasonal products. It's so popular that there's always a line outside (even in winter) but it's worth the wait (and the 40min. T-ride, in our case!). Vicky and I had the potatoes Santa Cruz, perfectly seasoned red bliss potatoes with -as the menu said- "a mountain of veggies" on top, finished with shaved cheddar and salsa cruda. The broccoli was the best of the plate. Cooked to perfection and lightly sautéed, I am considering having just them next time (I know, it wouldn’t really be brunch…). I will probably accompany them-as I did this time- with a tall glass of half OJ and half carrot juice; absolutely delicious!
Diego had "summertime bennies" - CSC's take on eggs Benedict. The eggs were scrambled rather than poached and had two half-inch slices of heirloom tomatoes (one red and one green!). The ham was thick cut to match the tomato slices.
But it's not only about the food... The staff is incredibly friendly. Even if they may not hug you as they do with their friends (also waiting in line) they treat you right as if they had been waiting for you to come looking for the perfect brunch.