Foundry on Elm, Somerville, MA

Let me start this blog already with its punchline: "This is the perfect brunch in a non-brunch spot" [Diego's dixit]. The non-brunch spot in that quote is Foundry on Elm, Somerville's newest addition to Davis Square long list of bars. It is gastropub with cool decor, great food, an inventive cocktails and drinks menu and -as featured in their page- nine huge TVs, including one in each bathroom.

We went very late on a Sunday, so we were seated immediately and we could even choose between a couple of tables. I do not know how long one might have to wait during "regular brunch hours", but the space is very large and seating does not seem to be a problem. In particular, large parties seem to be accommodated with relative easiness.

For a long time we tried to find the quintessential brunch cocktails -Bloddy Mary and mimosa-listed under their really long drinks menu, to no avail. But when Diego asked if they had Bloody Marys, our server nodded as it if it had always been obvious that they did. She brought a particularly tasteful and well-spiced large BM. I had orange juice which tasted better than any other non-freshly squeezed OJ I've ever had. Almost like Tropicana with sugar added. Right after ordering the drinks, a pastry basket was brought to the table.It came with five medium-sized raisin scones that were absolutely delicious; sprinkled with a little bit of sugar and with pieces of orange peel inside, we had to brace ourselves not to eat them all.

As with any new place, Diego ordered eggs Benedict.

They didn't look great, but he said they tasted really good. I had the Croque Madame sandwich, a plate-sized fried toast of ham, cheese and egg deliciousness. Both Diego and I agreed that the Neuske ham was crazy good. It was thickly cut, and had a hint of smokiness. We also agreed that the homefries were quite good, although they could have used more salt and better seasoning.

One doubt we could never address was whether the coffee had free refills or not. Initially it came in a very pretty white cup, and we took that to be a sign of no refills. In addition, we never saw any server carrying coffee pots. And, when Diego ordered a second cup it never came. At that point we decided we would leave the mystery open and give us a good excuse to come back to have a perfect brunch in a non-brunch spot.