Where: 465 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT
Okay.... we'd seen this restaurant reviewed on "Feast tv" (local NBC station) and it was praised for their breakfast. But you know how that goes... TV camera, sound man, local tv star. You can guarantee that their service and food should be great and look nice.
But then there is 'us'.... Those regular customers that come in, unannounced, that sneak a photo or two of our meals and jot down the notes that fall onto this page. My cohort and I decided to get up one weekday morning and head on over, just as they started their day. There wasn't many people inside, but it seemed that since you could seat yourself, we all chose the booths. (They were comfortable, as booths go).
Now, I'm particular. Outspoken. Really honest. So here goes...
We were greeted very nicely with menus and the usual offer of coffee (I requested tea) and while that came very nicely, my date showed me-- after-the-fact-- that on the back of the menu, they had the choice of "Specialty teas" where I could have chosen my favorite, Earl Grey (for another 10 cents). Guess I'll have it next time. Looking over the menus, the prices seemed very reasonable; omelets (what we both chose) were priced between $7.50 and $9.00, although building your own, seemed to feel like it could get rather expensive. AND plate sharing (I'd thought of having my date get the hash and we'd share) would cost you an additional $3.00! I decided it would be better to have my own and take home the leftovers (I often do).
We both had omelets, mine the "California" and his the "New Yorker" (does this give the hint we are opposites or what?) and I added the side of hash to mine. His had hash (along with onions, peppers and American cheese), but it was stuffed inside the omelet. Mine was 'stuffed (and I do mean stuffed) with broccoli, sausage, tomatoes and cheddar (both for $7.95).
I loved the fact that the choices of bread included pumpernickel and English muffin! They did have a cutely named Omelet called "The Mess", but I didn't think there was enough stuff in there to be much of a 'mess'. Add about four more things that could make it really sloppy and I'd agree with the name. The food was very good... The hash was nice and crispy (sometimes a restaurant can really make a limp hash). However, I couldn't finish mine, so I planned it to be able to take half of it home for another meal. My 'date' didn't even finish his (THAT'S a shocker!!) and I was so full from breakfast, I didn't even think of eating lunch until 2pm or so... (Here are my leftovers)
I would like to go back and try their pancakes, especially the "Harvest Grain and Nut". That looked good! Or the fresh Cranberry Walnut Belgium Waffle. I like places to have different things to try. (I experiment all the time with my food at home). I did check out the lunch menu and their melts and salads look 'road trip' worthy!! Check out their website below.... I didn't post it above, because then you wouldn't have read all the way to see OUR review of it.Enjoy the menu section, it will make your mouth water.
We will be back again,... maybe even with some friends! Thanks for a great start to our day.
Their website: http://www.thegatheringct.com/
