Curiocity: Beginner's Brunch At French Meadow

Now that I'm slowly but surely growing up and embracing my adulthood, I've made a great discovery.

Weekend brunch.

I've always heard about this trendy idea but having been stuck in a college mindset for so long -- where sleeping in until noon is the norm on the weekends -- I've never had the chance to give it a try. I simply forgot the fact that there are options out there for the portion of the population that gets out of bed in the morning.

And here in the Twin Cities, we have more than enough options for early weekend risers. (Or let's be honest, "normal" risers.)

As soon as I started thinking about the notion of weekend brunch, I found myself overwhelmed by the number of choices. Every place sounded so delicious, how does one even choose? Between traditional eggs and bacon offerings to full-on breakfast buffets, the possibilities seemed endless.

Having heard great things about French Meadow Bakery and Café -- a trendy little spot in Uptown that boasts great flavors from healthy, organic food -- it seemed this would be as good as any place for brunching. And guilt free -- bonus!

At French Meadow, all the ingredients are all-natural and organic, which, I'll admit, scared me slightly. I try to eat healthy but like anyone, I'm a sucker to the call of the fatty and processed. Knowing that everything on this menu removed the over-processed and chemically-induced, I couldn't help but wonder if the flavor would also be removed.

Thankfully, my fears vanished with just one bite into some of the best waffles I've ever had. And with a huge scoop of their homemade, all-natural whip cream, I couldn't believe this was organic. The waffles were perfectly light in the center and crispy on the outside with warm, fresh fruit scattered on top.

The coffee selection was delicious, organic and best of all -- bottomless. They also have a great array of natural fresh juices to choose from, which I'll need to sample at a later date.

The menu at French Meadow is both impressive and overloaded, especially for people like me, who have difficulties making decisions.

There were so many dishes that I wanted to try and after seeing their fresh bakery items, I was surprised I got out of there without bags of bagels and scones. The portion sizes are quite generous, too, so neither I nor my brunch companion were able to leave being a member of the clean plate club.

The restaurant, like our tummies, was also quite full. We seemed to get there right on time, since a large, long line formed behind us almost immediately. We grabbed the last table in the dining room and squeezed in enough room for two.

Clearly, this was a popular place. Between the line that continued to grow and the constant greetings between familiar brunch patrons, it seemed like I truly was the last to know about this great spot.

And although it was a busy brunch spot, the service was super speedy. It seemed the place was used to booming business and was appropriately prepared for the bustling brunch hour.

For more on French Meadow, including their hours of operation and menus, click here.

It was a great beginner brunch for me and one that I'm hoping to repeat with a new venue soon. I've got a mimosa craving that just won't go away. But I am looking for help. Anyone have any recommendations of places to go for brunch? Let's hear 'em!

Sara Boyd is a web producer and columnist at WCCO.COM.