Brunch at The Pearl

I love brunch, or lukfast as my son calls it.  The notion of brunch seems to signify a leisurely meal, enjoyed with good friends and family, often times to talk about the weekend or just catch up.  I would venture to say that brunch and relaxation are synonyms.  And that is just what the Sunday Brunch at The Pearl delivers.  Friendly staff, a beautiful setting, and a variety of dishes with distinct flavor profiles to allow the freshness of each ingredient to shine through.  The Pearl is one of our all around favorite places, and now their Sunday Brunches have started up again for the season.

This past Sunday, Mark and I enjoyed our brunch in two different fashions.  I was up for the $20 brunch special - choice of entree + bottomless mimosas, while Mark opted for choosing his own liquid refreshment paired with his entree.  As you can see, they don't skimp on pouring the mimosas!  There is no lack of variety when it comes to the menu.  One thing to point out is the paper menu.  I know I'm in for something special when the menus aren't laminated.  Laminated menus = same old food, regardless of the season.  Paper menu = fresh, often times local ingredients picked in the height of their season.  Choices range from savory to sweet, and from breakfast to lunch. 

I was hoping Mark would choose a sweet option, since I don't typically do sweet for breakfast.  He didn't, but what he did pick, Corn Bread Benedict, was outstanding.  Pasilla chili cornbread, topped with their house bacon, poached eggs, cheddar cream, and brown sugar butter.  This had Mark's name written all over it and is honestly his favorite breakfast dish to date.

I was keyed in on the fresh feeling of spring, so I chose the Pearl Caprese Scramble - tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and spinach, drizzled with basil-pesto.  This dish was visually bright and tasted extremely fresh.  The only thing that could have topped this off, would have possibly been a crusty slice of Con Pane bread to give a texture difference to the plate.

New this brunch season are also their $5 libations!  Mark ordered a Kentucky Alarm Clock made of bourbon, pineapple juice, honey, and smashed coffee.  It may sound strange, but it is wonderful and not too sweet.  We had one the day before at The Pearl's Ping Pong Social, and also tried their Black Bubbles (Champagne and blackberry puree) and the Beer-Aid (Trumer Pilsner and house made lemonade).  I highly recommend the Beer-Aid; it was extremely refreshing!


The emphasis on quality and not on quantity is reflected in all of their meals and I appreciate a restaurant that isn't trying to pile a load of food on your plate, but instead deliver quality.  I never leave hungry, but always leave comfortably full and extremely impressed.


I would be remiss if I didn't mention our festive afternoon at The Pearl the day prior, during the Third Annual Social and Ping Pong Tournament, benefiting the School of Business at San Diego High School to help fund their senior trip to New York City.  Complete with a silent auction, a delicious lunch, and meeting new friends, we had a blast.  The winners, Jeff Brown (left) and Josh Kopelman of Dining Out San Diego (right), were quite happy too, but just you wait...Mark and I will be back next year to take the title! 

So whatever you may choose to call it, lukfast or brunch, The Pearl delivers, and on all fronts.  They uphold their motto well - it's not just enough for the customer to be satisfied, but better yet, to have them enjoy the whole experience.  We certainly did.