Brunch at Baumgart's Cafe

On a recent Sunday afternoon, my family and I decided to try brunch at Baumgart’s Café, located in the Livingston Town Center.  I admit we had high expectations of the restaurant. A number of friends had recommended the place to us. Plus, Zagat Survey had declared them “Delicious, Fast and Friendly” in 2006-'07 and Gourmet Magazine claimed they were “one of the top 20 places to eat in New Jersey” in 1997, 1998 and 1999.  

They had a lot to live up to.

We were impressed with the substantial size of the restaurant. The space was large and airy with huge windows. We were seated in a comfy and colorful booth immediately. We were surrounded my families with small children and groups of women.

Our daughters, ages 6 and 4, were given a place mat and crayons and they began to draw. My husband and I then pored through the extensive menu. It included the usual brunch meals, such as Eggs Benedict for $6.50, two Buttermilk Pancakes for $5, and two eggs for $5. However, Baumgart’s Café also offered Asian meals, such as Pad Thai for $10, General Tso’s Chicken for $8.50 and Edamame for $5. They even had a sushi bar.

I decided to get the Chicken Cobb Salad - with tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, bacon, radish, feta cheese and grilled chicken - for $10.50. My husband ordered the King Bao Chicken - stir fried with peanut, hot dried peppers in brown sauce - for $8. From the kids’ menu, we ordered scrambled eggs and bacon with home fries and toast and one pancake with sausage and home friends, both for $6.50.

Music was playing in the background. It was loud enough so you could hear it if you paid attention but it didn’t interfere with our conversation. There was a flat screen TV near our booth and my husband enjoyed watching the football game while we waited for our meal.

I decided to walk around the restaurant while I waited for our meal. I would describe it as “Pan Asian meets '50s café” or “Modern Pop Asian Malt Shop” with lots of bright colors mixed with traditional Asian designs.  

We could not believe our eyes when our food arrived.  

The portions were enormous! We eagerly began eating. But unfortunately, after a few bites, my husband and I turned to each other with disappointed looks in our eyes.

He said his chicken was very dry. My salad was, at best, nondescript and average. My children said their meals were good, but then again, they rarely complain when we eat out. My husband and I ate about half our plates but my girls barely had any leftovers. We did not want to bring the leftovers home with us.

Our bill came to $47.72. As we walked out, the waiter said “Please come back again soon.” Will we return? Maybe.