Sweet Basil's a Tad Overzealous

My husband and I headed to Sweet Basil's, 641 Eagle Rock Ave., for breakfast early Sunday morning. It is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch everyday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. I'm picky about where I eat my first meal of the day. I usually like to stay in and brew a cup of coffee and I eat the same thing and look forward to it every day — yes, I admit to being a creature of habit.

We studied the menu and noticed quite a few omelets ($7.25 - $7.50), pancakes ($5.50 - $7.50) and French toast ($5.50 - $7.95). Since I prefer savory dishes for breakfast, my eye immediately went to the hangover eggs ($7.25). They were described as "ones not for grandma" and not for the faint at heart. My husband ordered the southwest breakfast wrap ($7.25), which included scrambled eggs, chorizo (I noticed it had regular sausage instead), black beans, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese, topped with fire roasted poblano chili sauce. 

I ordered a cappuccino ($3.50) and waited for my breakfast. It was quite good, with the right amount of froth and espresso. I'm quite picky about my morning hot beverage and this one did not disappoint.

My platter came with two over-easy eggs on top of a mixture of green onions, tomatoes, jalapenos and sriracha (spicy Thai chili sauce). I dipped my whole-wheat toast in the soft yolk and ate a bit of the spicy mixture. My palate quickly realized why it's called "hangover eggs." It had a kick that would wake up any 21-year-old the morning after his/her birthday. Accompanying the eggs and toast were crispy and perfectly seasoned potatoes. They were crunchy on the outside with a creamy middle.

My husband, on the other hand, didn't seem too thrilled. His wrap looked good with fresh-looking avocados and greens, but somehow the taste didn't reflect all the ingredients in the description. The mixture of the eggs, beans and avocado paired with the tortilla resulted in a bland dish. I couldn't taste the cheddar cheese and certainly not the fire roasted poblano chili sauce.

We sprinkled some salt and pepper — a culinary faux pas and sign of "bad taste" — but it made the dish a bit better. 

The restaurant atmosphere for breakfast was simple and comfortable. What most people would want for a suburban New York City locale — but the decor isn't anything to brag about. The wait staff seemed friendly and prompt with relatively helpful service that welcomes back customers.

Rating: OOC (two-and-a-half oranges)