Jonnathan B.
Yelp
I was looking for a brunch spot this morning and I'm so glad I came across Bookstore Bar and Café. I'm staying in downtown, so it was walking distance from my hotel (a plus). Bookstore is located inside the Alexis Hotel and is a "library"-themed spot - which I love. What can I say? I'm a bookworm. The restaurant is beautifully structured and has multiple entrances and corridors with seating. I didn't see what the back rooms looked like, but they were lively with patrons. I sat in the bar room - it's equipped with a full bar, bookshelves stuffed with old books and bottles of spirits, access to the hotel and plenty of tables for seating. Seating is self-serve so I sat by the window (I need plenty of natural lighting for my photos, which you'll see).
I had previously viewed the menu online, so I already knew what I wanted. Our server, Heydy, dropped off menus and took our drink order. I quickly perused the menu and noticed the sourdough pancake stack with apple cider syrup, cheese and bacon was not on the menu and the server confirmed this. I'll admit, this was a let down as I was looking forward to it, but looking at the situation cup half full, I took this as an opportunity to order something else.
I ordered the French omelette and shared a sourdough pancake - the pancakes aren't sold in stacks but à la carte. The French omelette was delicious. It was stuffed with a soft and crumbly cheese (paneer) and was decorated with sweet and spicy hazelnuts, grapefruit segments and herbs. A side of toast of choice was also served - I chose the brioche. The omelette overall was fantastic. So many flavors and textures that went well together: creamy, nutty, sweet, herbal, bitter - and what tied it all together, in my opinion, was the jam that came on the plate. It was a tomato jam base that was perfectly tart and spread like tomato paste. I ate it with such gusto.
If it wasn't already apparent, my meal was exceptional. Great food, service and ambiance: the perfect experience.