RVA Breakfast: Helen's

We were standing outside like a bunch of alcoholics waiting for the ABC store to open. There were others with us; a decent crowd, considering there were at least four other active brunch options within a few steps of us. But we waited.

Ever since we discovered our shared love of weekend brunch, the couple we were with had been wanting to take Boyfriend and I to Helen's. It's their overall favorite spot in Richmond and they were shocked to hear we'd never been for brunch. Granted, I'd heard rumors that it was good; but with there being no menu available online, let alone website*, I wasn't willing to take the risk.

*Funnily enough, they launched their website on January 25th. In addition to sharing their menus, they also include a little history on the building, which I always love reading.



The doors opened not 15 minutes after we arrived outside, and the small crowd pleasantly flooded inside. The decor is described as "swing era", with copper-top tables and dim lights. It's warm and cozy, with a funky edge to it. Also, one of my favorite features: there is no kitchen. All the food is prepared in a kitchen "area" located along the same wall as the bar, open for all to see! Yes, I'm oddly obsessed with watching people cook. I think a part of me thinks the situation increases the chances for me receiving an invitation to join in on the cooking fun. *One day...*

Coffee
The coffee was bold, hot, and perfect for bringing us back to life after a long, late evening. Due to the mentioned kitchen "area", food seems to take a bit longer than your typical restaurant. I actually appreciated the slowness of our meal and knowing that what they were making us was fresh and personal. Also, the waitresses were great at making sure that our cups were never less than half full, so we were able to spend the majority of our time sipping and chatting.



Pancakes
There are a surprising number of pancake options at Helen's: plain, chocolate chip, blueberry, or topped with caramelized strawberries or bananas. The blueberry pancakes came sprinkled with powdered sugar and pipping hot. Inside, the pancakes had little fluff and were beautifully dense--on the verge of custard-like, in the best possible way. I honestly loved them...and ate them all. 


French Toast
French toast comes topped with a fruit compote and is served with two eggs, any style. Hooray for a savory side!

Bacon (& sides)
The pancakes I ordered came with a side of brunch potatoes, which were your typical breakfast potatoes seasoned with the untypical yellow curry. I've never had actual curry before and was a bit indifferent to the flavor. I think I would've preferred their potatoes curry-less, as they were well done otherwise! Bacon didn't come with the meal, so I ordered a side to share. The two pieces we got for $2 were pretty standard, and could've used a bit more cooking time for crispness.

Biscuits
Do you remember the magic biscuit box of McLean's? Similar is wonder, Helen's had an overflowing biscuit basket sitting on the bar of their "kitchen". It sat there, taunting me, all brunch long. On one hand, I was very impressed by the tower and with every glance, I wanted one more. On the other hand: Helen's, protect your biscuits! Butter is not cheap; biscuits are practically gold to some breakfast people; and what're you doing exposing something so precious to the elements? It's FLU season. (Flu biscuits, anyone?)

But mostly, though, I viewed them in adoration.


Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
All biscuit scolding aside, Boyfriend took one bite of his meal and exclaimed: "These are probably the best biscuits and gravy I've had in Richmond." And just like that, his search was over.



Feature: Country Scramble & Vegetarian Hash
For those of you who like curry, the brunch potatoes are going to be the unique thing you come to Helen's for. However, they also have some breakfast items worth noting, including: their country scramble and vegetarian hash. Our friends claimed that the scramble was their favorite thing ever; and after trying it, ran home to figure out how to make it themselves. It's essentially a scrambled omelet with cheddar, sausage, onions, and peppers. The vegetarian hash is something I'd consider trying on a return visit: Brussel sprouts, peppers, onions, and potatoes served with two eggs, any style...with the addition of a breakfast meat, I think this meal's a winner. (Leave it to me to ruin a vegetarian meal with bacon.)

Helen's is open for brunch Saturday and Sunday 10:30AM-2:00PM!

...Is it the weekend yet?