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East Meets West
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Greeted promptly, chose an outdoor table; all the better to enjoy the warm breeze while people watching in the abundance of shade. Prana, which serves up delightfully exotic and nearly guilt-free breakfast and lunch dishes developed by Executive Chef Gabriel Morales, is unapologetic about lacking what some of the other places in the area offer: pretentiousness and inflated prices. Prana’s breakfast and lunch options range in price from $7 to $14 and include fresh ingredients, unique combinations and flavorful, but light, taste options that are perfect for the health minded. That’s not to say that those seeking more filling fare will leave hungry. Hamburgers and fries are also on menu, along with sandwiches, wraps, salads and buttermilk pancakes or French toast. I finally settled for the Korean ($12.95), a dish of scrambled eggs, crab hash, scallions and chili-lime aioli, a twist on the Provençal sauce, which is a mayonnaise-like mixture of garlic, egg, lemon juice and olive oil. The result was something similar to rémoulade, a mayonnaise-based condiment also originating in France. The eggs were fluffy, cooked through without being dry and only lightly seasoned, perfect for those watching their blood pressure or for those who prefer to add their own salt, pepper or even a dash of Sriracha chili sauce. The generous helping of crab hash was basically a crab cake, only with potato added to the blend of sweet crabmeat. Paired with the chili-lime aioli, the crab hash was delicious, consisting of just enough tartness to compliment the simplicity of the crabmeat’s flavor. A friend ordered a Build Your Own Omelet ($8.95), which comes with any four ingredients from a list of familiars like chorizo and chicken or more unique offerings like smoked salmon, crabmeat or tofu. Cheeses included cheddar, Swiss, Gorgonzola, goat cheese and more. And vegetables included, but were not limited to, bell peppers, red onions, wild mushrooms, spinach or asparagus. As a final touch, one “finishing,” a choice of sauce, can be added from a list of pesto, chili-lime aioli, roasted garlic aioli, dill créme fraîche or avocado mousse. The omelet we chose was delicious, with chicken apple sausage, onions, bell peppers and a generous portion of melted cheddar to top it all off. The chili-lime aioli was the chosen finishing, seemingly mixed into the eggs so it was relatively undetectable. A stack of toast made with oats, poppy seeds and sesame seeds; and a choice of Rustic Herbes de Provence Potatoes or fresh fruit also came with the omelet—just enough to completely satiate one’s appetite and round out a satisfying meal. Opting for the potatoes sautéed with onions and red bell peppers was a good choice, as the potatoes were cooked perfectly through, lightly seasoned and non-greasy. In contrast, other places that serve breakfast potatoes generally bring my spuds to the table, glistening with oil. While my meal was excellent, made a mental note to try some of Prana’s other breakfast items like their buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries or bananas and Vermont maple syrup, or their French toast—crispy Brioche with warm berry compote and Vermont maple syrup, both of which are supposed to be delicious. Among the lunch options, the sautéed steak sandwich ($11.95) with roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and provolone cheese; the salmon burger ($9.50) made of ground salmon with tomato, dill créme fraîche and cucumber salad; and the Mediterranean wrap ($12) comprised of shrimp, cucumber, tomato, hummus, romaine and Tatziki (a Greek sauce), made me hungry all over again. All sandwiches include a choice of crispy fries, mixed green salad, coleslaw or fresh fruit. Prana Café touts its cuisine as being American food with a Pan Asian twist, but I’d venture to say that there’s a European feel to the restaurant and some of its offerings. Sidewalk dining is reminiscent of the outdoor cafes of France and other European destinations, and the abundance of shade that keeps clientele comfortable only adds to the pleasantry of a morning brunch. The wait-staff is also attentive, frequently checking to see whether beverages need replenishing or, in some cases, whether diners’ dogs need a bowl of water. A pleasant surprise was owner Mikayel Israyelyan’s take on a neighborhood newsstand, which he included next door to the café. Here, patrons can peruse or purchase books, magazines and newspapers while they wait to eat. It’s no wonder that Prana Café is a favorite of average Joes and celebrities, alike. ====
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