Downtown Ithaca's Lost Dog brings a new brunch to town

This week the 14850 Dining Report is downtown checking out the new weekend brunch at the Lost Dog Cafe. If you've been following along for a while, you know I'm into breakfast and brunch, so I was delighted to discover this new downtown option as so many other eateries are shelving their weekend brunches.

Choose from several eggy brunches, like the fantastic veggie benedict I had, a portabello mushroom stuffed with spinach and tomatoes and topped with poached eggs and hollandaise. My dining companion's andouille egg and biscuits featured eggs scrambled with chunks of spicy andouille sausage served over buttermilk biscuits with a tasty and surprising rosemary gravy. The zucchini tomato frittata sounds great, and of course there's a traditional eggs benedict.

Each egg dish comes with a brunch side, such as bacon, hash brown casserole, or the blue corn cheddar grits. This variation on the grits concept wouldn't go over so well down south, but I loved the creamy, cheesy, slightly crunchy side dish.

I still want to try the banana cream french toast, and if I'm in more of a lunch mood, I think the blue corn grits and shrimp would fit the bill perfectly. There are also sandwiches and salads to choose from -- the salads come topped with miso-ginger salmon, or blackened chicken -- or select the white bean and asparagus cakes for a vegetarian approach. As always, the Lost Dog does a great job offering delectable vegetarian options.

One last nice touch was the complimentary mimosa or other brunch beverage, such as champagne with pomegranate juice, or even champagne with a little Guinness, called a Black Velvet. And the Lost Dog has always served excellent coffee. This is definitely a brunch spot we'll be returning to.

The Lost Dog is on Cayuga Street just off the Commons in downtown Ithaca. Call them at 607-277-9143 or visit lostdogcafe.net and tell them you heard about them here. - MHA