There’s a special kind of anticipation that comes with finally stepping inside a restaurant you’ve walked past a dozen times, always admiring from the outside, wondering if the food is as good as the ambiance suggests. That was us with Pasaj, a spot that had been on our radar for way too long.
This weekend, we finally made it happen.
A Toast to the Weekend
As firm believers that weekends deserve to be celebrated, we started things off with a glass of Chardonnay—because what’s brunch without a little sparkle? 🍷
The Dish That Let Me Down
I can never resist a shakshuka when I see it on a brunch menu. There’s something about the rich, spiced tomato sauce, perfectly runny eggs, and warm bread for dipping that just calls my name.
But can I be honest? This one missed the mark.
Instead of the deep, saucy base that makes shakshuka irresistible, what I got was dry, almost like the sauce had been left on the stove a little too long. And because of that, the spices didn’t fully meld—they sat on top of the dish instead of blending into it. Every bite felt a little powdery rather than infused with flavor. A real letdown.
Hubby Had Much Better Luck
My husband, on the other hand, made the smarter choice: Salmon Benedict.
It arrived with zucchini fritters, poached eggs, avocado, and sumac hollandaise—a creative take on a classic. Everything was well-balanced, and he genuinely enjoyed it. No complaints from his side of the table!
A Sweet Redemption
Now, I’m not one to write off a restaurant after one disappointing dish. So, in the spirit of fairness (and, let’s be real, in the spirit of dessert), I decided to give Pasaj another shot with their most famous dish:
Grandma’s Pancake.
And this—this was where the magic happened.
Imagine soft, three-milk-soaked pancakes, topped with sour cherry jam, tahini halva, lamina, and pistachios. It was rich, creamy, nutty, tart, and sweet—all in perfect harmony.
This dish? It absolutely lived up to the hype.
Final Verdict?
Pasaj had its highs and lows, but Grandma’s Pancake alone is worth a return trip. Next time, I’ll skip the shakshuka and dive straight into the stars of the menu.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about brunch, it’s that dessert always saves the day. 🍽️✨
The video is part of my Saturday vlog. Watch my full journey on my YouTube channel! 🎥✨
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