The Most Important (and Influential) Meal of the Day

wood-fired pecan sticky buns

Recently, I had the pleasure of starting off my Friday (and my weekend) with a breakfast meeting at the Park Hyatt Washington’s Blue Duck Tavern.  Now, I don’t know about you, but my standard first meal of the day, and yes, I actually break my fast eagerly, unlike some folks, consists of two pieces of wheat toast with jam and flax seed and a looooootta coffee.  This particular Friday, however, I went above and beyond, but only because I was doing some investigative reporting, I swear!

flight of juices and my almost finished sticky bun

You see, someone tipped me off on this new menu called the Influential Breakfast, which entered our lives on May 1st, as being full of taste, freshness, and comfort with a distinct nod to Southern hospitality.  Washington, DC is of course below the Mason Dixon line so feel free to enjoy as Southerner, however, this menu comes from Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault’s “southern roots”. Mais oui, Chef is French, but don’t let his heavy accent fool you.  I learned during my first bite into the mouthwatering sticky bun that his menu reflects the rediscovery of his French roots kindled in the American South.  His dad studied at Clemson University while his grandfather owned a business with locations in Charleston, Clemson and Clinton, South Carolina.

mueslix with fresh fruit

With that, expect a good grubbin’ time.

Without presenting the whole menu to you (we just want to whet your appetite and draw you in), here’s some of what you can expect.  And BTW, since this is all about a pleasant homey-feeling experience, the hotel offers breakfast guests above and beyond an open kitchen cooked meal.  You also receive a complimentary newspaper, choices of seating: within the restaurant, on the outdoor terrace, or in the Lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi and valet parking.

Short Rib Hash with Olive Oil, Poached Eggs and Horseradish Sauce

Nothing says comfort more than freshly baked pastries, and now every item is done on site.  Dig into croissants, muffins, the infamous wood-fired pecan sticky buns, which are not too big nor too small, and more to begin, along with your choice of juices like Orange, Grapefruit, Apple, Tomato, Watermelon Juice
Pineapple & Mint, Pomegranate & Orange Juice.  I tried the last three items for a new twist and found all to be refreshing.

my made to order egg white omelette with Monterey Jack cheese and peppers and a side of fingerling potatoes

The menu is meat and seafood heavy, but there are standard choices with a Southern mentality like brioche bread pudding French toast and skillet pancakes.  Love cereal? Order house-made granola, puffed corn, artisan oatmeal or whole grain choices which come with fresh blueberries or bananas.  I’m an egg eater so I choice an omelette and learned that the restaurant receives its eggs from a cooperative of Amish farms.  If you dare to get more creative and are a meat eater, dig into Eggs Benedict with Pork Belly and Source Choron, Short Rib Hash with Olive Oil and Poached Eggs and Horseradish Sauce, or here’s a good one for you – Fried Chicken Liver with Sweet Rella Relish.  Get Smoked Gouda Grits, Fingerling Potatoes, or Hot Biscuits and Gravy.  All stick to your ribs but you don’t need lunch because the Influential Breakfast scores a 10 in the Satisfaction category.

Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault, Renee Sharrow and Ernie Arias in front of the Blue Duck Tavern open kitchen

Breakfast at Punch Partner Blue Duck Tavern is served from 6:30 am – 10:30 am, daily | www.blueducktavern.com | 24th & M Streets, NW