Before I left for Tokyo, brunching was a big thing in London. The most popular places would book out in advance – a personal favourite was the Turkish Eggs from Kopapa at Seven Dials, although they now seem to have sadly closed! Or sometimes I would sit outside the Pavillion Cafe enjoying a Full English whilst admiring the lake.
I’m pretty sure that brunching will still continue to be a big thing in London and that the UK hasn’t completely screwed itself over, despite making possibly one of the biggest cock-ups in modern political history AKA Brexit (although do see here for concerns over food security and what the decision will mean for modern diet and health).
But through all the drama – including some epic political maneuvering and backstabbing – there is one thing that us Brits do retain: an eccentric sense of humour.
So when faced with the imminent destruction of the political, economic and social order of our country, we can still have a good laugh.
Firstly, we can view it all as one big farce and read this excellent Buzzfeed summary of events so far (as of Monday, July 4).
Secondly, we can opt for the “oh f*ck that” attitude.
So I did.
“Oh f*ck that, Brexit shit, darling! I am going to brunch on a balcony in Tokyo like I’m absolutely fabulous. Darling.”
The venue was chosen by a good friend who had a nose for how to get a terrace table on a sunny Sunday. She only queued up for half an hour to secure us a spot at Egg ‘n Things, Ginza. Frighteningly, the queue for Mercer Brunch opposite was long enough to induce starvation.
Eggs ‘n Things is a chain from Hawaii, established in 1974, which basically does what it says on the tin. They’re popular for pancakes, Eggs Benedict and omelettes. The pancakes come with a full Marge Simpson hairdo of whipped cream on top and don’t look appealing to me one bit. The “eggs” definitely look a lot better than the “things”.
At the far end of the terrace, which only housed about four tables anyway, we could admire the glitzy high-rise buildings opposite, whilst lounging on armchairs and shaded by thoughtfully placed plants. We must have seemed too relaxed – despite the two-hour time limit – because we definitely got a little lost and forgotten about. Service was bewildering intermittent and we often tried to wave through the glass to no avail.
Nevertheless, it didn’t take too long before some Eggs Benedict were smiling up at me. I decided to keep things calm and safe for my first visit, opting for the standard (1280 yen excl. tax), which was bacon and spinach, naturally underneath a poached egg soaked in Hollandaise sauce.
Watch me take my first bite…after I create some egg porn for Instagram…. (I’m the Digital Generation, Darling).
The thing with Eggs Benedict and a side of potatoes is that you can’t go that far wrong. It is such comforting food. And so easily wolfed down eagerly.But sad to say, I was not wowed by these friendly twins on my plate. The sauce was too mild, the potatoes rather dull and the English muffin a little soft for my liking. All comforting, but nothing captivating.
Add a pineapple juice for 420 yen (excl. tax), and my total bill was not looking too impressive for what I had.
But whilst I might not suggest the place, I would accompany friends if they wanted to come again. It was the perfect environment to spend a lazy Sunday with great friends. I really had nothing to complain about.
Except the sodding UK.
Well, do you know what, Britain? I’ve abandoned you. Whilst you were in turmoil, I sat lounging around in the uptown area of Tokyo eating poached eggs on English muffins… and English muffins aren’t even English. That’s right – I’ve abandoned you to that extent. And, do you know what? I was absolutely fabulous when I did so. Darling.
Eggs ‘n Things 3/5 – Uncomplicated food at a place that’s got the vibe for a Sunday brunch, but the service needs a little waking up.
Food 3/5 | Service 2/5 | Atmosphere 4/5 | Value 3/5
Where: Kirarito Ginza 4F, 1-8-19 Ginza Chuo Tokyo
When: Daily 09:00 – 23:00
Website: http://www.eggsnthingsjapan.com/
Pheebz Eatz 