Around this time of year, restaurants begin to present their precious fall menus incorporating pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes and plain old comfort food. I discovered a tasty group of fall dishes at First Watch on E. 82nd Street across from the Fashion Mall at Keystone.
If you aren’t familiar with First Watch, it is the self-proclaimed “Daytime Café” because they’ve dedicated their talents to brunch only.
From a protein-packed quinoa bowl to a harvest hash, the fall menu was scoring points before I even ordered. Along with those items were the Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast and the Butternut Squash Bisque.
I had a hunch the food would be great once I stepped foot into the restaurant. Not one, but three people, including the manager happily greeted me as I walked through the door and my server, Lisa was very charming. Since I wasn’t able to decide, Lisa suggested I try all four dishes to achieve the full effect. (I was a little hesitant thinking “I can’t eat all of that food!” but on second thought, it was 9 a.m. and I was starving so I figured, why not?)
I sipped on breakfast tea for only five to eight minutes before all four dishes were brought to my table. I have to admit, I was slightly embarrassed being a tiny person with four full-sized meals sitting in front of me. Never less, I couldn’t wait to dig in!
The pumpkin-spiced pancake was enormous and was nearly 12 inches…I’m convinced! Now I’ve never been a fan of pumpkin flavored anything, but this was the best, and I mean best, pancake I had ever had in my entire life!
In addition to the pancake, I tried the Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl with dried cranberries, chicken, herbed goat cheese and drizzled balsamic dressing; the Harvest Hash created with two eggs, sweet potatoes, turkey sausage, roasted zucchini, mushrooms, hollandaise sauce and fresh herbs; and the Butternut Squash Bisque sweetened with carrots and a touch of nutmeg.
So yes, the fall menu is amazing and you won’t be let down. Fresh Watch features fresh seasonal produce from local farmers in many of their foods. If you are looking for fresh pumpkin pancakes or a high quality brunch at an affordable price, check out First Watch.
First Watch
Keystone
3309 E. 86th St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46240
(317) 643-9792
Village Park
1950-15 E. Greyhound Pass
Carmel, Ind. 46033
(317) 815-9344
Market Tower
143 N. Illinois St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 43204
(317) 423-2212
Hours:
7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. daily
