Start your day in true STL style with an English Breakfast, a hearty and delicious meal that's as rich in history as it is in calories. This indulgent dish has been a staple of the English diet for centuries and has found its way into the culinary repertoire of discerning St. Louis residents.
The English Breakfast, as we know it today, dates back to the mid-19th century. It typically consists of cooked pork, eggs, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, toast, and a selection of beverages like tea or coffee. Let's delve into the various components that make up this formidable feast and explore where you can enjoy it in the Gateway City.
The Core Components
The backbone of an English Breakfast is the protein-packed items, which often include sausages, bacon, and eggs. These provide the sustenance needed to power through the day, earning this meal its name, 'breakfast' - to break the fasting period of the night.
Baked beans, originally from the Roman period, are another key player. They provide an element of sweetness and can be enjoyed at any time of the day, not just at breakfast.
Bacon & Sausages
Bacon and sausages are an English Breakfast must-have. The British are renowned for their pork products, and St. Louis is no stranger to this love affair. From traditional back bacon to local artisanal sausages, there's a world of flavors to explore. Make sure to try some when you order your English Breakfast.
St. Louis has its own unique pork scene with local butchers and charcuteries making their mark. Check out these for your breakfast meat cravings - Gioia's with their house-madechorizo, or Sanctuaria with their in-house cured meats.
Eggs & Toast
Eggs are a universal breakfast staple, and a full English wouldn't be complete without them. Scrambled, poached, or fried - the choice is yours. Satisfying crunchy toast made from hearty country loaves complements the eggs perfectly.
For the best eggs in St. Louis, head to places like The Vine or Thetienne, where they take pride in their egg dishes. Don't miss out on their unique preparations, like omelets with local produce or eggs benedict with creative twists.
English Breakfast Joints in St. Louis
St. Louis has a thriving food scene, and English Breakfasts are no exception. Here are a couple of places you must visit for an authentic English Breakfast experience:
The Hill's Hill's Cheese Company offers a traditional English Breakfast featuring all the usual suspects - eggs, bacon, beans, tomatoes, and toast - served with a side of St. Louis charm.
Across town, the Park Avenue Coffee serves a mean English Breakfast, disturbing the usual coffee shop fare with its full English platter. Their beans are house-roasted, making it a perfect pairing for your eggs and bacon.
Beyond the Usual
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try some fusion English Breakfasts around St. Louis. For example, The Fountain onark reports of an 'Urban English' pizza on their brunch menu, featuring a tomato sauce base topped with folded eggs, English bacon, black pudding, and cheddar cheese.
Another unique option is the English Skillet at Seed Sprout Spoon, which incorporates black beans, hominy, and salsa into the traditional mix, giving it a St. Louis twist.
And so, as the sun sets on another day in STL, don't forget to start your mornings right with an English Breakfast. Whether you're after traditional or fusion, there's a full English waiting for you in this city of diverse tastes. So, go forth and indulge!