Mother's Day Brunch at Ortine

This afternoon we sauntered down Washington Avenue to Ortine (622 Washington between Dean and Pacific).  Ortine is run by former Pastis and Schiller's Liquor Bar manager, Sarah Peck, with husband, Steve Giudi.

The name derives from the Italian word ortin, which describes the small plot next to a farm house where workers grew food to feed themselves. It defines the small cafe's philosophy of healthy food, locally produced and simply prepared.

We ate in the charming garden with its budding greenery and new herbs.  The tables and chairs are turquoise blue wicker; a ceramic tiled loveseat sits beneath a evergreen pine a newly leafed tree.  Paper lanterns decorate the distressed paint slat-board fence surrounding the garden.

It was the perfect backdrop for a lazy meal, complete with book propped on the table - a sweet spot for a quiet brunch for two with Mom tomorrow.   

What to order: 

the plump succulent Portuguese sardines $4

Huevos Rancheros, meaty with Chorizo and thick with black beans $10

A sweet spot for a quiet brunch for two with Mom.