It’s not just owner Melissa Jasper’s epic collection of vintage kitsch that draws people into “the Toast” for late-night snacks, leisurely brunches, and everything between–though it’s awfully fun to sit at a ’50s dinette set, admire the old board games and Orange Crush ads lining the red walls, and play “count the Kewpie dolls” with […]
By Amy Traverso
Feb 08 2012
New Hampshire’s Finest Scramble is a favorite breakfast dish at The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth, NH
Photo Credit : Kristin TeigIt’s not just owner Melissa Jasper’s epic collection of vintage kitsch that draws people into “the Toast” for late-night snacks, leisurely brunches, and everything between–though it’s awfully fun to sit at a ’50s dinette set, admire the old board games and Orange Crush ads lining the red walls, and play “count the Kewpie dolls” with your tablemates. It’s the food, as bold and layered as the decor: anadama and oatmeal breads made from scratch, gingerbread waffles with pomegranate molasses, pumpkin pancakes with Raisinettes, and a long list of stuffed-to-the-gills omelets. The restaurant drew such crowds that in 2009, Melissa opened a second branch in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, promptly winning several “Best Breakfast” awards.
In either state, we’re partial to the “New Hampshire’s Finest Scramble,” a pitch-perfect combo of scrambled eggs, local goat cheese, asparagus, scallions, and bacon. With a thick slice of anadama on the side, it’s the ultimate New England wake-up call.RECIPE
Food Editor Amy Traverso oversees the Yankee Magazine Food department and contributes to NewEngland.com. Amy's book, The Apple Lover's Cookbook (W.W. Norton), won an International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) cookbook award for the category American.
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