The Girl and The Breakfast Sandwich: A love story

I'll never forget the first time I ate a breakfast sandwich. I was 21.

Wait, what? Yeah. I know. Somehow I had managed to get through most of college without that most essential cure for a rough morning: a breakfast sammy. It wasn't that I didn't like eggs.. or was lactose intolerant.. or in some diet war with carbohydrates...I just didn't think I liked them. Now that, my friends, is a whole separate issue. How is it that we go through life judging foods without experiencing them? It makes no sense, and yet I still find myself claiming not to like foods that I've never actually eaten. It's just ridiculous. Let's move on. 

Back to the story. My gang of college girlfriends and I stumbled out of our Spring Break hotel room and into the lively streets of Key West. Dodging the catcalls of still drunk frat boys, we made our way to a small cafe, somehow resisting the sweet aroma of doughnuts next door. One-by-one, my friends sidled up to the counter and placed their identical orders of egg and cheese on a bagel. I'm still not sure if it was sheer curiosity or some perceived peer pressure, but when it came down to me, I ordered the same.  When our matching breakfasts finally arrived, I hesitantly took a bite, fully expecting it to bite me back. But somehow, I was hooked. It was so simple — a plain slice of american cheese melted on a carbohydrate of your choice, topped with an egg. What's not to love? 

Since then, my love for the breakfast sandwich has only grown stronger. These days I go one of two ways to get my fix: I'll make a simple sandwich at home, or head to Cheapside Cafe for a more decadent version. Either way, it's a perfect way to treat yourself to an indulgent breakfast on the weekends. 

Cheapside Cafe

I hate to play favorites, but Cheapside has my heart.

I often go on Sundays for lunch and, depending on my mood, I either indulge in a breakfast sandwich or order a granny smith salad. I'm always torn, but never disappointed. That salad is delightful. It's a towering mound of leafy greens tossed with crisp green apple, golden raisins, pecans and a creamy cider vinaigrette. Throw in a cup of their perfectly tangy, rich tomato soup, and you're in business. However, there are those days when a salad just won't cut it. On those days, the breakfast sandwich at Cheapside is the perfect indulgence. Just the other day I was there with some friends and they both ordered breakfast sandwiches. The inner health nut in me was about ready to order a salad, but when it was my turn at the counter I said, "I'll take the breakfast sandwich, please". Is it peer pressure? Is it a hangover? Is it just the draw of hot cheese yet again? We may never know. But here's what I do know, the breakfast sandwich at Cheapside is heavenly. It has pimento cheese (whoah), bacon, and a fried egg served between two slices of buttery, toasty, seedy multigrain bread. It is not your average "egg and cheese". 

The Cheapside Breakfast Sandwich.. just look at that egg.. 

At Home

I like to keep it simple.

It's a homemade version of what you might get at the sandwich shop down the street. I feel like most of you will have one of two reactions: "Wow, innovative (sarcastically)" — or — "That needs bacon". But hey, I said I like it simple. Here's what I do:

• Grab a carb — I'm partial to bagels — and toast it. 
• Fry an egg, flip it over and give the yolk a poke so it is semi-runny, semi-hard. 
• Slap a slice of cheese on each side of your freshly toasted carb of choice, put it (cheese-side-up) in a pan on the stove over medium heat and cover it with a lid for 30 seconds or so until it melts.
• Salt and pepper your egg before you close up the sandwich. If you have avocado — I highly recommend a few slices. 
• Sit down with your cup of coffee and smile because you get to enjoy a great breakfast sandwich — and you didn't even have to change out of your PJs. 

My breakfast sandwich. I made some sweet potato on the side because.. well.. sweet potato. 

Frida 602

A modern, newly renovated space, Frida’s interior is luminous and colorful. Bright flowery light fixtures contrast perfectly with bold black and white stripes that cover the booths and some walls. Quirky salt and pepper shakers sit on every table and eye-catching works of art line the walls. Nods to the restaurant’s namesake, artist Frida Kahlo, are everywhere. And while Frida’s attractive interior sets the scene for a great meal, it’s the food that’ll leave you eager to return to this fantastic new spot in Mainstrasse.

Let’s talk Tacos, people. Since its arrival in the United States, the taco has worked its way into our hearts and onto our plates. And although Americans have a history of “editing” the taco, for better or for worse (yes Taco Bell, I’m looking at you and your waffle/dorito/whatever “taco” monstrosities are yet to come), it seems that we’re finally working our way back to the taco’s roots. The public seems to be craving authenticity and luckily for us, Cincinnati, Frida is up to the challenge.

Frida has classic al pastor and carnitas tacos that are certain to please while the brussels sprout tacos with peanut salsa provide a refreshing and modern vegetarian option. I highly recommend starting your meal with their crave-worthy chips and queso, and some sort of libation. Their cocktail menu is quite fun to explore, and don’t be shy about asking what Mezcal is! If you’ve never had Mezcal before, Frida is the place to discover this very distinctive, almost gentler relative of tequila.

My dear brother and I (who is an awesome dining partner because he always orders everything and I love stealing bites) finished our meal off by indulging in the chocolate torte with fried ice cream. The outside of the fried ice cream has a toasty flavor and crunch. That, paired with the decadent chocolate torte, is a wonderfully sinful treat.

Are you hungry yet? I am. Mainstrasse is a great place to grab a bite. I highly recommend checking out this, and other eateries in the area. There are some seriously good meals to be had in this charming little corner of Covington. Frida is actually owned by the same folks down the street at Otto’s, which is one of my favorite places to do lunch and brunch. Very different places, but they must be doing something right as both are exceptional places to eat. So, if you haven't ventured over the river in a while, go visit Frida and discover something delicious.

Have a spot you think I haven’t been to? Need a recommendation?

Let’s talk! cincychronicles@gmail.com.

-E