Pork Belly Steamed Buns

I’ve written about A Toute Heure and its brunch before, but feel the need to recap today’s visit. First, it’s difficult to secure a brunch reservation at the cozy neighborhood gem. There are two reasons for this, first, the space has a limited number of tables and second, A Toute Heure only offers brunch on the last Sunday of each month. Come on! We must change this!

I was able to get my brunch reservation by getting waitlisted. I was thrilled as I had some friends in town from Florida who, like me, love brunch.

As we sipped darkly-roasted coffee and mimosas (the restaurant is a BYOB, so bring your bubbly to accompany the freshly-squeezed orange juice), our waiter brought a bowl of still-hot beignets, a plate of maple-glazed donuts and a pair of succulent pork belly steamed buns. What a way to start our meal!

Duck, Knoephla and Egg

Our entrees came a bit later and were decadent and scrumptious. We opted for the Croque-Madame, the Duck, Knoephla and Eggs and the Cinnamon and Brown Sugar French Toast. The roast ham on the croque is beyond-flavorful and topped with good-quality Gruyere cheese. The pulled duck confit is rich and smartly-paired with knoephla, an authentic German dumpling similar to Spaetzle, and topped with a New Jersey fresh farm egg. The portion of French toast was more-than-generous and served with stewed pear and honey butter.

The space at A Toute Heure is charming, the staff is helpful and passionate about the locally-sourced menu and the food is simply incredible. Make a point to book a reservation at the start of the month for that precious last Sunday brunch table.

232 Centennial Avenue

Cranford, NJ 07016

908-276-6600