Brunch spot leads to love
Francesca Galarus
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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The food is incredible, yet the employees-all three of them-don't take the restaurant or themselves too seriously. It's homey and friendly, with mismatched mugs and easy conversation. At the same time, Carman's is cheeky and irreverent, considering the fact that the dirtiest of the four-letter words appears shamelessly on the business card.
As said business card suggests, things work a little differently within this cozy environment. Four days out of the week, Carman herself prepares four dishes that are your only choices for the particular day's brunch. Menu items are scribbled on a whiteboard behind the counter and also explained excitedly tableside.
Typically, there are two sweet items-like waffles cooked with and served under butternut squash and dates or coconut pineapple pancakes topped with almond ice cream-and two savories. On my trip, there was a veggie omelet, stuffed with full stalks of asparagus, orange-zest cheddar and a generous side of thick-cut potatoes. For the lunch crew, a sautéed fish filet or slow-roasted pork was available. Carman also offers sides like apple wood smoked bacon, chicken chorizo sausage and white wine, as well as lemon and parsley sausage. I suggest bringing three friends along to dine in order to sample a taste of all options.
Besides the inventive and flavorful food that is not for the picky eater, Carman's Country Kitchen has a distinct charm that is not for the shy or conservative. Obama posters cover the windows and campaign buttons are available for taking. A strip of Nader/Gonzales '08 stickers hangs by the bar for the green party folks. If you even had to ask, there is no McCain paraphernalia in sight. A condom is shamelessly displayed on a shelf in the bathroom, something that Sarah Palin would never give her stamp of approval. Also in the bathroom is a chalkboard on which patrons scribble love notes to Carman and proudly proclaim our new World Champion status. If this doesn't already lure you to take a peek/leak, the bathroom is also situated right next to the door-less kitchen, so you get a good look at my future wife (the only chef) working her magic in a space that can't be much bigger than the kitchen in my grandma's South Philly row home.
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