The scene: Owners Mike and Peg McGuigan opened The Radish Dining & Catering five-and-a-half years ago, converting a downtown Grimes house into their quaint and popular restaurant. Shortly after opening, their weekly Sunday brunch became a staple. In fact, reservations after 11 a.m. are strongly encouraged.
We arrived just before 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning and were quickly welcomed by a waitress who showed us to our booth. By that time, many tables were occupied by couples, families with young kids and friends chatting over full plates of food.
The cozy space was decorated with holiday garland and lights, and big band music piped through the speakers. Wooden beams overhead, high-back booths and white tablecloths give it a warm, yet refined vibe.
The brunch buffet: We heard The Radish had a great brunch, so we came with big expectations and appetites. We left with full stomachs and exceeded expectations. Turns out there’s something for just about everyone at this buffet.
We dined on breakfast burritos stuffed with smoked meat and eggs, plus corned beef hash, sausage, bacon and two types of pasta: cavatelli with chicken and manicotti. Diners can choose from a variety of ingredients for customized made-to-order omelets.
My concoction — tossed with peppers, jalapenos and sausage — was just the right size, and the eggs were cooked perfectly. Vegetarians will find an assortment of food like pancakes with a variety of toppings, French toast, cheesy potatoes and hash browns. The lineup of housemade pastries was impressive, and our waitress told us the goods are baked fresh each Sunday morning. We sampled the cinnamon buns and lemon Danishes and were impressed by their flavor and texture. After trying the bread pudding, my dining partner said it was the first time he ever really enjoyed the dish.
Service: Service is not something I pay much attention to when it comes to buffets, but we felt so taken care of that it really stood out to us. Our waitress was prompt, helpful and very friendly.
Last bite: We thoroughly enjoyed our food and time there, but we had some reservations about the $14.99 per person price tag (which included our coffee and juice). Still, we’ll be back to enjoy The Radish’s Sunday brunch again. Owner Mike McGuigan told us the brunch menu pasta dishes rotate each week. He especially recommends the Cajun prime rib casserole, which we hope to try next time we dine there.
OUR RECEIPT
Two brunch buffets: $14.99 each
Total with tax, tip: $37.78
The Radish
Find it: 721 E. First St., Grimes
Info: 986-1900, theradishdining.com
Brunch hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Beginning Jan. 1, new hours will be 5-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
