Inman Square, Massachusetts’ youthful and diverse neighborhood on the Cambridge-Somerville border, is full of great restaurants, bars, and specialty food shops. Some have been around for years, like East Coast Grill and Christina’s Ice Cream, while others come and go. Puritan & Company is a relatively new addition to the square. Upon opening its doors in late 2012, it was quickly recognized by critics for its high quality New England fare. Boston Magazine even named it Best Brunch in Boston for 2014. So of course we had to give it a try – with our fabulous friend Alison as our brunching buddy.
When we first walked in, our hunger and giddiness were quickly replaced with awe by the large cool interiors. Puritan & Co. has a generous seating space with lots of beautiful, natural lighting. The open kitchen is situated in the back of the restaurant next to the bountiful and tempting pastry counter. They have lovely bar seating as well with a generous wine list. Drink up!
As pastry lovers, we love seeing restaurants pay more attention to the sweet side of their menu. Puritan & Co. has a wide selection of pastries to please any palate, from croissants to banana bread. We ordered a basket of four: Boston cream doughnut, chocolate-hazelnut sourdough croissant, cinnamon monkey bread, and a dulce de leche and coconut danish. Although they were all very well executed, the Boston cream doughnut was the favorite: a fluffy dough generously filled with a not-too-sweet, lightened-up vanilla pastry cream. Alongside a cup of coffee, it was the perfect way to start the meal.
The dulce de leche and coconut danish was another favorite – a square of perfectly laminated flaky dough with a good portion of dulce de leche and coconut in the center. The chocolate-hazelnut sourdough croissant sounded more amazing than it was. Although delicious, it wasn’t as full of the chocolate and hazelnut flavors as we’d have liked. Still, a very well made croissant.
Overall their pastries are on point. Next time we visit for brunch (and there will definitely be a next time), we look forward to trying their streusel-ed zucchini bread and pear-sour cream muffin.
For our mains, we ordered the biscuit breakfast sandwich, duck and green onion hash, and grass-fed steak and eggs. The breakfast sandwich was a classic combination of bacon, eggs, and cheese between two slices of cheesy, buttery biscuits. The sandwich also came with perfect potatoes and greens. The duck hash was presented simply in a iron skillet with two eggs. The hash had a crispy crust with all the goodness of potatoes, onions, and duck underneath. The steak and eggs were also served with potatoes and a side of greens. The steak came medium rare and it did not disappoint. The potatoes definitely enhanced the experience. (And the mimosas definitely didn’t hurt!)
The entire meal was delicious with warm and friendly service. They offer a full dinner menu and we will be sure to try that out soon. Brunch is only on Sundays from 10:30 am – 2 pm though, so dress your best.
Pay them a visit here.