As Told Over Helen's Brunch
By Emily Pumphrey
I have been to Helen’s many times for late night PBRs, but had not checked out their famed brunch prior to this meal. It was a packed house at Helen’s when we arrived on Sunday morning. We put our name on the waiting list and then snagged a seat outside on Helen’s front porch while we waited. Surrounded by hanging plants and Richmonders drinking mimosas and bloody Marys, the cozy outside space made the wait feel brief and well worth it for a delicious brunch!
Our name was quickly called and we were sat at a copper covered table across from the open kitchen. Instantly we were met with the enticing smell of curry. Looking at the menu we learned that curry potatoes are served as a side (like hash browns) with all Egg and “Classic” brunch items.
Florentine Benedict
Typically my go-to brunch order is a veggie scramble, but I decided to order something I am not talented enough to make myself and ordered the Florentine Benedict. The dish features an English muffin piled high with poached eggs, smoked salmon, creamed spinach and house made hollandaise. Of course, it was plated with my new favorite — curry potatoes. The seemingly easy side dish had a warm, bold flavor which was a unique and pleasant surprise to find during brunch.
Chicken Biscuit Sandwich
My brunch date ordered the star meal of the day — the chicken biscuit sandwich. This includes the aforementioned ingredients with sharp white cheddar, bacon and black pepper honey and served with curry potatoes. The spicy sweet black pepper honey was the twist on the sandwich that made it standout compared to other similar chicken biscuit sandwiches in town.
Overall the meal was tasty and the service was welcoming, two things I look for when dining out. I look forward to going back for more curry potatoes and picking out what brunch entree I’ll pair them with! I recommend you do the same March 21 & 22 during Richmond Brunch Weekend.
Helen’s special for Richmond Brunch Weekend is:
Spring Chicken & Waffles
Early Grey fried chicken, buttermilk herb waffle, rhubarb chutney, meyer lemon butter, pickled radish