Brunch bubbles up at North Park

Weekend brunch comes to Tiny Bubbles, Valentine, too, for a special dinner

Tiny Bubbles launched brunch service over the weekend. Chef Bear Araujo presented the new brunch menu available Friday through Sunday.

“We always intended to do brunch,” owner Jeremiah Estherline said. “We feel like we’ve got our (pizza) dough dialed in, and it’s time for brunch.”

Pizza plays a critical role in the new brunch service. Bear offers a couple breakfast-centric options. Ben Krodel and I tried the Benedict Pie,  which included smoked salmon, spinach, fontina cheese and a sunny-side egg. The crust was Ritz-cracker crisp like I prefer, and everything held together no matter how crunchy the bite.

Before that we dove into mushroom toast served on Feral Dough sourdough. Mushrooms are salted, sauteed and served on a layer of mascarpone then topped with a fried egg and Parmesan shavings.

In between we scarfed down the fruit parfait. Fresh fruit, mascarpone and house-made pepita granola are simple and delicious together. That same combo was even better served over a Dutch Baby pancake – ideal for dessert, too.

A protégé of chef Josh Valentine, Araujo has put together an enticing signature brunch menu that also includes a killer breakfast sandwich. The TBLT is served on Feral Dough focaccia and includes sauce gribiche, Nueske’s bacon, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, and honey-citrus vinaigrette.

The brunch menu also includes plenty from bar’s regular menu, including burrata, hummus, cacio e pepe fries and a selection of salads.

While the Baby Dutch pancake works as dessert, Araujo also offers crème brulee cheesecake, cold-brew affogato, and gelato.

Brunch isn’t the only news at Tiny Bubbles. The aforementioned chef Valentine will host a special dinner there on Sept. 29. The multi-course meal with wine pairings from Thirst Wine Merchants costs $125. The event starts at 6 p.m., and tickets can be found here. …

Tiger Style returns to The Crown

Josh’s wine dinner at Tiny Bubbles kicks off the last week of September in style, and The Crown follows up the following evening with the return of Tiger Style to The Crown.

Chef Caleb Stangroom will take over chef Eric Smith’s kitchen on Sept. 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., serving his signature menu of dishes inspired by Asian cuisine while representing culinary technique from around the world.

The 2K Cookie Contest returns!

Ticket sales are live for Twisted Tree Baking Company’s $2K Cookie Contest. The event is Oct. 6 from 4 to 6 pm at Venue 102.

This year’s event will pit 16 local bakers and chefs in a competition of cookies featuring their favorite candy bits. Savory snacks from Farmers Grain will also be available and kids can compete in a cookie-decorating station. Tickets are $30 and can be found here. I will be your master of ceremonies for the event and hope to see you there!