"A good friend of mine was in town last weekend and we decided to go to brunch that Sunday. I found a hidden gem off the beaten path in NODA. It's called the Local Loaf. It's very unpretentious and welcoming from the outside. Wooden picnic tables line the corner perimeter of the building. The inside isn't fancy either. Simple, spartan and comfortable. You'll find the menu online. No paper or laminated cards here. There was a gray haired gentleman taking orders and he was very friendly and knowledgable about the fare they offered. His name is Jay. So is mine. Anyhoo, there were only three people working...Jay, taking orders, one cook and a dynamite server who not only served, but helped the cook on the line. Jay told us that they had in excess of 30 call-in orders so it may be about 30 minutes before we would be served. We instantly liked this little place so much, we decided we didn't mind at all. Jay served us two cups of freshly brewed Smelly Cat coffee in rustic stoneware mugs and we quickly found an empty picnic table outside and settled in. My friend and I chit-chatted about everything and nothing as we are prone to do. Quaint little bungalow houses lined the streets of the intersection where the restaurant is located. We were in the shade and the fresh, hot cups of coffee fended off the lightest chill in the breeze. Our food finally arrived and the server, I forgot her name, placed it in front of us with a big smile on her face. We had a short friendly conversation and she left us to enjoy our brunch. And enjoyed it, we did! I ordered Croque Madam and it was everything. Brioche, nice salty, smoky ham, the morney and the cheese topped with the Sunnyside up egg. I lived in Montmartre, Paris and the Croque took me back to those days at Cafe Remy. Had my first of many there. I digress. My friend had light and fluffy waffles, bacon and overeasy eggs. She said for a simple meal, it was perfect. Cheers to the cook at Local Loaf! We will definitely come back. You don't come across little treasures that often."
