The proof was in my potatoes.
When a.kitchen, the new restaurant in the AKA Rittenhouse Square, announced it was serving breakfast, I knew I would set my alarm early and elbow commuters on the 40 bus to get there. Because a sophisticated breakfast just might be the ultimate mini-indulgence.
While Philadelphia's options for such a meal are not plentiful, they are quality. There are, of course, the other hotels. At the Four Seasons, the Fountain omelet, with porchetta, arugula, oven-roasted tomatoes, and Parmesan, is one of the more popular items. (And since you can't take the Philly out of eaters, the Habbersett scrapple is a frequent order, too.)
Over at the Rittenhouse Hotel, general manager Eric Simonis estimates that about 40 percent of Lacroix's 40 to 75 weekday morning eaters are not hotel guests, but area residents. "There's a beautiful view of the square, and it's very relaxing," said Simonis.
Which is another benefit of skipping the diner in favor of the deluxe - they work hard to make your morning meal as soothing as a spa visit. At Lacroix, the customer sets the pace. Service is adept, but not fawning. Guests are offered a newspaper. Paper-thin crystal is filled with fresh grapefruit juice. White linens, as smooth and crisp as high-thread-count sheets, line the tables.
It's what keeps regulars - some of whom, according to Simonis, have breakfast there three times a week - coming back.
Locals aren't skimping on calories, either: The French toast, which is made from house-baked brioche, is a favorite. All things considered, this transcendent sunrise dining experience, with prices mostly between $8 and $15, is sort of a steal.
Across the square at Parc, breakfast business, said general manager Carol Serena, has increased every year since the restaurant opened in 2008.
