My partner and I recently visited Avenue N in Rumford, which has become our go-to spot for elevated…read morebrunch in the area. When we're craving something a little more thoughtful than the standard eggs-and-toast routine, this is where we land. The menu is creative without being over the top, the flavors are usually dialed in, and it consistently feels like brunch with intention. This last visit, however, turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag.
We sat at the bar around 1pm, which is our usual move. The service was great. We were welcomed right away and had drinks in front of us in no time. I ordered a draft Blue Moon and my partner went with a glass of wine. Both were cold, fresh, and exactly what they should be.
We started with the lemon ricotta donuts. These were delightful. The texture was spot on, tender and light thanks to the ricotta, with that perfect sugar coating. I would have loved a slightly more assertive lemon flavor in the dough itself, but they smartly included thinly sliced lemon rind on top so you could dial it up yourself. A thoughtful touch and a really nice way to begin the meal.
My partner ordered the avocado toast for her main and it was as beautiful as it was flavorful. The sourdough had a great chew and structure, the avocado was well seasoned, and the sprinkle of cotija brought just the right salty pop. Bright tomatoes, pickled onions, microgreens, everything worked together. This dish absolutely delivered.
I went with the Eggs Benedict Florentine, which I've had before and really enjoyed. Unfortunately, this time it missed the mark in a few areas.
First, the poached eggs. The whites were a bit loose in spots and the yolks were slightly overdone. I know poaching can be tricky, it took me a while to master at home, but it was surprising to see the interior more cooked than expected while parts of the white still lacked structure. It was manageable, just not what I've come to expect here.
Next was the mustard hollandaise. I was really looking forward to that punch of mustard, especially since I've had it shine before, but this time it felt muted. It was also looser than I prefer in a hollandaise. I love a good hollandaise, even better a béarnaise, and this one just didn't have the richness or body I was hoping for.
Then there was the tomato. I understand we're not in peak tomato season, but even so, I can usually find more flavorful options at local markets and grocery stores. It appeared to be a standard beefsteak, and it just didn't bring much to the plate. A Campari or another variety with more natural sweetness and acidity would have elevated the dish and complemented the nicely cooked, flavorful spinach far better. On a positive note, the bolo was excellent. Such a great choice over the traditional English muffin and a perfect fit for a local spot like this. It had great texture and the slight sweetness usually balances the mustard hollandaise perfectly.
Overall, Avenue N remains a place we truly enjoy. This visit just didn't quite live up to what we know they're capable of. I'm confident it was an off day, and we'll absolutely be back.