The world of food trends is an amazing place. I go on Instagram daily to absorb the constant feed of “food porn” that makes its way on to my screen, watching for the next kimchi or quinoa to pop up on my radar. The latest rage? Toast.
Many places around the country have started to jazz up the familiar breakfast item with sweet and savory variations that go way beyond slathered with butter. There are a couple places in Jackson taking on the new wave and doing an amazing job to boot.
One of Picnic’s many delicious toast options
Picnic has fully embraced the world of toast. After a much anticipated opening this fall, they have exposed many of us to even more delicious ways to top their bread. I have had the pleasure of trying two of their seven offerings, with the pork belly and maple cream (on levain toast) as well as the smoked salmon and cucumber (on rye toast) getting the nod. Both were generously topped with accouterments, and each was plenty to fill me up. Although savory happens to be my thing, there are sweet options served on their melt-in-your-mouth brioche as well.
Cowboy Coffee offers one of their breakfast staples in toast form. The Skinny Pig comes with grilled ham, swiss, pesto, and tomato on a slice of multigrain bread.
Healthy Being just expanded their menu recently, which you can see here, to include both sweet and savory toast options. The avocado toast has always been a favorite of mine, served on your choice of bread with smashed avocado, Himalayan salt, fresh ground pepper, turmeric and crushed red chilies. Definitely try it on their house-made live seed bread, not only does it taste great but its healthy for you too
The Spur proves that toast can even transcend breakfast and has a delicious take on a traditional British dish. Their version has roasted mushrooms, potato bread, poached egg, Mountina cheese drizzled with truffle vinaigrette, it is a great shared starter for your next dinner in the village.
As one of the oldest breakfast restaurants and bakeries in Jackson, The Bunnery doesn’t disappoint in the toast realm either. Their homemade O.S.M bread is the star in their take on a traditional breakfast for those on the go. Topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onions, capers, and a house salad, I actually prefer their version to the traditional bagel carrier.
Croque Madame from Persephone
The Croque Madame at Persephone Bakery straddles the line of the toast trend. Although it is a not a new dish, it is just too delicious not to include. Let me break it down for those of you not hooked on it already. It is a thick slice of levain bread, shaved Berkshire ham, melted Gruyere cheese, and decedent Mornay sauce all topped with a soft organic egg. Although completely self contained on the toast, this is more of a knife and fork affair.
Bubba’s crostini is a perfect way to start the day. Grilled rustic bread topped with prosciutto, smoked gouda cheese, and two poached eggs topped with a balsamic drizzle is a great savory treat.
Looking to create your own gourmet toast at home? Take advantage of one of our local bakeries to get you started. In addition to Persephone bakery and The Bunnery, E.leaven, Wild Flour Bakery and 460 Bread out of Victor are all great options.
