I wish I had three stomachs. Truly, I do. Because with the brunch menu items from Haile Plantation’s Sisters ranging from dulce de leche crepes and applewood bacon pancakes to huevos rancheros and eggs benedict, there is absolutely no way I could explore every meal that caught my eye.
Despite the approximately 20-minute drive from the heart of campus, Sisters is worth the longer commute thanks to the restaurant’s quiet location, tucked inside Haile Village. Departing from the typical post-partying weekend brunch options near campus, Sisters reminded me that “real people” do indeed inhabit Gainesville. On my Saturday afternoon visit to the restaurant, I apparently arrived late to the game because a street fair directly in front of the building was just wrapping up. This would have made for a perfect distraction while sitting out the inevitable wait that will greet you on a weekend trip to Sisters.
However, the 20-minute wait provided me with just enough time to comb the menu and choose exactly what I wanted. While the inner foodie in me was crying out to order the strawberry cream cheese crepe with Nutella sauce, just for the picture if nothing else, I stuck to my New Year’s resolution of eating (decently) healthy and ordered the panko encrusted poached eggs. A creative spin on the usual eggs, potatoes and meat, these little puppies come served on a bed of sautéed spinach with sides of bacon or turkey sausage, hashed potatoes and grilled bread.
Sisters is also a population choice with the vegans and vegetarians of Gainesville, thanks to a number of alternative menu options. The restaurant offers a range of items, including homemade veggie burgers, vegan cornmeal pancakes, tempeh rancheros and even vegan sausage. But don’t worry carnivores, Sisters’ pastrami Reuben sandwich is listed conveniently under the veggie burger just so you don’t get scared off.
While my visit was limited to the breakfast and brunch menu, Sisters also serves up dinner four nights a week, from Wednesday to Saturday. Small plates and dinner plates alike include an international influence, with ingredients such as dates, quinoa tabouli, edamame, gnocchi and even vegan curry.
Weekly specials at the restaurant include half off cocktails every Thursday, live music on Fridays and half off every bottle of wine each Saturday. And if you do adhere to the “hair of the dog” theory, Saturday brunch offers up a build your own Bloody Mary bar. You’re hooked now, right?
At A Glance Details:
Must try: Panko Encrusted Poached Eggs
Events: Live music Fridays
Hours: (Breakfast) Wednesday — Sunday: 9 a.m. — 2 p.m.; (Dinner) Wednesday — Saturday, 6 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Location: 5212 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32608
Website: www.oliveyoueatwell.com
