Brunch showdown: Ascension vs. Black Walnut Cafe (with video)
January 28, 2022
Sunday brunch, a time to spend with family and friends while leisurely munching on classic meals. From creamy eggs benedict to pancakes drizzled with syrup, The Sidekick staff members Deepti Patil, Aliza Abidi and Sruthi Lingam went on a hunt to find which of these two contemporary spots has the best brunch in Coppell.
Ascension
3121 Olympus Blvd., Coppell
As we enter, we are greeted with plentiful natural lighting and freshly brewed espresso. Above us hang several bamboo lanterns strung across the ceiling, and while we were seated, baristas pacing behind the bar steaming hot drinks.
We order the Veggie Ascension Omelette ($11), Veggie Sandwich with croissant ($9) and Hippie Bowl ($11).
The Veggie Ascension Omelet entraps a bundle of melted cheese and is accompanied by a side of potatoes. While the omelet is flavorful and filled with vegetables and layers of cheese, the side of potatoes is soft throughout and lacks flavor. Although the omelet is delicious, the portion size is not filling enough to qualify as a hearty brunch.
The Veggie Sandwich includes vegetables, eggs and sauce sandwiched between a flaky, buttery croissant. While the croissant is delicious and the star of the show, the taste of the egg overpowers the dish and you are not able to taste any other flavors as a result.
The Hippie Bowl contains grains, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, avocado, roasted mushrooms, pickled beets and a sweet and sour red pepper miso vinaigrette. Although this strays from the classic brunch platter, each portion of this bowl is satisfying. The red pepper miso vinaigrette coated the entire bowl, causing each bite to be flavorful.
Overall, Ascension is definitely a restaurant to go to for Sunday Brunch if you love somewhat modern takes on brunch classics, and a bright contemporary cafe feel. We rate it a 8/10.
Black Walnut Cafe
775 N Denton Tap Rd., Coppell
Wall to wall, the restaurant is filled with wood that gives the atmosphere a warm, cozy feeling. Wide, large windows allow sunshine to spill onto our table.
We order the Eggs Benedict ($11) and the Breakfast Migas ($9.50), both of which are on the brunch menu only available on the weekends.
The Eggs Benedict is two large poached eggs on a toasted English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, cayenne citrus hollandaise and potatoes. The egg was very tasty and looked quite appetizing. The toppings of bacon and hollandaise are perfectly paired together with the egg as well. However, the English muffin was dry and diminished the taste of the eggs.
The Breakfast Migas is a satisfying meal, with its fire-roasted salsa, feta and cilantro on top of four large eggs with fried tortilla strips. The eggs are cooked well with a nice mildly spicy flavor. The salsa on top of the eggs is the perfect kick and balanced the flavors. Though the salsa is watery which made the overall dish soggy by the time it was eaten.
Black Walnut Cafe is a solid choice for brunch if you want a cozy atmosphere and delicious savory meals. We would rate it a 7/10.
Conclusion: Black Walnut Cafe exquisitely brought classic brunch with a kick, but at the end of the day Ascension’s contemporary twist on brunch and exciting flavors brought it home.
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