From the first moment that I sunk my teeth in to the Fat Elvis Burger at Rok Brgr‘s Ft. Lauderdale location, I knew that I was experiencing something much more than just a typical burger joint. It takes just one look at that burger’s description – Creamy Peanut Butter, Smoked Pepper Bacon, and Local Strawberry Jam – to see that Rok Brgr has a philosophy on food that is very near and dear to my heart: Go Big or Go Home (I bet half of you thought I was going to say “Peanut Butter On Everything). I’m already a huge fan of JEY Hospitality’s other restaurants, Public House and Tacocraft, so I was beyond hyped to be invited in to try the new Rok Brgr location in Delray’s Sunday Brunch. By the way, you didn’t think I’d continue this post without sharing a picture of that gorgeous Fat Elvis Burger, did you?
Now that I’ve really gotten your attention, let’s do what we came here to do: brunch.
It was 10:45 in the morning on a Sunday in Delray which meant I was almost 2 hours behind the rest of the town as far as drinking is concerned. So even though Bottomless Mimosas are only $5 for the ladies (yes, you read that right, no typos here – for the price of a Subway footlong you can get glass after glass after glass of champagne – anyone who would choose the former over the latter needs to rethink the message they are sending to the world), I needed something a little stronger, and of course seeing a cucumber cocktail on the menu, I knew where my mind was set at. The Cucumber Bulldog is made with Bulldog gin, simple syrup, muddled cucumber, St Germain, fresh lemon, and a splash of sprite, and was even more refreshing than my post-workout shower that AM. Drinking it makes you feel like you’re at a fancy spa except in this case the only thing being massaged is your appetite.
I don’t always carb up before a big meal, but when I do, it’s served with honey butter. HONEY BUTTER. One of my favorite indulgences, and this one has a sprinkle of cinnamon. They way that it melts on top of the warm, flaky biscuits is exactly the way that I melt just looking at Ryan Gosling’s abs. There is NO better way to start off a brunch.
Although, I may have spoken too soon – because the French Toast Lollipops are a hell of a way to kickoff brunch. I love brunch menus that have unique options, and this certainly fits the bill. Made with brioche, sprinkled with cinnamon, and dipped in maple crème, it’s the kind of dish that you need to try at least once. I’m not a huge fan of sweets, especially in the morning, but not only is it a conversation starter, it’s a conversation ender, because once you take one bite, you won’t want to use your mouth for talking, just eating, only.
See that face? It’s about as happy as I get after a too-early workout on a Sunday, and the only reason I had for living at this point was the French Toast Lollipops. BTW, the romper is from Target, if you can believe it. But if you don’t know my by now, you now know that I style for less. And that I also have an unhealthy Target obsession.
I’m of the mindset of making Taco Tuesday happen at any time, so why not test out some tuna tacos? The Tuna Poke Tacos are filled with #1 ahi, ponzu, seaweed, avocado, sesame, and spicy mayo, and I will tell you that your first bite in to them will fill your palette with so much goodness, you won’t know what to do with yourself except to eat more. Not a fan of having something like this in the AM? Good news is they are available on both the lunch and dinner menu. Because really, when are tacos NOT appropriate – especially ones these good.
But the real kicker? What really made me stand up (ugh omg do I really have to stand this early on a Sunday??) and praise the brunch gods, was the Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs. Local eggs, smoked salmon, red onion, capers. No secret, I’m obsessed with eggs, and I’ve tried many deviled eggs in my day. This is like NO deviled egg that you have EVER had before. Guarantee it will be one of the best bites you have in your life. The smoked salmon adds a new element to the typical deviled egg. I’m embarrassed but not really to say that I left no caper behind. If I had to choose between these deviled eggs and free botox for life, I’d go with the eggs. Don’t believe me? Try and become a believer.
Did I mention that the beats were pumping from the DJ and that the party atmosphere was as alive as the dishes? So of course at this point it was time to get rowdy, and the only way to really spell rowdy is W-H-I-S-K-Y. So time to sample the Honey Rosemary Lemonade, made with Barrel Aged Rosemary & Honey Kinsey 7 Year Whiskey, plus fresh squeezed lemon, soda, and garnished with a rosemary sprig. Such a refreshing twist on whiskey. Little kids should sell this at their lemonade stands. They would be self-made millionaires in a heartbeat.
Another item that caught my eye was the Kale & Potato Hash, with chicken apple sausage, caramelized onions, peppers, and fried farm eggs. Don’t let the picture fool you; peel back that egg and it’s like revealing a prize on The Price Is Right. The sausage was so flavorful and since brunch isn’t really the time for french fries, a sweet potato hash is a perfect substitute.
Okay, so are you ready for the Grand Finale?………. Nah. I don’t think you’re ready yet. Why don’t you go ahead and grab some napkins for your drool, and then we’ll talk.
I mean, really, I need you to get more up close and personal with this dish before I even begin to talk about it. The Chicken & Waffles. Sure, so what fried chicken fan hasn’t had chicken and waffles before?? That’s what you’re asking yourself, right? Well, I’m going to need you to stop right there. Because these just aren’t any chicken and waffles. You guys trust me to bring you the best of the best when it comes to indulgent, fried foods right? Then you need to believe me when I say that these are the BEST chicken and waffles I have EVER had!! Southern fried chicken tenders, mini waffles, candied bacon, and bourbon maple syrup. The chicken is tender and juicy. The bacon is cooked to perfection as seasoned just as well. Not like it even needs the syrup at this point, but holy hell. You think you’ve had brunch? No. No. One more time, I tell you NO. THIS is the reason brunch was invented. Seriously. Try it, and ROK ON!!!!!!
Between the fun vibe of the music and the incredible food, this is what Sundays are made of. If you’re going to go out with a bang before returning to work on Monday, I guarantee you, this is THE place that you want to do it.
***I received complimentary noms in exchange for this post, however, you cannot bribe me with food, so all opinions are my own.