The dish that earned chef Carrie Baird a win on Season 15 of Bravo’s Top Chef is one of the highlights of her brunch menu at Fox and the Hen in Denver. Fancy Toast, as she so eloquently dubbed it, showcases many elevated takes on different toasts with seasonal twists.
While this dish has its own section on the menu, there are so many more reasons to visit the Highland cafe. The menu remains steady all day, so you don’t have to commit to a busy weekend brunch in order to eat there. After a recent visit we’re happy to report that a year after opening, Fox and the Hen still holds clout in Denver’s bustling brunch scene.
Eat the Brunch Menu
Let’s get back to the Fancy Toast. Really, no visit to Fox and the Hen would be complete without at least one order, especially if you’re dining with others. Currently the $18 seasonal favorite is made with almond, prosciutto, and corn, that Colorado ingredient we all love.
In keeping up with trends, Baird also has Avocado Toast ($16) on the menu. It’s not basic either. The top comes laden with pickled onions and radishes, a poached egg, and chili crunch on griddled sourdough. Other Fancy Toasts include a Tuna Melt ($16), Stuffed French Toast ($17), and Pizza Bagels ($15), which don’t involve toast at all.
After going through the Fancy Toast menu, move on to other delights such as the Hash Browns Animal Style ($7). This golden plate of pure indulgence features a perfectly fried potato hash topped with a sultry blend of American cheese, mac sauce, and white onions, and chives. Pair that with another throwback, pigs in a blanket. Only in this case, it’s Sausage Rolls ($3), featuring locally-made Polidori links baked in a soft dough with spicy maple syrup to dip them in.
Other items on the menu lean toward classic diner breakfast fare with a twist. For example, Baird offers a Corned Beef Hash ($17) that also has yams, poblanos, and smoky morita pepper mayo. Dat Burrito ($18) is a large breakfast burrito, and omelet lovers will enjoy the BYO Omelet ($11) with options including braised lamb, red ranchero sauce, french fries, feta, and so much more.
For parents out there, this is also a great spot for kids. There’s plenty of room inside and outside, it’s casual, and the food appeals to all. It’s also inexpensive, with child-sized pancake orders running $3 to $10, depending on how much your little one wants to eat.
Drink Up
Of course what is brunch without a good drink in hand. No, that doesn’t just mean booze, though Fox and the Hen does offer plenty of that. Start with coffee, which can be simple drip ($3.50), iced ($5), mushroom coffee ($5), and a bevy of espresso drinks starting at $3. The menu also features juices, hot chocolate, and Italian sodas.
Now for the spirited beverages. Go all out with the Foxy Mary + Carrie ($17), the ultimate upgrade of the Foxy Mary ($13). The original is the restaurant’s take on a Bloody Mary, and the fancy version includes string cheese, bacon, and a side of Coronita, also commonly known as Corona Mexican Lager.
On the mimosa side, the best way to go is with a $24 flight. That way you can try all the flavors including lavender lemon, cucumber kiwi, and beet with watermelon, orange, and mint. There’s also a robust morning cocktail menu. Start with a Breakfast Shot ($10) with whiskey, Frangelico, orange juice, and bacon. Next, order the Morning Margarita ($13), made with tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, and sporting a Tajin rim.
Don’t Miss This Fox and the Hen Specialty
Look, if it’s good enough to beat celebrity chef Bobby Flay, it shouldn’t be looked over. Enter the Bobby Flavos ($18), the exact dish Baird made to win when appearing on Beat Bobby Flay in season 22, episode one. While the chef may have added a few tweaks here and there, as well as changing the name from Pork Green Chili Huevos Rancheros, it remains mostly the same as the original recipe. On the plate you’ll find a bed of refried beans piled with flour tortilla, sharp cheddar, crispy corn tortillas, pork green chili, and two cheery sunny side eggs. A bit of pico de gallo and crema finish the dish.
Visit Fox and the Hen Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2257 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, foxandthehen.com
