Eater DC has released its list of “Hottest New Brunches to Try in DC”, highlighting restaurants that have recently released brunch menus within the last few months. One Maryland restaurant, located here in Montgomery County, was featured on the list.
Elena James All Day, a vibrant addition to the Chevy Chase dining scene, officially opened its doors for dinner service on Friday, December 6, 2024, with its cafe portion for breakfast and lunch following in mid-December 2024. Located at 8551 Connecticut Ave in the Chevy Chase Lake neighborhood, this all-day concept is the brainchild of restaurateurs Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, also known for their D.C. establishments Nina May and Opal.
Elena James All Day offers a well-regarded brunch service from 7:30amnto 3:00pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. The brunch menu features a diverse selection, ranging from classic breakfast items like their “Elena James Breakfast Sammy” with scrambled eggs, hashbrown, American cheese, and hot sauce, to more substantial options like the “Steak + Egg Sammy” on ciabatta. Other popular choices include the “Bagel + Lox,” “Avocado Breakfast Toast,” and the “Classic Diner Breakfast.”
Beyond breakfast fare, the menu also includes a variety of salads, such as the “Gabagool Chopped Italian” and “Romaine Caesar,” and sandwiches that can also be served as rice bowls, like the “Fried Chicken Sandwich” and “Steak + Cheese.” Patrons can complement their meal with sides such as hashbrowns, fresh fruit, or steak-cut fries. A standout feature of their brunch is the option for unlimited brunch cocktails for $24 per person for two hours, or à la carte selections including traditional mimosas, seasonal mimosas, Aperol Spritz, and table-side prepared Espresso Martinis. Reviewers frequently praise the quality of their dishes, with particular mentions of the lemon ricotta pancakes and biscuits.
Additionally, the establishment boasts a market space adjacent to the cafe, where guests can purchase house-made pasta, baked goods, sauces, and ready-to-eat items. Eater DC’s full list of brunch spots can be found here.