Brunch Without Borders

By Lauren Titus / Photography By Muriel Silva | January 30, 2018

The bar program at Fogo de Chao in Jacksonville is perfect for any given brunching occasion.

People the world over agree that brunch offers the best of breakfast and lunch dishes, both sweet and savory. While it has gained global popularity, dishes differ from country to country based on regional foodways and cuisines. Looking to explore during weekend outings and hunt down bold new culinary adventures? Northeast Florida has a wide array of international restaurants to sample. Not sure where to start? Here are a couple of options for global flavors.

brunch at casa maya in St Augustine eggs on blue background

CASA MAYA, 22 Hypolita Street, St. Augustine

This Mexican seafood grill and tequila bar sits in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. Sitting outside under the arbor, especially on warm spring evenings, you might feel like you were transported south of the border. Sip on horchata while you wait for your meal. This beverage has multiple regional versions, and Casa Maya’s is a Mexican rice-based variation, made with vanilla, cinnamon and almonds.

Chef Miguel Hernandez is at the stove serving up hearty dishes, such as Apocalypto Breakfast Torta and the "Hangover" Breakfast. The torta is a Mexican-style sandwich, layered with organic eggs, chorizo, cheese, tomato and bacon, then topped with avocado and bean spread. Tortillas, another staple of Mexican cuisine, are served with the "Hangover" Breakfast, along with home fries, peppers, onions, chorizo, cheese and eggs. For dessert, try a Cancun smoothie, one of several to choose from featuring seasonal fruit.

bloody mary at fogo de chao in Jacksonville

Bartender at Fogo de chao in Jacksonville

FOGO DE CHÃO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE, 4784 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville

For a Brazilian-inspired brunch, Fogo de Chão is the place to be. In Brazil, Sunday is the most popular day to celebrate with family and friends. General Manager and head gaucho Marcio Welter brings his passion for hospitality, the gaucho tradition he was raised in, to the dining experience at Fogo. For a regional libation, start with a Caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink, made with cachaça (rum made from sugarcane), sugar and lime, or try a passion fruit mimosa or Brazilian-spiced Bloody Mary.

The drinks all go well with the Pão de Queijo Egg Bake. Using Fogo’s traditional gluten-free cheese bread (pao de queijo) as the base, this casserole is a savory bread pudding, baked with eggs, asparagus, broccoli, sweet peppadew peppers and cheese. Fogo‘s dessert offerings include Bolo de Fubá, a sweet cornmeal cake that is a breakfast staple in Brazil, topped with caramelized banana whipped cream.