Not many options in Gent for a remotely American style breakfast, so we were happy to come upon Bodega's on our walk from the center of town to the train station. As of November, 2018 the place has been open for two years. The energetic and kind host welcomed us in, and we sat at a pleasant two-top with a view of the boulevard and passers-by.
Eggs Benedict was listed as a house specialty, so we gave it a try. At €9, it was a little small (only half the size of a typical Benedict. More aptly named "Egg Benedict," it comes with just one egg, a single strip of bacon, and perfectly sauteed spinach on a single hearty piece of toast) - but the flavors were excellent. Instead of the usual hollandaise used in the US, which I find a bit bland, Bodega's serves a richer bechamel. This worked wonderfully.
We also shared a €7.50 Greek yogurt and granola. Note that granola in Europe means a slightly different cereal- more like what we call muesli. Toasted and nicely flavored rolled oats with nuts and a bit of dried fruit, but without the clusters we typically see. It's quite tasty and similar to granola, but less crunchy. Good value.
Coffee was typical European excellent. We had cafe con leche (coffee with milk). One of those will wake you right up.
Total cost was €22. Not much more than we'd pay at a cafe at home, but far higher quality.
Four stars; a great score by my standard. read more