I decided to go here on a whim, whilst I was browsing Google Maps for breakfast places near my location. This place was suggested to me; then I remembered I had seen the name before. So I made up my mind then and there, on the drop of a hat and toss of a coin. Famous Toastery (of Ashburn), you and I have to dance - if only just this once. So I set the scene, ambiance, and type of dance music - all without further ado.
Well that, and in all honesty I was rather famished at that point. Judging by the time I took photos and also corroborated by the timestamp on the included receipt, I came here around half past 10. So not a mighty old time for breakfast, dare I say brunch; I would say it is within the sweet spot of what one can tolerate.
I recognized the area as near One Loudoun - this is my go-to spot to catch movies, and I've been to the Burger 21 right around the corner. I parallel-parked in a reserved spot outside; easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
I requested table for one; got seated at a table of two adjoining the wall, which was fine as I understand that vast majority of sit-down places aren't familiar with the concept of one-chair tables. I have no concerns, apart from perhaps minor awkwardness on my part.
I received quick and snappy service all throughout, and was pleasantly surprised. I got drinks out of the way first; didn't even hesitate, as I'd read through a cool and insightful review on the way. Fresh-squeezed Orange Juice, thou hast made the list. Check and check, hold the check please.
Once that was out the way, I asked for breakfast favorites (the wording I used was "popular") - and boy, was I not disappointed.
I've attached photos, but essentially I got the rundown on the Eggs Benedicts first. Classic I think is the go-to choice; and Country said to be fattier and ostensibly less heart-healthy, which scared me a little as I wasn't feeling like anything heavy, for Benedict's sake.
Founders Favorites: the first (adding spicy chorizo), the second with a ton more calories, and the circled one which is also a quite popular dish.
And that's really about it. I distinctly recall ordering the Classic, but memory might have failed me; that, or the ears upon which my words fell did. I won't cast needless blame, to be honest both words sound similar - they start with the same letter, for Benedict's sake! OK, last breakfast joke, I promise. I only have one in the barrel at any rate; then I'll need to refill my humor gauge after.
So it ended up being Country for me, though I didn't realize it until much later. Whilst waiting, I Googled best egg cooking styles. Soft Scrambled and Poached topped the list; oh and what's that, little bird, some bloke called G. Ramsey is a huge fan of the former. I say sign me up, with a cherry on top; actually, hold the cherry, I've first got to check with the waitress if it's possible to go w/ one of each; me and this indecisive nature of mine. Really, I am glad to know this one "checks out"; oh, and do kindly hold the check, alongside the cherry if you please. For the side: choice of potatoes, grits, and fruit. I had no idea on which fruit, but I'm a fan of anything potato; sign me up, please and thanks.
I had a couple sips of the OJ while I waited for my one dish. It simply was sublime, and hit the spot. I had thought the review was overly enthusiastic; now after trying it I've changed my mind. Freshly squeezed heaven in a glass, all I gotta say.
It took close to an hour by my estimation for the EB to arrive. I really didn't mind, I spent most of the time listening to themed holiday music in the background. My food arrived a while later. I forgot to snap photos, but I *was* rather hungry at that point; I just unrolled fork and knife, and dug right in.
The Poached egg - simply mar-VUH-louse. The creamy country sauce on top was pretty good. I liked the yolk out-spilling from the egg. It mixed well, made for interesting flavors. The Soft Scrambled egg was good, but I remember not tasting it as much. The Ham was a tad too salty for me, and overpowering; that should not be so. The potatoes were right on point; nothing spectacular, but they were pretty decent for a breakfast side.
Dish, 4.5/5. Drink, 5/5. Service, meh.
Also, there's a QR code to scan on the receipt, which I got alongside my dish; so one can pay on the phone, to save some time. I realized I like the idea. Contactless payment, and gives me a reason to bust out Apple Pay.
One last remark. Judging from photo timestamps, I left around 2; that would indicate I spent over 3 hours here. Again, not sure how to interpret that, but I'll just chalk it up to my first time here, paired w/ an unusually long wait due to a busy time. I understand not all beggars can be choosers of course, so will let it slide; the breakfast I had was more than good enough to make up for it.
As I said, this won't be the last time I swing by. We shalt dance once again, one fair day - you and I, Famous Toastery (of Ashburn)!