In its list of the Best New Brunches to Try in Washington, DC, Eater DC has highlighted eateries that have just unveiled their brunch menus in the past few months. Among the restaurants on the list was one in Montgomery County, Maryland.
On Friday, December 6, 2024, Elena James All Day, a lively addition to the Chevy Chase dining scene, formally opened for dinner service. In mid-December 2024, the cafe section for breakfast and lunch followed. Located in the Chevy Chase Lake neighborhood at 8551 Connecticut Ave, this all-day concept was created by restaurateurs Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, who are also well-known for their restaurants Opal and Nina May in D.C.
On Saturdays and Sundays, Elena James All Day provides a well respected brunch service from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. From traditional breakfast fare like their Elena James Breakfast Sammy, which consists of scrambled eggs, hashbrown, American cheese, and hot sauce, to heartier alternatives like the Steak + Egg Sammy on ciabatta, the brunch menu offers a wide variety of selections. Other well-liked options include the Classic Diner Breakfast, Avocado Breakfast Toast, and Bagel + Lox.
In addition to breakfast options, the menu offers a selection of salads like the Romaine Caesar and Gabagool Chopped Italian, as well as sandwiches like the Fried Chicken Sandwich and Steak + Cheese that can also be served as rice bowls. Customers can add sides like steak-cut fries, fresh fruit, or hashbrowns to go with their entrée. A notable aspect of their brunch is the availability of unlimited brunch cocktails for two hours for a cost of $24 per person, or à la carte options such as Aperol Spritz, seasonal mimosas, standard mimosas, and espresso martinis made at the table. The quality of their food is regularly praised by reviewers, who specifically highlight the lemon ricotta pancakes and biscuits.
The restaurant also features a market area next to the cafe where customers may buy freshly produced pasta, baked products, sauces, and prepared foods. You can find Eater DC’s complete brunch list here.
