Brunch, Brought to You by the Chef in the Hat

Earlier this week, Seattlest sent you news about the boom of brunch offerings during these tough economic times, presenting us with new opportunities to enjoy excellent eateries at reduced cost.

One place we mentioned was Rover's, and we're back with more details. Chef Thierry Rautureau is tickled by the interest even before launch. Inspired by the success of his Friday lunches (which we mentioned in our write-up of the big anniversary meal at Rover's), our local Chef in the Hat will now throw open the doors on Sundays, offering brunch from 10-2 (and dinner from 5-8). "Who'da thunk Rover's would be buzzing after 21 years?" Rautureau exclaims, adding that it will be a casual affair--though we still expect some of that Rover's elegance.

We like the looks of dishes such as two poached eggs with braised pork belly, sautéed spinach and harissa hollandaise ($17) and the three-egg omelette with Maine lobster, fennel and grapefruit crème ($18)--and the upgrades to two and three-course offerings ($25 and $35, respectively, with wine pairings also possible) seem are especially enticing.

Rautureau is not only a brunch booster, but a Seattle restaurant booster as well. We like that. When we asked what and where he'd be eating if not serving up brunch on Sunday mornings, he raved about sous vide eggs at Tilth, omelettes at Crémant, and, not surprisingly, "Tom's big breakfast" at some guy named Douglas's place: Lola.