619262 Tue May 12 09:58:49 -0700 2009 11 12 Boston Area 0 4676796 We enjoyed a delicious brunch on Sunday morning at Masa, and as others have mentioned here, not only was it tasty, but it was a delicious value as well. If you dine btwn 10:30-11:30 on Sunday (or all morning on Sat, up until 3, when they stop serving brunch) you can choose from a variety of specials for just $7.95. That includes a little starter dish (i had an empanada stuffed w/carmelized bananas and a cinnamon cream cheese, really good); your main course, and your coffee or tea.And it's good coffee! Plus they bring a bread basket with blue and yellow corn bread, served with flavored butters and jams. All good! I enjoyed the "southwestern" eggs benedict, served on a biscuit with chunks of avocado and a flavorful hollandaise; the eggs were cooked perfectly (always a pet peeve of mine when they're overdone) and overall the dish was excellent. My DC had the decadent french toast ---really over-the-top deep fried french toast battered with nuts and set atop a caramel sauce. More a dessert than a brunch item in my book, but that didn't stop her (or me!) from eating it! Again, really good. The french toast is not one of the prix-fixe options, but it was just a few dollars more, so still reasonably priced. The place was packed when we walked in just 10 minutes after opening (10:40) so clearly the secret is out. Service was very attentive. I've been to Masa for dinner and thought it was just ok --I think they are sometimes overly ambitious and a bit too pricey, so I would probably choose to sit at the bar and have drinks and tapas vs. sitting down for a meal there --but I was truly pleasantly surprised at brunch. I'll definitely be back ! Tue May 12 09:58:49 -0700 2009 11805 twentyoystahs 1 4676817 Very interesting. We ate here years ago - at dinner and found it to be over-priced and disappointing. The brunch sounds wonderful. I love the meal (brunch) but do not like buffets (generally), so ordering off a menu like this is very appealing. BTW - for archival purposes, we should remind future readers that they Sunday you refer to was Mothers' Day. Tue May 12 10:05:32 -0700 2009 4676796 103052 bgavin 1 4676892 This is really good to hear. I had the eggs benedict a while back- maybe last Spring? and thought it was awful-flavorless, dry biscuit. A really terrible meal. That was the topper on a several experiences there- each worse than the last. Maybe this is a sign that they are improving again? Tue May 12 10:25:32 -0700 2009 4676796 180029 fmcoxe6188 1 4676932 Was this the Woburn or South End Masa? Last time I went to S.End one I was less than impressed (probably a year ago or more). A dinner at the Woburn one about a month ago was really good and I know I will be back soon. Tue May 12 10:37:29 -0700 2009 4676796 13036 SEH 1 4677294 I had brunch at the Woburn Masa about a month ago. I thought it was pretty good and a good value. I didn't like the empanada that much, I would go with the granola or fruit instead. Tue May 12 12:28:02 -0700 2009 4676796 57215 junior coyote 2 4678535 For clarification, it was the original south end location, and yes, it was on Mother's Day. I agree about dinner; I was there a few months ago (had a gift certificate to use) and also found it disappointing and yes, overpriced. I think I had a tuna dish that overly spiced and in general not all that special. And it wasn't cheap at close to $30, I think. Since I had the gift certificate that didn't grate on my nerves as much as it would have otherwise, but still....that's why I was so very pleasantly surprised by brunch. Highly recommend it for that meal. Tue May 12 19:20:37 -0700 2009 4677294 11805 twentyoystahs 1 4679329 Fecalface had a similar brunch a few weeks back at the Woburn location. Fecal also ordered the empanada and the eggs benedict. Fecal thought the empanada was over the top but very enjoyable - deep fried, super sweet and fairly heavy. The eggs benedict were exactly as you described, certainly a more interesting take than most. Fecal also loved the complimentary bread. The cornbread was fresh and hot, and the three spreads were all excellent. Fecal preferred what he recalls was the molasses butter (there was also an apricot spread, as well as a chipotle cranberry one that was not memorable). Fecalface's DCs ordered the other two egg dishes, but fecal found them to be far less exciting than the eggs benedict. Overall, this may be the best brunch value around. Wed May 13 06:47:13 -0700 2009 4676796 41620 fecalface 1 4679351 Now you've done it! I've been going here for years and found it ranging from good to great - and an excellent value. It was difficult enough to get a table and now it will be impossible. For variety, another brunch place with very good food and at a reasonable price is Union. Wed May 13 06:52:44 -0700 2009 4676796 155034 alwayscooking 2 4679410 Fyi - for those in the 'burbs, the Woburn location was dead when fecalface went on a weekend. Isn't people watching one of the things people pay big rent for in the South End? Fecal is trying to be an optimist. Wed May 13 07:16:00 -0700 2009 4679351 41620 fecalface 1 5158048 I have been to brunch at the Woburn location and it was fantastic. We went early one Saturday morning and found the $8 2 course and coffee value to be excellent. I had the eggs benedict which was good, nice spicy twist on the original, and the granola, which was...granola. Also had the latin Bellini which was great. I'll definitely go back. The only downside was that there were lots of families with small kids so it was a little bit of a zoo. I wouldn't walk in there thinking it was a family restaurant given the menu, decor and vibe, but I guess that's what you get on Saturday morning in the burbs. Thu Nov 05 08:54:24 -0800 2009 4676796 189965 MenuPorn 2 5158603 I live across the street from Masa (SE) so we find ourselves here a lot. I also love the burger for brunch and they truly have the been bloody mary I've ever had. I know I'm going to regret my next question, but fecalface what is with the 3rd person referencing?? Thu Nov 05 11:38:54 -0800 2009 5158048 1107672 MParente 3 5160454 ha ha MenuPorn didn't catch that, but is very amused by your question. My DC had the bloody mary and said it was nice and spicy. Fri Nov 06 06:24:23 -0800 2009 5158603 189965 MenuPorn