Softly toasted nine-grain bread topped with thinly sliced avocado and a mild jalapeño pico with a hint of fresh cilantro. Add two sunnyside up, runny eggs and deliciously salty everything bagel seasoning and you’ve got the perfect anyday brunch.
Hold off on the hot cup of Joe; this deserves a shot of tequila.
You’ll want the sweet and fresh “berrymosa” to go with the house favorite griddled Monte Cristo twist, oozing with strawberry cream cheese given a sweet boost with fresh blueberries and strawberries.
If you’re a fan of everyday brunch or prefer more than just salty snacks with your day drinking, DiBella’s Brunch N’ Booze could soon become your favorite destination.
DiBella’s, 9630 N. Oracle Road in the space that had been home to FireTruck Brewing Company, had its grand opening Feb. 28, seven months after the brewery closed.
Owner Calye DiBella of Picture Rocks knew the space well. She worked for several years as general manager for FireTruck Brewing and its predecessor, Growlers USA.
She took the opportunity to take over the space by capitalizing on the growing popularity of brunch instead of the brewery route. And as a mother of five, operating a restaurant that closes at 3 p.m. was more parent-friendly.
Having booze on the menu brings additional business, but DiBella admits she was “on the fence”; she’s not a drinker.
The non-traditional scratch menu is creative and expansive, as is the craft beer and cocktail menu that features domestic and craft beers on tap.
DiBella said she and her sister-in-law are the mixologists. She takes her time experimenting with boozey beverage blends at home and when going out with family, picking out individual syrups and taps for a fun and flavorful drink.
“Cocktails come easy,” she said.
But the restaurant is not just for day drinking. It’s for everyone – kids included.
Picky eaters are no issue for DiBella’s. Her recipes are nifty and kid-friendly, coming from family recipes her mother and grandmother crafted growing up– but with her own twist.
Take her Apple of My Stack pancakes: Baked cinnamon apples top two Belgium pancakes drizzled with caramel sauce and whipped cream then dusted with crushed walnuts.
The menu also features go-to kid-friendly burgers and fries, and SB&J pancakes with peanut butter and jelly.
Prices range from $10-$20 and vegan and gluten free options are available.
Darrin Pierce, DiBella’s landlord, said that he is “very optimistic” the restaurant will succeed.
DiBella said she plans to modify hours and menu items this summer.
DiBella’s Brunch N’ Booze is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
