imagined-community

11:30 a.m. on Broadway Street in Somerville. Brunch eaters are already lined up from Sound Bites to the end of the block. It is my first time doing the Somerville brunch thing and I am astounded to find so many inexpensive and wildly popular brunch joints within walking distance of each other. Strolling up Broadway, I pass a cluster of folks congregating in front of Kelly’s Diner. Next, I hit the block long queue in front of Sound Bites. I walk a few feet and join a smaller group of diners waiting outside of the Ball Square Café. After grabbing a free mug of coffee from inside BSC, I start people watching. As far as I can tell, no one appears particularly bothered by the outdoor wait. Just the opposite, a kind of mellow, cheerful camaraderie pervades the entire scene. According to my companions, people are lined up like this rain, snow, or shine. I’m charmed. I’ve been falling in love with Somerville for some time now, and this oasis of brunch activity, which has stirred up happy memories of living in San Francisco (a city that knows how to enjoy a Sunday morning) and Madison (think Ovens of Brittany or the Fess at the height of their popularity) fuels my ardor.

We only wait 15 minutes before the host ushers us into the BSC (if you tire of the longer Sound Bites line some Sunday, definitely give the Ball Square Café a try), which is a small dining room with brick walls and faux marble tables. Cute and cozy. I am not a brunch food snob, I like brunch for the scene and the laid-back brunch conversation, but the food at the Ball Square Café is good. Lots of pancakes (special pancakes this Sunday were pumpkin pancakes - $5.95 and buckwheat pancakes with fruit - $7.95), omelets, other egg dishes, waffles, etc. Our waitress is attentive and friendly; we don’t have to ask for the check. : ) All in all, a fun way to spend a Sunday morning!