BEST AMERICAN PANCAKES IN GENEVA

A BRUNCH TO BRIGHTEN YOUR MOOD DURING THE COVID SLUMP!

by Alana Dunsmore

So much of life revolves around food, even more so now that our lives are shrinking again because of COVID. We love a good brunch – nothing cheers you up like a good brunch. In Geneva it’s sometimes hard to find a brunch that resembles what you get back home in North America, and if you do, it’s not always very healthy.

For me a good brunch means quality, quantity and healthy food. (OK, with a side order of crispy bacon)! We got super excited in our home, when we heard about a new brunch spot in Geneva, featuring American pancakes. The restaurant in Eaux-vives is aptly called MOOD Coffee and Food and it serves up a super yummy brunch with healthy, quality ingredients – just what the doctor ordered during the COVID mood slump!

THE CREATORS BEHIND MOOD

Angelique, the owner, calls herself a ‘food trotter’ or traveller, as well as having managed a restaurant for 10 years. Angelique’s dream was to have her own restaurant to propose healthy, delicious, and handmade meals. A year ago, she met a young ambitious chef who had great and creative ideas. So, they decided to collaborate and open MOOD.

THE VENUE

The restaurant is located close to the tram lines 12 and 17 on Place des Eaux-Vives. The restaurant is bright, understated and spacious – perfect for self-distancing. They serve brunch and lunch. If you prefer take-aways, everything can be bought to take home or to the office. There also is a small outdoor seating area.

WHAT IS ON THE BRUNCH MENU?

There are lots of choices beyond American pancakes. Everything looked so delicious, but my partner and I had to go for the pancakes, obviously!

L’ Américain Pancake
Le Banane Pancake
Fresh Tomato Tartines
Banofee
Plus a delicious cappuccino and latte

CRISPY BACON – AMERICAN DINER-STYLE!

My husband couldn’t resist the American pancake because it comes with bacon and I had a bit of food envy but luckily, I got a taste! He’s definitely our resident connoisseur of a good American Pancake (since he makes them regularly at home) and he thought this was a pretty good copy! While the tomato chutney is not part of a traditional American pancake, it added a nice, different flavour. The real star of the show was the thick, crispy yummy bacon! He said it was just like you would get at an American diner.

I had the banana pancake which was delicious as well. The pancakes were topped with fresh fruit which made the whole meal look so scrumptious! The pancakes come with agave syrup which is also tasty but it’s sweet, so if you don’t like really sweet things, pour lightly.

I know what you’re thinking…pancakes and bacon, not that healthy, but I have to say the ingredients are fresh, the portions reasonable, and definitely not heavy or greasy. You get the taste, without the guilt!

We also had to try the tartines, because they sounded so good. The tomato tartines included wholewheat bread, cherry tomatoes, avocado, mozzarella, and balsamic cream. We ordered one to share. This did not disappoint.

COVID-FRIENDLY BRUNCH

The owners take COVID measures very seriously. The whole time we were there all staff members wore masks. They also used hand sanitiser and gloves, while handling food. We did go early to try and avoid lots of people, but at the time of our visit everything felt very COVID safe.

COST

L’ Américain Pancake 18CHF
Le Banane Pancake 11CHF
Fresh Tomato Tartine 10CHF
Banofee 8CHF
Orange Juice 5.5CHF
Cappuccino 4.9CHF
Latte 6CHF

OUR VERDICT

We’ll be back – If for any other reason than the yummy, satisfying crispy bacon! It would be perfect for a family brunch or meeting a friend for a casual coffee and mid-afternoon snack!

Plus, we have to return to try the Eggs Benedict!