Breakfast at O'Rourke's. Brian O’Rourke
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Breakfast at O’Rourke’s
BREAKFAST AT
O’Rourke’s
NEW CUISINE
FROM A
CLASSIC
AMERICAN
DINER
Brian O’Rourke
Wesleyan University Press | Middletown, Connecticut
Wesleyan University Press
Middletown CT 06459
© 2015 Brian O’Rourke
Unless otherwise noted,
all photographs by Tom Hopkins
All rights reserved
Manufactured in the United States of America
Designed by Mindy Basinger Hill
Typeset in Calluna
Wesleyan University Press is a member of the Green Press Initiative. The paper used in this book meets their minimum requirement for recycled paper.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
O’Rourke, Brian, 1951–
Breakfast at O’Rourke’s: new cuisine from a classic American diner / Brian O’Rourke.
pages cm
Includes index.
ISBN 978-0-8195-7499-2 (pbk.: alk. paper)
1. Cooking, American. 2. O’Rourke’s (Restaurant) I. O’Rourke’s (Restaurant) II. Title.
TX715.0378 2015
641.5973—dc23 2014040577
5 4 3 2 1
NOTE I have tried to correctly scale the recipes in this book for the home cook. If you find any questionable quantities or instructions, please let me know at the diner, or let Wesleyan University Press know, so that we can correct the next printing.
Cover illustration: Eggs Oscar, with Fingerlings, an English Muffin and Hollandaise Sauce.
To Grandmother Noonie, and my many other family members and friends who have helped me in so many ways for so many years, and in memory of my friend and mentor, Dr. Bob Wolfe, whose guidance inspired the creation of this cookbook
Contents
Swiss, Crab, and Asparagus Omelet 26
Irish Bread Pudding French Toast 63
Irish Soda Bread French Toast 74
FRITTATAS, CHEESECAKE, AND QUICHES
Savory Breakfast Cheesecake 89
Winter: Butternut Squash Quiche 94
Spring: Asparagus and Brie Quiche 100
Summer: Tomato Basil Quiche 105
Introduction
The year was 1959. I was eight years old and a third grader at St. John’s School in Middletown, Connecticut. Little did I know that the events of that year would forever change my life.
St. John’s School is located at one of the busiest intersections in Middletown—the junction of St. John’s Square, Main Street, and Hartford Avenue. The school property actually sits at the base of the Arrigoni Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River and links Middletown with Portland, Connecticut. Hartford Avenue leads to Route 9, a major north-south artery that hugs the Connecticut River.
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