Good Taste on Melrose

If you're looking for a reliable place for brunch, head to Taste on Melrose.

Casual and cozy, Taste on Melrose offers brunch options ranging from $9 to $17. It's a cute place to take friends and family.

I went with Papa Monkey and Brother Monkey during dineLA in October. We ordered two entrees from the regular brunch menu and one three-course meal from the dineLA menu.

Breakfast panini with scrambled eggs, applewood smoked bacon, oven-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, arugula, and caramelized onions on wheat bread accompanied by rosemary garlic potatoes ($10.50).

I love breakfast sandwiches, and this was no exception. Rather hearty and packed.

Crab cake benedict, Hollandaise sauce, toasted brioche, poached eggs, rosemary garlic potatoes ($15.25).

Simultaneously unadorned and decadent. Very basic ingredients but rich and delicious.

For just $16, we got the following three items.

White truffle oil and mushroom macaroni and cheese.

Man, oh, man. This was reason enough to try the dineLA menu.

Grilled cheese sandwich with aged white cheddar, country bread, tomato dipping sauce, and organic mixed greens.

I am a cheese monster. Rawr! Not sure why they gave us ketchup. Didn't use it. But I savored the tomato dipping sauce. Really made this dish.

Port poached pear tart, sweet crème fraiche.

Seemingly plain but totally perfect. Slightly crisp. Slightly sweet. Very enjoyable.

The best news? Brunch won't break the bank even when it's not dineLA season.