It is so close to me, in physical proximity---AND YET---feels so far away from my daily thoughts, yearnings, and gastric rumblings.
The food is serviceable---they have many items (too many)---the place is not offensive to you, or me in terms of its minimalist but cutesy warmth. Unless inoffensiveness itself causeth offense.
The problem is a distinct lack of love. (You know what a "lack of love" is at breakfast? It's the same useless portion of unsightly fruit that "brightens" the corner of a plate--more out of sheepish obligation then intent---that you have eaten at every brunch restaurant missing a sense of purpose and commitment.)
The food's not bad---it's just not committed. A & U (e.g.) has commitment in their food and this review is for people who understand this without my having to explain what a good restaurant should make by hand, how often the specials need to change, how many menu items is too many, what good ingredients look like etc...
EXCEPT: THE PANCAKE is regularly excellent! (how could I forget the pancake? Maybe because it is drowning amongst its mediocre brethren? If they know how to make such a nice pancake---they should know to chop the menu in half, and make everything taste as good as this pancake! N.B. I tacked a third star up there just for that cake, if you don't order the cake, you are eating at a ** restaurant in my opinion.)