Avoca-Dos and Don’ts
Avocado toast has become a staple for millennials, soccer moms, and, unfortunately, elitist pricks. A simple #avocadotoast search on Instagram will land you over 1.7 million hits. Avocado toast takes many forms; people enjoy it diced, sliced, and spread with toppings stacked so high you have to play “eye spy” just to spot a sliver of that marvelous green fruit. The “avocado craze” that we’ve been stuck in for the better half of the 2010s has also received its fair share of criticism. Many argue that two slices of bread with avocado should not be reserved solely for those who can afford it. Data reviewed by TIME Magazine found that avocado toast prices range anywhere from $2-$18, with an average price of $7. While this may not sound like much initially, it adds up over time, especially if you're as obsessed as I am. However, I believe that you should be able to enjoy your fancy little toast without breaking the bank.
ANGELA VASISHTA // FLAT HAT MAGAZINE
While avocado toast may be more commonly associated with Williamsburg, Brooklyn than Williamsburg, Virginia, I still held out hope that our quaint city would offer something worth talking about. Since beginning my college journey, I have been on the prowl for avocado toast that surpasses my own recipe. During my quest, I visited three local restaurants and assessed their toast on four qualities: price, serving size, taste, and presentation. I have recorded my findings below.
First Watch
The first stop on my toast hunt was First Watch. Just a five-minute drive from campus, First Watch is the perfect occasional weekend brunch spot. The thick, whole grain toast contained a beautiful mosaic of oats and the avocado-to-bread ratio was just right. Unfortunately, the dish lacked textural diversity. The absence of the quintessential crunch I expect from toast ultimately dulled the rest of the dish and left me disappointed. The textural blandness was redeemed slightly by the hint of lemon and flaky salt which assisted in enhancing the overall flavour palette. The two basted eggs were a fine addition, but they were plain and did not contribute much to the dish as a whole. I also have to dock points for price. Coming in at $11.43, this toast was the most expensive option out of the three restaurants I visited. First Watch had the most stripped down version of avocado toast. There was nothing exciting about it, but it is a safe choice nonetheless if you’re looking for a brunch option on the healthier side.
Score: 6/10 avocados
Tipsy Beans
My second stop was Tipsy Beans and let’s be honest, this place isn't known for its artisanal avocado toast. The coffee and wine bar is one of the newest additions to the Williamsburg restaurant scene and has gained popularity among younger crowds seeking a unique dining venue. Unfortunately, the only descriptor that came to mind upon ordering their avocado toast is, bland. The bread was thin and flavorless, the avocados were sad and the only “novel” factor was the flecks of chili pepper which added the slightest hint of spice. The menu’s description claimed that lemon was included in the toast, but my taste buds would say otherwise. For $8, the small serving size and underwhelming flavors left me unlikely to order their toast again. While my visit left me feeling uninspired, if you're above the age of 21 and looking for a “tipsy” treat, why not try this unique experience (maybe just don’t order the toast).
Score: 3/10 avocados
Lokal Cafe
The last and most conveniently located place I visited was Lokal Cafe. Just a stone's throw from campus in Colonial Williamsburg, this ended my hunt for the perfect toast on a high note. Lokal’s toast was undoubtedly the most original-tasting of the bunch and included flavour-filled twists and turns I did not expect. I could have eaten the vegan sourdough toast on its own, but it complemented the avocado and symphony of spices beautifully. The house-made za’atar spice blend meant that there was never a dull moment from the first to very last bite. The “wow” moment for me, however, was the hummus spread. Sandwiched between the sourdough and avocado slices, the hummus was an element I didn’t expect to work, but the garlic and chickpea were the perfect sidekick to the avocado’s subtle sweetness. At $6.45, this was also the most affordable toast of the bunch, and I was left feeling physically and emotionally nourished. While the price point may prohibit you from visiting Lokal on a daily basis, it still makes for a great occasional weekend treat. I would also recommend their oat milk latte while you're at it!
Score: 9/10 avocados
My personal recipe
Now for the pièce de résistance, the moment I know all of you have been waiting for: my thoughtfully manufactured, flavourful, simple-yet-nourishing take on avocado toast. Of course, all good recipes require a story, and this toast is no exception. I hopped onto the avocado bandwagon after one fateful encounter at Le Pain Quotidien in New York City. Remember the scene from “Ratatouille” when Remy eats the cheese and grapes and his whole world subsequently erupts in color? My “aha” moment wasn’t too far off from that. The hunt for a more perfect version of that toast became a mission for me and my mom. Our search became a source of bonding for us in the kitchen. We were like mad scientists trying to find the perfect balance of flavours. Finally, after much trial and error, we had done it.
The toasted crust of the thickly-cut wheat bread and its modestly olive oil-soaked center combined with the generous avocado spread provide textural contrasts, ensuring that no bite is boring. The dichotomous sourness and sweetness of the lemon also demand to be heard. Lastly, you’ll find a layer of chia seeds sprinkled over the avocados which contain large amounts of fibre, protein, and essential antioxidants. One added benefit of this recipe is that it costs significantly less than any of the restaurants listed above, only about $2 for two slices. The entire recipe takes less than five minutes from prep to plate, so you're saving time and money all while making delicious memories along the way.
ELLIE KURLANDER // FLAT HAT MAGAZINE
Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
White or wheat bread
1 tsp. Olive oil
Half an avocado
½ tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Chia seeds
Directions:
Take two thickly-sliced pieces of white or wheat bread
Toast in a traditional toaster for 2 mins until browned
Spread a teaspoon of olive oil on toast until the entire surface is saturated
Thinly slice half an avocado and use as a spread on the toast
Add ½ tbsp of lemon juice overtop avocado
Include dime-sized amount of salt and pepper to taste
Sprinkle a generous serving of chia seeds on top
(Optional) Feel free to fry an egg or add your choice of hot sauce to give your toast that extra kick
Score (in my completely unbiased opinion): 1000/10 avocados
