There's nothing more pleasant than a leisurely summertime brunch outside, with a balmy breeze and good friends. That's why I was so excited that Caiola's opened for Sunday brunch beginning on May 11-- their patio, which is sheltered back behind their restaurant behind a high fence, is a wonderful oasis in the city.

Caiola's food is always creative and fun, and the Sunday brunch we enjoyed with friends Jenn, Matt, Trent and Rebecca was no exception. Jenn and Rebecca both had the special benedict, which had fresh English peas, fiddleheads, and crabmeat. Both of them came pretty close to clearing their plates, despite the quite large portions. Matt and Trent both were feeling burgerrific and had the cheeseburger, despite the fact that it was 9:00 a.m. I'm actually always extra happy when restaurants have lunch/dinner food available for breakfast. After all, the distinction is so completely arbitrary, there's really no reason not to have a burger for breakfast. Right?

Otis also had a lunchy meal-- an oyster po'boy sandwich, with homemade potato sticks (think French's) and cole slaw. He said it was delicious, despite (presumably) not being made with Wellfleet oysters.

I had the crispy tostada, which was delicious-- deep-fried corn tortillas smothered with a black bean/chorizo mixture and fried eggs, topped with pico de gallo and sour cream and with potatoes on the side. It was also served with a tomatillo relish that hit the spot. The flavor was delicious, and although it wasn't too spice the addition of some hot sauce fixed me right up. My only complaint was the minimal amount of chorizo-- I would have preferred either more pieces mixed in with my black beans, or even a nice link grilled up on the side. Nevertheless I loved it, and it probably didn't do me any harm to have a breakfast low in pork-fat content.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, all of my readers are saying... but what about the bloody mary??? It was quite tasty, with a nice flavor, although again it could have used a little more heat. Thanks be to hot sauce!

Edited to add the same info as I put in response to a comment below: Brunch is not too expensive, although not on the cheap end-- the entrees range from 8.95 on up. Our meal was $34, which included 2 bloody marys at about $8 per, one cup of coffee, and two entrees. The prices are about comparable to Local 188, Hot Suppa, or the Front Room, but less than Bintliffs and more than the Porthole.

Caiola's: 58 Pine Street, Portland ME. 207-772-1110.