Nuts About Bacon

Heather Haviland knows the value of a good, solid brunch. But she also knows the value of creativity, especially when it comes to new flavor combos. We had to try the pecan bacon ($3.95) at her latest venue, Vine & Bean Café, after overhearing every other diner ordering it up. We’ll admit, at first we were skeptical of messing with the tried-and-true breakfast staple. But once we tasted the strips (there’s three of them, plenty to share or hoard for yourself), the crushed pecan crust made us a believer. The series of sweet and salty flavors play with your senses — am I eating dessert? At noon? We paired the side dish with Haviland’s gingerbread waffles ($11.25) topped with caramel sauce, whipped cream and apples. Yeah, it’s a sweet life, and we’re happy to oblige. 12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, (216) 707-3333, vineandbeancafe.com