Start Your Day in North Central Massachusetts

By Chris Coyle

Breakfast trends continue to evolve, with diners seeking nutrient-rich dishes, savory alternatives to sugar-laden meals, and locally sourced ingredients. North Central Massachusetts restaurants are embracing these changes with creative menus that go beyond traditional breakfast fare.

The Gardner Ale House

serves Sunday Downtown Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Some interesting dishes on their online menu include breakfast burrito, avocado toast, brewers breakfast, the hangover helper burger and the rather extravagant-sounding chili maple, chicken and waffles. Kro’s on the Common in Templeton serves breakfast Thursday through Sunday. They are closed Monday–Wednesday. The big burrito, salmon avocado bagel and steak & cheese hash brown stack are among their breakfast offerings. Their menu notes certain entrees are gluten free or may be modified to be vegetarian. A mason jar parfait is one of several items offered for a lighter fare.

Marty’s Corner Café & Deli

at Devens offers breakfast Monday through Saturday. A mouth-watering breakfast entrée is the acai bowl with berries, fruit, local granola, shredded coconut, honey, and even chocolate. The breakfast panini with its folded egg, bacon, jam, American cheese, red onion, and smashed avocado is sure to offer a flavorful combination of ingredients. Other exciting offerings include breakfast tacos, the s’mores sugar waffle, and something called Creme Bruleegel– which is described on the menu as a “bagel with cream cheese, topped with sugar and torched to glass-like sugar perfection.”

Cozy Corner Coffee Shoppe

in Fitchburg serves breakfast Tuesday through Saturday.This classic New England diner on Lunenburg Streethas earned a loyal following for its generous portions,reasonable prices, and welcoming atmosphere. Reviewersrave about the omelettes and waffles, while daily specialskeep the menu fresh for regulars. With a warm, homeyvibe and attentive staff, it’s the kind of neighborhood spotwhere, as more than one visitor has noted, you come in asa stranger and leave feeling like family.North Central Massachusetts’ strong agriculturalheritage makes it a region where fresh, quality foodmatters. These four establishments represent just asampling of the breakfast dining options throughoutthe area.For a complete guide to restaurants and diningexperiences, explorevisitnorthcentral.com.