(Credit: Erica Kritt)
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It's even more sketch when you realize those people are a group of new hires reviewing a sexual harassment video. Maybe the dining room isn't the greatest place for learning when "no means no."
Eventually the TV was put away and the employee training continued, but in a less obvious manner.
First Watch, at the Old Court Centre in Pikesville, is the Florida chain's first restaurant in Maryland. The well-oiled machine, similar to an IHOP, Chili's or Friday's, offers a variety of classic food at very reasonable prices.
Unlike those other sit-down chains, First Watch only serves breakfast and lunch, and is only open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hence the name, First Watch -- a nautical term for the first shift.
Like the name, the decor of the restaurant isn't all that original. It's reminiscent of your Uncle Morty and Aunt Frieda's minimally decorated beach condo in Boca Raton. Although, the light wood paneling, muted colors and framed images of fruit and vegetables aren't quite as offensive as the baskets full of fake grass cluttered throughout the restaurant.
It took a couple of minutes for our waitress to approach, but once she did, things got rolling quickly. We ordered immediately and our food arrived within five minutes, and our check five minutes after that, which was maybe a little too quick for the check. If I didn't know better, I'd think our waitress wanted us out of there, and fast!
The menu is divided into three categories: breakfast, brunch and lunch.
The restaurant has a variety of unique egg dishes, like crepeggs -- the delectable union of eggs and crepe ($6.29). There's also a breakfast chimichanga called the chickichanga ($6.59). Despite these offerings, I ordered the bacado, an omelet with avocado, cheese and bacon ($6.59), because what's breakfast without bacon?
Dish: The bacado with breakfast potatoes and a buttered English muffin was satisfying. (I couldn't eat for the rest of the day I was so full!) There are many menu items that look really interesting and unique, plus you can never have enough breakfast.
Damage: My bacado was $6.59, and a small orange juice was $1.79. (A small is only about 8-oz., but at least it wasn't watered down.) My total came to $8.80, and my friend got the Floridian French toast -- sourdough bread topped with sliced bananas, kiwi and strawberries -- which came to $8.17. For two people, $16.97 ain't bad.
Decision: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at First Watch you could get three complete breakfasts for less than $20 (if you're cheap, and don't get a drink or leave a tip). I'll be back, as long as I can wake up early enough.
