First Watch introduces a fresh appearance, a renewed philosophy, and an exciting new approach to breakfast and lunch.
First Watch’s daytime dining experience has been revamped with a fresh new appearance, a new set of values, and an innovative approach to dining. The popular restaurant has undergone a complete transformation, bringing in a new ethos and a modern outlook to their menu. The new look and feel of First Watch promises to provide a fabulous dining experience for their customers.
The popular breakfast place has undergone a major transformation that even the Witness Protection Program would be impressed by. It is almost unrecognizable from its previous version that your father may have known. While First Watch may always be a favorite among senior citizens, I recently noticed a number of young adults in their twenties taking TikTok videos and posing for their phone cameras during my recent visits. This classic daytime cafe now exudes a confident attitude, thanks to its new location in desirable Winter Park and its “urban farm” vibe, complete with a charming patio area and a 360-degree indoor-outdoor seating. And let’s not forget about their fancy new breakfast cocktails. Who would have thought?
The location is always lively, regardless of the day. We were fortunate enough to secure a table outside on a beautiful and bustling Sunday afternoon. The friendly hosts at the entrance kept the spirits of the waiting customers high. I couldn’t help but smile, especially after taking a bite of the chickichanga ($11.79). The flour tortilla is filled with chicken, scrambled eggs, chorizo, and avocado, but surprisingly, it is not fried. The newly opened First Watch restaurant does not use deep fryers in their kitchen, so the cheesy roll is not as heavy as a traditional chimi. The addition of green chilies and sauteed onions adds depth to the dish, but even with a topping of Veracruz sauce and sour cream, it does not feel too heavy. It is served with a side of fresh fruit and seasoned potatoes, although some of the potatoes were more firm than fluffy.
The lemon ricotta pancakes were incredibly fluffy, priced at $10.69. The are my husband’s favorite thing to get at First Watch. The batter, made with multigrain, is enriched with whipped ricotta cheese before being cooked on the griddle. They are irresistible and could easily be consumed every morning for breakfast, especially with the addition of fresh strawberries and creamy lemon curd.
The plate of savory sauce, biscuits, eggs and potatoes was incredibly tempting. When I checked the menu, I discovered that it had 70 less calories than the pancakes. Without hesitation, I helped myself to a few bites and washed it down with a sip of the “morning meditation” ($4.49) – a combination of orange, lemon, and beet juice infused with organic ginger and turmeric. For those who prefer, it can be spiked with New Amsterdam’s gluten-free vodka, just like the kale tonic ($4.49) which is a mix of Fuji apple juice, cucumber, and lemon.
During our lunch visit, we had the opportunity to try out First Watch’s prototype flagship location, which features a separate takeout entrance and a fully equipped kitchen. The entire process, from placing our order online to picking it up, was seamless. The food was carefully packaged and the containers were sturdy. The Parmesan-crusted sourdough roast beef and horseradish-havarti sandwich ($10.29) and the “elevated” egg sandwich with gruyere, smashed avocado, and their signature “million dollar bacon” ($10.99) were even more satisfying because of its packaging. The “million dollar bacon” is made with hardwood-smoked bacon, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, and maple syrup. For an additional $5.49, you can add four slabs of this delicious bacon to your order, which will also add 530 calories to your meal.
As I age, I have come to truly value restaurants that promote a healthy lifestyle. First Watch has made a conscious effort to revamp their company and menu to align with this ethos. Even subconsciously, as I pass by their marquee on North Orlando Avenue, I realize I could do better, but I just can’t stop eating here. I happily pull into the parking lot at least twice a week.
Now if I could only get my husband a job there for the employee discount, that would be something!