Brunch staples in Sayville

This cozy haven in Sayville, tucked back at 32 Foster Avenue, serves savory, homemade brunch food from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Owner and cook Michelle Panciarello officially opened Brunch this weekend with colleagues, cook /manager Heather Flaherty and hostess/manager Brianne Bailey.

Five offerings are on the daily menu, including All Day Sammie (local free-range eggs, sausage patty, aged cheddar cheese with hot sauce on the side on a house-made biscuit) and Brown Butter Hoe Cakes (two grilled corn cakes topped with butter and grape syrup). On the Weekly Specials Menu, available Saturday and Sunday, are six dishes, including Greek Omelet (local organic free-range eggs, feta cheese, spinach with side of morning hash), Crème Brulée French Toast, and Flight of the Week (house-made mini biscuits with local butters and jams).

The interior’s seating for 12—some on stools by its long front window ledge, some tables—has a magical, arty vibe (“If we had a theme, it would be bumblebees,” said Panciarello). It’s accented with bumblebee knobs here, a bumblebee painting there. There’s a spectacular garnet-colored wall with 50 small paintings, some original, some prints of her dog, as well as Frida Kahlo, Anthony Bourdain, Jeff Goldberg, Alice in Wonderland. “All artwork from my bedroom,” said Panciarello. Vases of flowers are present, shelves with coffee pressers abound, and there are candles for sale.

There are nine coffee drinks, one tea.

Panciarello leased the space for one year, then purchased it two years ago, renovating the space and getting permits. She credits Islip Town councilman John Lorenzo with help.

Panciarello, who hails from Bay Shore, was taking a ride with her dad when he pointed to the space in a serendipitous moment. “It was an animal clinic at the time,” she said of the location. “I just lost my dog and was looking for a space, and my dad said it would be a great brunch location.”

Good Morning Bellport flower popup and event owners Fabian Bernal and Justin Van Fleet were at their soft opening Saturday with 1-year old son, Oliver. “It’s such a great resource,” Bernal said. “There aren’t a lot of daily brunch places open. Also, it’s woman-owned and operated. Michelle told us that they looked at TikTok designs for three years to get their look, so they’re doing it with a lot of passion. She’s also a businesswoman who caters to the community.”

The women here are warm, accommodating, and skilled. Think big, warm hug with food.

Panciarello also has a catering truck business for a dozen years, Eat Me, Drink Me Inc. (Brunch is its brainchild) and Graze Sayville, offering appetizers and set-ups.

Owned by a woman, run by women. Woo! Hoo! Brunch can be found online at www.brunchsayville.com. Phone: 631-319-1556.