Panificio - Beacon Hill

Panificio has neighborhood charm as an Italian bakery and bistro. I am always a bit hesitant when going to places like this for the first time--especially on a Sunday during brunch among scrambling tourists. Upon entering the line to order I couldn't help but overhear a lengthy discussion between a couple of people coming to pick up take-out orders and an employee about mixing up orders. Their dilemma seemed to last for quite a while and although there wasn't a stereotypical customer dissatisfaction speech, it certainly added to my weariness since the place was packed at the register and there were no seats available--hectic, to say the least.

I ordered my huevos rancheros and a rasberry zinger and promptly waited with my number for a table to become available. Surprisingly, the wait was not that long and the food came shortly thereafter. The breakfast burrito was good, but seemed like it was missing something after the black beans, eggs, sour cream, and guacamole--I supplemented some bacon for extra cash, but still it seemed to be lacking something more. I still ponder this missing link often--was it a basic meat? Or something nontraditional to offer some obscurity to my breakfast like an outlandish seasoning? We may never know. A little sparse on the sour cream and guacamole too.

The rasberry zinger was sweet, just how I like my tea. I don't drink coffee--I'm still a child apparently. But I've heard good things about their more mature drinks. The overall meal was certainly good, but left me a little hungry and slightly overpriced at around $15. A friend of mine who lived in Beacon Hill informed me that prices are drastically lower on weekday mornings and to avoid weekend brunches when they capitalize on tourists. Duly noted.

144 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, 617 227 4340, www.panificioboston.com