By Kathy Chouteau
Biancoverde, the Italian restaurant inside the historic Hotel Mac, added weekend brunch last weekend, giving families a fresh option for Mother’s Day plans in Point Richmond.
The restaurant’s brunch service is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Hotel Mac General Manager Desiree Heveroh, who said, “Now they have breakfast on the weekends. I’m never gonna cook again.”
Heveroh shared that Biancoverde’s owners held off on breakfast at first out of consideration for nearby Point Richmond neighborhood spots that already serve morning meals. But steady requests, especially from hotel guests inquiring about breakfast on-site, helped push the restaurant to finally move forward with brunch.
Early favorites include the Lox Luxe Benedict, which Heveroh called “phenomenal,” along with the Golden Bite Chicken & Waffles. She also singled out the restaurant’s breakfast potatoes—cooked with red and green bell peppers and a tomato-based puree—adding, “I don’t even need ketchup.”
Along with the food, the brunch roll-out includes menu items and cocktails that nod to the historic building’s past, Heveroh said. The Colonial Breakfast reflects the hotel’s onetime name, the Colonial Hotel, when it opened in 1911, while astute locals will also spot the Red Oak Victory Benedict, Rosie’s Berry Glow Waffles and the Ferry Point Omlette.
Drink-wise, the Tom & Shirley Lychee Martini is a salute to Point Richmond residents Tom Butt—the former mayor of Richmond—and his wife, Shirley. A third drink, The Desiree, is named for Heveroh, who doubles as a historian and who helped the owners with the historic menu names (see her book on Richmond history). This reporter sampled The Desiree, which consists of vodka, guava puree & fresh lime juice, and it was absolutely delicious.
On the non-alcoholic side of the coin, the Rosie the Riveter is another beverage sure to catch the eye and tastebuds of Richmond riveters. The drink is freshly squeezed with carrot, orange and beet juice.
Heveroh said she has also been trading ideas with owner Blanca Zepeda as the brunch menu takes shape at Biancoverde: “I told Blanca…I want to see a Crab Cake Benedict.” The restaurant is a family affair that is also owned by Zepeda’s husband Juvenal Magna. The couple also operate the popular Mexican eatery Mi Casa Grill at 12056 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond.
Biancoverde describes itself as a contemporary Italian dining experience rooted in the heritage of Hotel Mac, with Italian cuisine “crafted from scratch with fresh, high-quality ingredients” under Executive Chef Fabio Bucio.
The restaurant is located inside Hotel Mac in Point Richmond and takes reservations by phone at (510) 374-6511. Weekend brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 8 a.m.
Find Biancoverde at the Hotel Mac, 50 Washington Ave. in Point Richmond. Online ordering is available.
