By Gina Horan
The Toasted Yolk Brings Breakfast & Full Bar Concept to The Villages
BOOZE…FOR BREAKFAST?
Open just two weeks, The Toasted Yolk in The Villages has already created a stir among golfers, tennis players and early-risers. The Texas-based breakfast and lunch spot is a welcome addition to Deaton Plaza, which already houses Jimmy John’s Subs, Piesano’s Pizzeria and Kumo Sushi.
General Manager John Sleaman says that the portions are big and so is the location, which means there isn’t much of a wait to get in.
“Our company started in Texas, so everything is bigger,” John says, “and we have a different take on some of the classics.”
For example, the omelets and scrambles are made with four eggs, the pancakes batter has a secret “kick” and each alcoholic beverage comes standard with two shots. They also changed the “Benedict” and named it the “Arnold,” adding different recipes ranging from the classic to southern fried and Alaskan. Even the hash browns are served as a “casserole” and come loaded with extras for a cheesy, creamy texture.
For lunch, you can choose between soups, salads and combinations or try one of ten sandwiches ranging from fresh chicken salad and a Yolk burger to the very popular Rueben.
“The Rueben is definitely a fan-favorite so we keep plenty of pastrami on-hand,” he says.
John is such a believer in the new Toasted Yolk as a concept, he drives fifty minutes from Citrus Hills to open up in the morning, and he isn’t the only true believer. Bartender Bri Sherrill makes the trek from Ocala for her early-morning shift because of the staff, the hours and the guests.
“I love it here,” Bri says. “The owners are great, my co-workers are easy to get along with and the guests are polite to the point that they genuinely take an interest in our lives.”
Bri and the other bartenders make a wide-range of coffee and espresso drinks and as well as bloody Mary’s and mimosas. They also have an array of specialty cocktails like Rise n’ Shine Punch, Spiked Cold Brew and The Toasted Yolk Coffee. The full-bar seems to be a concept that is popular with the crowd.
“I guess I’m not surprised that some people like to drink earlier here,” Bri says. “After all, it is The Villages and maybe they have earned it.”
Check it out!
The Toasted Yolk
Open 7-3/7 Days/Catering & digital menu available/full bar
657 Kristine Way, The Villages
/352.987.9653/
www.thetoastedyolk.com
Photos by Gina Horan
Gina moved to central Florida in August of 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and spent 10 years as a fashion editor, columnist and food writer for The Knight Ridder Newspaper group. She was also a photo stylist and covered concerts, fashion shows and festivals all over Northern California. In 2000, she joined KSAN radio as a morning show co-host and produced the news and sports content there for 4 years. She also covered travel, events and the restaurant scene for KRON-Bay TV. She is a veteran bartender and has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books, baseball, tasting menus and most of all, landing in a new city with no map or guidebook. Gina lives in Oxford with her mom, cats and baby hamster.
