If you ask Nicki Leavitt, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

“Breakfast is, the beginning of your day, it’s your first meal.  If you’re like me, it’s probably the first thing you’re thinking of and the last thing I’m thinking of when I’m ready to go to bed and get ready for my next day.”

And you’ll find breakfast, lunch and a whole lot more at The Purple Finch Cafe.

Located on Route 3 in Bedford, New Hampshire, The Purple Finch Cafe is a down home spot where Nicki s always in the kitchen providing customers hospitality through her food.

“I don’t get to make it out into the dining room quite often. I really do love having a hands on experience with cooking and preparing the food. I think as an owner, when you are committed to being a part of that kitchen team, it really shows in the food, and it can really show in the quality of what we’re trying to do.”

Named for the state bird, The Purple Finch prides itself on delivering that New Hampshire style hospitality, making customers feel comfortable the second they step foot inside.

“We’re always going to be that homey environment. And we’re always going to try to deliver that home cooked meal that’s going to remind you of something. And when you come to the Purple Finch, we really like to remind you of New Hampshire.  We like to know who’s coming to see us we remember their names.  And if you really want to experience what we’re doing here, that’s a part of it.”

Once you sit down, a beverage is order, whether it’s a fresh OJ, Bloody Mary or one of their  creative cocktails.   And then it’s time for a flight. A flight of pancakes.

“Everyone knows what a beer flight is, we decided here in breakfast, we have to be a part of this flight. So we’re going to do a pancake flight eight mini pancakes, all different flavors, all different things you can add on there and try for yourself and really just make a great conversation piece on top of a great meal.”

Another sweet way to start your day is with Homemade Donut Holes or the colorful and craveable Bambam Bites.

“Bam Bam Bites are made from our house baked tea bread, we’re gonna dice set up, and we’re gonna roll it into some pancake batter, we deep fry it. So when it comes out, it comes out nice and crispy, then we’re gonna glaze that with a vanilla housemade glaze, and then crush up fruity pebbles on top of that. You’re getting the warmth of the fresh lemon bread and that sweetness of the Fruity Pebbles. You got to try this dish.”

Since you’re in the Granite State, a State Fair Waffle- showcasing all of those fair flavors is most definitely in order.

“The State Fair waffle is  our Belgian style waffle, we do our house pulled pork on top of that, fresh sliced apples around the edge, we’re going to drizzle some caramel sauce…barbecue sauce, and then Maple cotton candy on top of that. So you’re getting a stack of a waffle with all of your favorite New Hampshire flavors in it.”

The Purple Finch also offers a variety of toasts. From the classic Avocado Toast- topped with seared sliced tomatoes,  poached eggs, crumbled feta and scallions. To sweet options like the Monkey Toast- topped with creamy Peanut Butter, Sliced Banana, Blueberries and syrup.

There are larger plates like the so-called ‘Bird’s Nest’- a bed of crispy shredded hash browns topped with two eggs and served with bacon and toast.  Or the Grilled Billy Benny- the Purple Finch’s take on a Benedict- topped with seared corned beef hash and creamy hollandaise over a grilled English muffin. And then there’s the Breakfast Club.

“The Breakfast Club is your BLT. Gets grilled on our sourdough bread, you’re gonna get a fried egg with cheddar cheese.We use an apple wood smoked bacon. We use a red leaf for our greens on that. Fresh tomato, Dukes mayonnaise, and then you’re good to go.  It’s definitely a go to sandwich.”

There are many “go to” sandwiches lining the lunch menu- like this one called, ‘The 603’.

“603 is a grilled bagel. It’s gonna get cranberry aioli on it. It has a smoked sliced Turkey. Applewood bacon. Again, cheddar cheese. And then you’re gonna get a whole drizzle of the 603 local maple syrup on there. And finish it off with a crispy lettuce and tomato underneath all that.   It’s delicious.”

Another handheld you’ll want to get your hands on is the Bayou Burger.

“We do a nice crust seasoning on that burger so you’re gonna get all those juicy flavors sealed right in there. We do it on a nice sesame bun, buttered and grilled. You’re gonna get the red leaf, the tomato, the pulled pork, the grilled jalapenos, smothered and cheddar cheese and onion tanglers on top of that.  I’ve actually had people say it’s hard to get their mouth around, but it’s so worth it once you do.”

And for Nicki and her team, it’s worth all of the hard work to see their customers smile with each bite.

“We’re always ready for the next day. And that’s how we know we’re doing the right thing is that we’re ready to say, Hey, what did we do yesterday that we could do better today? How are we going to provide a better experience for the people that are choosing to spend their day with us.?”