Eat this: Mango-lemon french toast

( m.henry/m.henrietta restaurants )

Mango-lemon French toast: Here's a morning starter that combines the decadence of French toast with a full serving — maybe two — of fruit. It's chef Michael Moorman's lemon-mango brioche French toast ($9.50), served at m.henry and m.henrietta restaurants. You get two thick pieces of brioche French toast, smothered in lemon curd and mango coulis (on top, the two sauces are pulled into a design reminiscent of a fancy cappuccino), and accompanied by what must be at least a half mango (cut into soft slices) and a scattering of berries. The combo is sweet and indulgent, but with a bracing tartness. And it's cost-efficient, too, because, trust me, you won't need lunch that day. Find it on the restaurants' daily specials menu every day through Sept. 21. 5707 N. Clark St., 773-561-1600; 1133 W. Granville Ave., 773-761-9700.

—Phil Vettel