For the past couple of years, when anyone has asked me for a recommendation for a good place to get brunch my immediate response is always Carmen's Cafe.

There was a time when it was much harder to visit the First Street establishment because of its limited hours. But, no more - er, no mas.

The Cuban-style restaurant, opened in 2004, now has extended hours and a larger menu.

New Hours: Wed. and Thurs. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri. from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Before, it was only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Co-owners Carmen Gonzalez and Jim Lewis will still have Tapas Night on Fridays (usually with live music), with a full weekend menu available during the week. Lunches will focus on sandwiches, salads, and soups with a Cuban-Spanish-Moroccan zest. Dinners will be light, including stews and tapas.

Delivery will also now be available for a minimum $15 order.

On one of my last visits, before their new hours that started this month, my boyfriend and I - we only live down the street from Carmen's - had the Lucy omelette (three egg omlette with mushrooms, spinach and cheese served with home fries and toast) and the Ranch eggs (two eggs, mashed beans, chili sauce, Texas toast with chorizo or veggie hash), respectively.

Both dishes were huge, delicious and appropriately-priced, which is why I love this place.

Some of their new dishes will include: Carne Guisada, a Spanish beef stew popular in Cuba; Caldo Gallego, a beans and greens dish; and Cuban meatloaf. There are also new authentic Cuban bread and tapas choices.

Oh, and did I mention they cure their own bacon? It's expensive but very good. I also highly recommend their mimosas.

If you go -
Address: 198 First St., Troy
Phone: 326-2064
Hours: Wed. and Thurs. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri. from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.