Originally published — 6:00 a.m., March 28, 2007
Updated — 6:11 p.m., March 28, 2007

With Captain Brien's great indoor and outdoor appeal, and locals and visitors alike setting sail for a New England style seafood house rich in everything from a raw bar to some of the freshest local fish available, a change of course will now find a nautical breakfast nook anchored at the northeastern cove of the Marco Walk.

With the busy time upon us and the ever-challenging quest to find seating at a good quality breakfast and brunch difficult to discover, Captain Brien's has run up the signal flags and now offers a hearty breakfast and a good morning for hungry sailors seven days a week and extended brunch specials on weekends.

With a fair wind over the cobbled court and blue skies aloft, the culinary adventuress and I found Captain Brien and his crew welcoming hungry patrons in the beautiful alfresco dining terrace adjacent to the old brick and wooden entrance of Captain Brien's Seafood and Raw Bar.

The Mexican omelet was great example of a south of the border breakfast complete with a zesty salsa, a healthy helping of home fries and green and red peppers.

Halyna from the Ukraine offered a bright and warm welcome as our crew settled in under one of the big umbrella tables on the breezy courtyard. With the mid-morning sun approaching the yardarm, we ordered coffee and bloody Marys. The coffee at Captain Brien's is hot, fresh, and delicious, and served in oversized mugs. For a cool March morning, this was excellent eye-opener, and for $ 4, the New England version of the Captain's bloody Mary is a tangy treat and well spiced with horseradish. Another of our crew opted for a mimosa also for $4. With the previous St. Patrick's Day gone with the tide, a little something stout was just what was needed to chase away any lingering leprechauns.

With Halyna's help and suggestions, we settled in for brunch. Little sister Tami chose the Florentine Benedict for $7.95, Micki from Michigan chose the chocolate chunk pancakes for $5.95, Vicki Lynn chose the Greek Omelet for $7.95, and I chose the Mexican omelet also for $7.95. For something more toward brunch, we also ordered Boston baked beans and cornbread for $1.95 each, and an appetizer of smoked salmon for $ 9.95.

The smoked salmon at Captain Brian's is a must. Sliced thin and delicately wrapped into the shape of a rose bud, this brunch or breakfast starter is served with large Mexican capers, a creamy horseradish sauce, mixed greens, and finely chopped Bermuda onions. With the big Mexican capers, I would strongly recommend this beginning sampler for every table to try.

Vicki Lynn was delighted with her Greek omelet. Her comment began, "Wow, there is feta all through this! It's great!" As Vicki is Macedonian and her cooking skills with everything Mediterranean and particularly Greek are awesome, her compliment to Chef Brian Laurant is truly a testament.

Tami raved about her Florentine Benedict and proclaimed the spinach as fresh, and the eggs and side of hollandaise as wonderful.

Michigan Micki described her chocolate chunk pancakes as divine as she relished every bite.

My Mexican omelet was great example of a south of the border breakfast complete with a zesty salsa, a healthy helping of home fries and green and red peppers that were the spicy signature for the dish. Again compliments to Chef Brian Laurant.

Breakfast and brunch is as good as any of the seafood extravaganzas of the lunch or dinner selections, and with the great service by Halyna, our breakfast and brunch bunch was beyond content.

Capt. Brien's Seafood and Raw Bar is located at 599 South Collier Blvd. in the newly remodeled Marco Walk. The dining experience is fun, fresh, and exciting with a real feel for an old seaside Inn. Capt. Brien's offers nightly entertainment with everything from an oyster eating competition to stand-up comedy. A full bar with a daily happy hour is proudly presented, along with live music to welcome everyone aboard.

Capt. Brien's is now open for weekday breakfast from 8 until 11a.m., and for breakfast and brunch on weekends from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Weekday lunches begin from 11a.m. and dinner is served until 10 p.m. with the bar open until 2 a.m. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily. Reservations and entertainment information is available by calling (239) 389-6900 or by visiting www.captbriens.com.

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Tom Williams is a sailboat charter captain working at the Marriott for more than 27 years. Williams lives on Marco Island and is available at capttom@marcoislandtoday.com.