NYC Tastes

Leyenda is my go-to spot in Brooklyn for just about any occasion.  They have an incredible cocktail program from the great Julie Reiner of the Clover Club and just recently her protege Ivy Mix won Best American Bartender at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. I usually start with the Tia Mia a blend of mezcal, Jamaican rum, orange curaco, lime and orgeat.  It's got a spicy tropical little kick that always makes me feel like I'm on a beach somewhere far away. Of course the food at Leyenda is just as strong as their drink program.  I love their Chicken Mole Enchiladas at dinner but for brunch I usually stick with the Huevos Divorciados; two poached eggs topped with salsa verde & roja served with a bright champagne vinaigrette salad (subbed in for homefries).  It's pretty much the perfect way to start off the weekend. Leyenda 221 Smith Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

Making the trek out to Other Half Brewing for a beer release every month could seem like a hassle.  It's a long subway ride with weekend service delays and the beers usually sell out early afternoon so a morning trip is the only sure way.  I prefer to use it as an excuse to find an excellent brunch in the neighborhood.  Of course there's the original location of  Court Street Grocers  and their AMAZING breakfast sandwiches right around the corner and the sleeper favorite  Dover  up the street but right smack in between these two is another fabulous spot- Prime Meats. This place is well known for its fantastic burger and Cote de Boeuf dinners, but did you know they also make an incredible Biscuits & Gravy with sunnyside up eggs and Benton's Farm bacon. A monstrous Sausage, Egg & Cheese biscuit with the thickest slab of sausage I have ever seen... ...and a pretty insane Turkey Club piled high with thick cut bacon, bibb lettuce and f...

I've been dying to try out this cute Carroll Gardens spot but could never quite get a reservation until we walked by on a Saturday afternoon.  The usually packed space was downright empty.  In fact we weren't even sure they were open until the lovely hostess ushered us in. The brunch menu is small with only six main dishes and a few specials.  To begin they brought out a Fried Dough amuse bouche dusted with powdered sugar. These piping hot little balls were the perfect simple and delicious start to brunch.  Mr. T ordered the Ruby Red Shrimp Etouffee; a dish neither of us had ever had before. When it arrived the rich smell of sausage and herbs wafted over the table. I didn't even wait to be offered a bite before diving into a tender morsel of braised chicken and creamy grits.   Luckily Mr. T shooed me away so I could enjoy my own outstanding dish the Tuna Salad sandwich.  Two slices of super fluffy focacc...