NYC Tastes

This past Memorial Day Mr. T and I opted out of travel for a glorious "staycation" in the city.  Since most people head to the beach, we were left with quiet streets and a multitude of open reservations to great spots like Oxomoco; the gorgeous, sun soaked Mexican spot in Greenpoint that received a Michelin star last year.  I don't understand every aspect of the Michelin award process, but I have to assume the Spring Pea Tlayuda had something to do with that honor.   This beautiful round of masa was stretched thin, layered with creamy quesillo, salsa cruda, mint, serrano and scallion.  It was slightly spicy yet refreshing; like biting into a the perfect garden vegetable pizza. For a classic Mexican egg dish order the Chilaqulies Rojos, a crunchy mound of tortillas and egg dressed with warm red salsa, queso fresco and crema (pictured here without cilantro). For something a bit more intense, I would suggest the Hamburguesa Pambazo; a rich patty of dr...

Sundays morning brunch at the Studio always begins with some kind of pastry; a thick Chocolate Morning Bun, a flaky Sourdough Croissant or a slice of the delightfully swirled Chocolate Coffee Babka. After something sweet a brunch classic with a Middle Eastern spin, like the NYC bagel & lox with cream cheese reinvented here with a sour labneh and smoked salmon on a sesame crusted Simt bagel. Or the Poached Eggs with a beautiful spring pea humus studded with a rich lamb merguez and a fluffy grilled pita on the side. Sunday mornings are always best starting at The Studio. The Studio 23 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10010

Pancakes have never been something I seek out in restaurants.  I see them mostly as a vessel for maple syrup and butter (two of my favorite condiments) rather than a crave worthy brunch dish. However after just one bite of the pancakes at Chez Ma Tante last weekend, my mind has been changed forever.  These beauties arrived piping hot with a spongy, fluffy interior and a crisp, almost brunt exterior that left the edges of each cake crunchy and slightly caramelized.  On top a heavy dose of pure Vermont Maple Syrup and a pat of rich, creamy Normandy butter.  These pancakes were perfect; soft enough for soaking up all that wonderful syrup but crisp enough to give each bite a satisfying crunch.   In addition to the incredible pancakes Chez Ma Tante has some fantastic brunch cocktails beyond the usual Bloody Mary or Mimosa.  Mr. T ordered a refreshing John Daly (iced tea, lemonade & beer) while I sipped on the Pick Me Up Negroni with espresso. ...

I love going out to eat in Upstate New York, everything just feels more cozy and comfortable than city restaurants.  The Farmer and the Fish in Prudy's is a great example of this.  While I enjoy the sleek look of the Gramercy outpost, the one in Purdy's has so much more character.  It's located in an old house built back in 1775 with worn wooden floors, a roaring fireplace and fresh grown vegetables dotting the garden out back.  Its a beautiful spot and their brunch menu is pretty wonderful as well. Roasted Scallops served on a bed of frisee lettuce with crispy chunks of bacon, fingerling potatoes and a sunny side up egg with lemon aioli. I was a little worried about having scallops for the first meal of the day, but this dish was fantastic.  The bacon gave a rich smokey depth to the salad and the egg was cooked to be a little bit runny, which is just the way I like it. The salad was more than enough for a brunch entree but we decided to add on ...

Sunday morning we checked out of the hotel and hopped in a cab for one last vacation meal at Michael's Genuine. This bustling spot in Miami's Design District has been a regular on restaurant hit lists since its doors opened back in 2007.  Inside guests can watch all of the action from the open kitchen while outside the courtyard boats more of a comfy, serene atmosphere perfect for enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. I was determined to close out this trip eating as much seafood as I possibly could beginning with the Yellowfin Tuna Crudo; a vibrant blend of pink peppercorn, basil and lime with spicy serrano chili and juicy blood orange slices. Second some Florida Stone Crab Claws served with a classic mustard creme sauce.  I absolutely adore Stone Crabs; they're much more mild than Snow Crabs (which I find too rich) or Blue Crabs (too sweet). The only problem with these perfect little beauties is the price.  It was about $38 for each one of these claws...maki...

Saturday morning we woke up and did a brief tour around downtown St. Louis; hitting up the Gateway Arch and joining in the Woman March across Market Street.  It was absolutely wonderful seeing so many men, women and children out for the walk supporting each other.  Then we hopped in a cab to the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood for brunch at Polite Society.   Polite Society just opened this past Spring in a beautiful space boasting hardwood floors and exposed brick walls that gave off a comfy, homey vibe.  The brunch menu leans heavy towards Southern food with dishes like Biscuits & Gravy, Confit Chicken Wings and Osso Buco Hash piled high with two poached eggs, pork and potatoes in a decadent demi-wine glace.   There's also a few options for those not so meat inclined like thick stack of Pancakes drizzled with blueberries, Egg White Omelettes with mushrooms and even an Impossible Patty Melt made with completely plant based Impossible ...

The last two months of my life has been absolutely insane.  So insane that I never even got around to talking about my quick trip to D.C. where we ordered just about everything on the brunch menu at Kyirisan.  To begin their amazing pastry platter. Doughnuts Holes glazed with red miso, strawberry and Bavarian creme alongside flaky croissants, buttery biscuits and two wondrous pastry delights; the Molly's Pocket, a chocolate and coconut caramel glazed square stuffed with cream cheese and the Vanilla Custard Bao; a delightful spin on that doughy dim sum staple topped with a crackly creme brulee glaze and stuffed with creamy vanilla bean custard.  Continuing on with the sweet portion of the meal with a stack of thick, fluffy Blueberry Pancakes topped with a huge square of Yuzu Butter... ...before moving into more savory dishes like this towering Panko Crusted Chicken Sandwich with cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickles and avocado all topped with a tr...

Cold windy Saturdays are the perfect excuse to stay under the covers an extra hour or two, lounge around all morning in PJ's and finally ease into a delicious neighborhood brunch.  Markt was actually my favorite restaurant when we moved to NYC about 15 years ago.  Back then it was located in the Meatpacking District and was one of the few places in the city to get a good Belgium beer.   Of course now Belgium beer is everywhere and the new location on 6th Avenue, while not quite as fancy, has still got a great vibe and a fantastic menu for any time of day.  My Eggs Benedict was absolutely on point; a perfectly poached egg drizzled with Hollandaise sauce on top of crispy Canadian Bacon and a side of sliced potatoes. Mr T couldn't resist one of the freshly baked croissants; flaky and buttery with the perfect amount of chew and sidled by butter, jam and Nutella. I couldn't resist adding on a bright springy Juniper Splash with gin, prosecco ...

There's nothing quite like starting the weekend with a crazy dim sum brunch in Chinatown.  It's loud and raucous with carts clamoring around the dining room and people shouting out orders.  It's a great way to kick off a Saturday morning and this time we enjoyed all the craziness at Joy Luck Palace on Mott Street. Here's a run down of our Saturday morning feast: Fried Tofu Skin Shrimp Rolls- always the first thing that comes to the table.  I love kicking off a meal with these delicious rolls. Spinach Dumpling- I was actually expecting these to be warm but they tasted like they were straight from the fridge. Delicious nonetheless. Crystal Shrimp Dumplings- one of Mr. T's favorite dim sum orders.  I actually don't enjoy the thick outer shell and just eat the inside.  Blasphemous, I know. Pork Sui Mai- these were actually not that great.  The dough stuck to the bottom of the steamer and the just didn't have much flavor...

My family came in for a quick visit last week and we kicked things off with brunch at Stephen Starr's buzzy restuarnt Upland.   I always enjoy Stephen Starr restaurants.  Even his big spots like Buddakan and Morimoto, while somewhat over the top, always leave me feeling excited. They bring me back to the way I first felt when moving to NYC so many years ago. Upland has very similar characteristics. Although much more laid back than bumping Buddakan his crisp blue and white checkered linens and gorgeous dining room lined with peach filled vases makes an exciting, more refined NYC impression. The brunch menu has a variety of egg dishes alongside pizzas, pastas and sandwiches.  I highly suggest the Quiche Lorraine, a smokey bacon and gruyere stuffed pie that was impossibly light. Two Eggs served with a thick slice of grilled country bread, spicy pork sausage and buttery smashed potatoes. Or for something a bit heartier the Porchetta & Egg Sandwich loaded wit...

Carte Blanche is one of the newest restaurants to pop up  on Buffalo Street in Hamburg.  This little strip is becoming quite the food & drink hub with hot spots like  Grange Community Kitchen  and  Hamm & Fatty's Beer Co.  now dotting the street.  Along with new restaurants comes new ideas like BRUNCH! Years ago Buffalo was completely devoid of a brunch scene.  Coming from NYC the pure absence of mimosas and Eggs Benedict in the morning was just shocking.  Luckily this new generation of spots understands the importance of this mid-day meal and Carte Blanche definitely understands the importance of morning after carbo loading with this incredible Toast & Jam Spread. Popovers and freshly baked bread served with a trio of whipped butter, bright raspberry jam and a buttery caramel sauce for those morning sweet tooth moments. These popovers were excellent; crusty on the outside with a warm, eggy interior perfect for slathering wi...

I always get a little stressed out when I'm asked to pick a spot to eat near the Lincoln Center.  There are a lot of great places in that area for sure but I find so many of them to be overpriced and geared towards the tourist crowd.  Luckily the Smith opened its doors a few years ago and although it is also overpriced in my opinion it is easily the best brunch spot in the area that consistently cranks out delicious food with excellent service. Hot Potato Chips layered with a blue cheese fondue and blue cheese crumbles...  ...a decadent Breakfast Pot Pie stuffed with sweet sausage, bacon, eggs and cremini mushrooms encased in a fluffy cheddar biscuit...   ...and the Simple Scramble with home fries and crispy smoked bacon.  Not exactly a healthy meal but certainly a satisfying start to the weekend. The Smith 1900 Broadway at 66th Street New York, NY 10023

Last Sunday was one of the first perfect days of summer.  The sun was shining bright in the sky, the temperature hovered right around 76 degrees and it seemed like every single person in Manhattan decided to soak it all in with an al fresco brunch.  Of course I was one of those people.  I walked from one restaurant to the next trying to find a table in the sun; from Nomad to Chelsea down into the West Village until finally I found a spot at Greenwich Village staple Cornelia Street Cafe. I had been planning on a light meal but after all that walking I decided to go a bit heartier with the Huevos Rancheros.  Two grilled corn tortillas loaded with whole black beans, fried eggs, salsa verde and mounds of melted cheddar cheese topped off with a dollop of creme fraiche.   Paired with a crisp Vinho Verde and the fabulous weather outside- this was some serious brunch success.   Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street New York, NY 10014

There's a new brunch spot in the 'hood offering delicious bar food in a casual space without any of those annoying brunch crowds; the  new Gem Saloon inside the former Rodeo Bar. The old country music space has been redone into a bigger, brighter restaurant with tall wooden four tops dotting the circular bar and larger tables in the back with those classic tin ceiling tiles still intact overhead. The brunch menu boasts a variety of plates for just about any appetite; hearty Steak 'n Eggs with hash browns, Grilled Pancakes with fresh berries, Smoked Salmon Benedict and a smattering of lunch options like the Chopped Saloon Salad or Classic Cheeseburger. The last visit I ordered a Grilled Chicken Sandwich served with sliced tomatoes, kale slaw and melted Swiss Cheese on a fluffy roll studded with onions and a side of crispy fries.  It wasn't exactly exciting but it was certainly delicious and at just $14.00 a relative bargain. Plus each entr...