For Christmas this year, I gave Matt the newest cookbook by Gabrielle Hamiton, the celebrated chef behind one of NYC's hottest restaurants: Prune. All fall, he talked extensively about wanting to read it—or so I thought. He was actually hoping for a different book—a copy of Gabrielle's 2012 memoir, called Blood, Bones & Butter. I'll admit: I half listened! (Oops.) But it worked out: He was so excited to read Gabrielle's cookbook that it inspired a trip to Prune for brunch.
We've fallen off the wagon a bit with our regular NYC brunch dates, but winter is the best time to get back on track. We coordinated with our friends, outlined a strategy for managing the long wait for a table (Prune doesn't take reservations for brunch), and began salivating over the menu in anticipation of the meal.
The wait was worth it; the food was delicious (I had the Eggs Benedict); and we had a great time.
A tip: Plot out a nearby bar (or coffee shop) so that you can stop by Prune, put your name down, and have an equally desirable spot to wait. We went to the Library—a total dive with delicious hot toddies and mimosas, too. Our total wait time for brunch? About an hour and a half.
Have you checked out any new brunch spots in New York recently?
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I first heard about this sunny brunch spot from Bri over at Design Love Fest—she recommended The Butcher's Daughter as one of her favorite New York spots when she was in town to teach Blogshop last year.
This past Saturday, I finally made it over there for a solo brunch, iPad in hand. I nabbed a window seat (those vintage-looking stools swivel out) and ordered the smashed avocado toast and a cup of green tea. Delicious! But my favorite part truly is the interior design. The whole place is so airy and bright. I especially love the pops of yellow against all the white. With the sun shining in, it was a lovely spot to sit, read, eat and write.
What's your favorite spot for a cozy winter brunch? Do you have a go-to place?
More New York brunches here, here, here, and here.
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My cousin was in New York this weekend, and it was so fun playing tour guide for a day and taking him around the city. For brunch, we went to Five Points in Soho, one of our go-to spots in Manhattan. The food and atmosphere are both great: I had Eggs Rancheros, their take on the classic Mexican dish. So good!
After we ate, we did a bit of walking around—and hit up the new Ladurée shop on West Broadway for a sweet treat. Then, we hopped on the subway to Brooklyn to stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was such a gorgeous day to walk around.
What did you do this weekend?
PS—More awesome New York brunch spots here.
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Over the weekend, I finally made it to Colonie for brunch. This place has been on my list for a long time. I ordered their Leek and Gruyere Scramble, and it was incredible. So fluffy and flavorful! I have always loved cooking with leeks, but until now, I never thought about adding them to scrambled eggs.
Now I can't wait to attempt it on my own: I found this delicious recipe for eggs cooked with carmelized leeks and Gruyere, served inside roasted Portobello mushrooms. Amazing. :)
How do you prefer your eggs?
PS—An egg taste test.
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I've fallen behind on my exploration of New York brunch spots these days (mainly because my good friend—and regular brunch date—moved away from New York!). But this weekend, the weather was perfect for relaxed, al fresco dining midday. I relied on a favorite: Café Cluny in the West Village. Have you been? The French-inspired food is delicious, and the people-watching, even better. The Breakfast Club Sandwich (served with French fries, of course) wins the award for favorite dish—a light and flavorful combination of fried eggs, bacon, avocado, spicy mayo and more.
Do you have a regular brunch spot where you live?
More brunch in New York here.
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With the holiday craziness over the last couple of weeks, my regular brunch date with Matt and Laiza took a brief hiatus. This past weekend, the tradition resumed with a feast — no joke — at David Burke Kitchen in Soho. Bring a huge appetite with you when you dine at this cozy and adorable spot inside the James Hotel. After giving it my all on the Grilled Chicken BLT, I still could only finish half. Matt and Laiza were much more successful, each polishing off different versions of the Eggs Benedict, a signature dish on this New York-inspired menu.
Have you tried any new spots for brunch lately? Would love to hear your picks!
More brunch here, here and here.
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This past weekend, our brunch spot was Little Giant on the Lower East Side. This place definitely rates in the top five that I have tried. Deciding what to order was a challenge — everything on the menu looked so good! The weather was chilly so I opted for a brunch classic: the egg and cheese sandwich with a side of potato leek hash browns. I was so happy with my choice! If you're in the mood for something sweet, you can't go wrong with the Baked French Toast — it even came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yes, this place will definitely be a brunch repeat on my list.
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Last week, for brunch, we tried Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn Heights. As you may have read before, some friends and I are trying to rotate neighborhoods each weekend and sample the best brunch spots in New York. Vinegar Hill House was a nice treat! After a brief wait (they don't take reservations), we were able to snag a table outside in the back. I had poached eggs with bacon and home fries — delicious! Now, a question for all of you egg-lovers: how do you like your eggs cooked? Scrambled? Sunny side up? Tell me — I'm curious!
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Now that fall has arrived, I'm happy to say that my brunch tour of New York has resumed! I've blogged about it before — every weekend, a couple of friends and I rotate and choose different brunch spots around the city that we want to try. This past weekend, our choice was Freemans on the Lower East Side. Have you been? I've only gone in for dinner and cocktails before, but never for brunch. It was delicious! What are your favorite brunch spots in New York? I need to add to my list of places to try!
(Images via Big Apple Feast)
As I mentioned on Friday, this weekend, the brunch tradition continued! Laiza, Matt and I tried Cookshop in Chelsea, thanks to a recommendation from AmyBlogsChow. The best part? My friend Lisa was able to join too! I ordered the huevos rancheros (pictured above), but it was tough to top the menu's bread basket, which included a delicious assortment of donuts, buns and scones. Yum! Have you been to Cookshop before? What's your favorite place in New York to eat brunch?
(Photo Credit: TheRealMattyD)
Finally! Friday has arrived. I'm so excited for a weekend filled with lots of time to relax. I need to catch up on my magazines, my book, and a bit of pre-Spring cleaning. :) I'm also looking forward to Sunday brunch — it's becoming a bit of a tradition with Matt and his friend Laiza. This time, we're trying Petite Abeille. I will try to post some pics next week! So far, we've been to Spoon, Commerce, Five Points and Mesa Grill. Have you tried any of these spots? Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:
My favorite scent to inhale.
Happy weekend dear readers! What do you have planned? My weekend is centered around one thing: brunch. With all my travels over the past two weeks, brunch is the Saturday-Sunday activity that I've missed the most. Who knew it could be so difficult to find eggs, French toast or pancakes past 10 a.m.? Lesson learned: this only-in-New York tradition is one I will never take for granted again. Anyways, have a wonderful weekend — here are a few happy posts from around the web:
A Hawaiian New Year's.
The play I saw last night!
A Chanel press kit, circa 1932.
Spring fever — and the perfect yellow bag!
What's your sign?
You should always take advantage of a SmileBooth.
You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try.
I love this mustard yellow coat.
Superbowl treats - plan your menu now!
Remember, orange is the new pink.
Because boys need rules!
Great news!
(Image via HBO)
