Everyone Loves a Brunch

Including mom's! It’s that time of year to honor Mom, and what better way than to do it with Sunday brunch. We received some requests for Mother’s Day brunch recommendations, and here they are!

Feeling downtown trendy vibe? Try Tribeca!

1) Cercle Rouge - 241 West Broadway

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2) Sanctuary Tea – 337B West Broadway Featuring a two-page tea list, variations range from English Breakfast to Lychee Tea to Tangerine Dream
Food Features: Vanilla Bean Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Sliders

East Sider? Try the Union Square area!

1) Irving Farm Coffee Comp

any at 71 Irving Place:

Features an extensive list of both house, domestic, and international coffee blends.

Food Features: Cinnamon Waffles, Quiche, Paninis, & Ice Cream Floats (yummm!)

2) Friend of a Farmer – 77 Irving Place

Food Features: An assortment of Omelettes, a full bakery menu, & Pumpkin Waffles (my personal fave)

More of a Midtown Westie? Channel your inner French with Marseilles in Hell’s Kitchen!

Food Features: Nutella Croissant (I have no words), Brioche French Toast, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Omelette

Any other suggestions for a delectable Sunday brunch?

Restaurant Roundup: Cercle Rouge

What: A brasserie tucked away in Tribeca, Cercle Rouge is the most recent addition in an eclectic resume of restaurants by the GF Group, joining one of my favorite downtown spots, Café Noir.

Where: 241 West Broadway

Why it Rocks: The brunch prix fixe, priced at a reasonable $19.95, will get you coffee, one of many delectable meals off the brunch menu, and your choice of mimosa, bloody Mary, or Bellini. The food featured a delicious mix of fresh ingredients from eggs (build your own omelette! Gruyere and fresh herbs? I’m all over it) to crepes (shrimp and asparagus, yum!) to waffles (with bananas and chocolate!). A word to the wise: Don’t skip out on the ‘hash browns’, which are actually the most deliciously roasted potato wedges you could ever hope for.

I’m all about atmosphere and a restaurant’s ability to transport me to another place via food, mood, and scenery. Cercle Rouge undoubtedly achieved as I felt as though I was sitting in a café of the Parisian persuasion, from the black and cream wicker chairs to the teeny 2 person round tables. All it lacked was the Seine River and the soundtrack from Amelie, which, admittedly, I kept waiting for.

Gripes: Construction on the opposite street corner left much to be aesthetically desired when dining outdoors.

Bonus: A man wearing a top hat performing table side magic tricks.

Bottom Line: Delicious food, courteous staff who didn’t rush us out (we were 4 ladies, after all), and great atmosphere – really the only way to do brunch.

Restaurant Roundup: Guantanamera

What: Guantanamera, a delicious & festive Cuban restaurant in an easy-to-get-to locale
Where: 939 8th Avenue at 56th Street
Why it Rocks:
1) Happy Hour from 4-7 Mon - Fri at the bar, featuring half price beer, wine, & specialty drinks (including mango mojitos!)
2) Live music every night! Who DOESN'T love that? Latin dancing also encouraged.
3) Food was totally delish, portions were perfectly sized.
Bonus: Waiters gave us free chicken & cheese croquettes appetizer

Gripes:
While everyone loves live music, it made the rockin' conversation with my fave ladies virtually inaudible.
One teeny bathroom with a long line of ladies.

Bottom Line:
Great food and drinks in a fun, trendy but none-too-threatening atmosphere. Just be prepared to stalk the hostess station for a table.

Tips:
Try the Ropa Vieja (shredded skirt steak in yummy sauce) with red sangria as it is sure to satisfy any carnivore's palette. Be sure to get there early as the place gets packed by 7 o'clock, potentially tarnishing hopes for a quick table.