Commerce

REVIEW

October 27, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Brunch
NEIGHBORHOOD: West Village

photo: Eater.com

50 Commerce at Barrow St

(p) 212-524-2301

 

It is rare to find a Sunday brunch not overtaken by the masses, or a dining room without the cacophony of hungover hordes.  Cut to Commerce, nestled away in a (literal) corner of tree-lined West Village heaven and you'll search no more.  The calm of the restaurant dining room is reflected in the somber interior decor choices: dark grainy woods, chocolate leather, subdued murals done in muted earth tones.  The old-school NYC vibe comes with an appropriate cocktail menu, complete with an orange bloody mary. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on October 27, 2009 8:59am by Rachel Hochhauser | 5 comments





Caffe Falai

REVIEW

September 30, 2009


CUISINE: Brunch, Desserts & Bakeries, Salads, Sandwiches
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita

Photo: Gavin Thomas, NYmag.com

 

265 Lafayette St at Prince St

(p) 212-274-8615

 

For those who crave the rich flavor of Falai, but are worried about the waistline of their wallets, a compromise can be found in brunch at Soho’s Caffe Falai. Breakfast was meant to be good this past Saturday; it was the weekend, the sky was clear and blue and there was a table to be had out front — without a wait. The café is beautifully decorated in shades of white, giving an airy, fresh feeling to the place.  In fact, more than one person commented on how clean the window-glass was. Caffe Falai’s success is perhaps partially due to its atmosphere, but surely also thanks to the food. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on September 30, 2009 10:15am by Rachel Hochhauser | 5 comments





JoeDoe

REVIEW

May 18, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Brunch
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Lower East Side

 

45 East 1st Street Between 1st and 2nd Ave

(p) 212-780-0262

 

After Prune sentenced us to a 45 minute wait for brunch on a Saturday afternoon, we decided to try neighboring spot, JoeDoe. The space is warm and inviting, with  a vintage, flea-market inspired feel, accented by dark wood trim, and antique knickknacks. Immediately after sitting, our friendly waiter brought over a plate of homemade biscuits with a sweet, honey butter which we inhaled while looking over our brunch options. The menu is eclectic, if a bit unusual, with an emphasis on meats like homemade chorizo and pork jowl.  Owner and chef, Joe, who can be seen from the tiny kitchen, refers to his food as "Aggressive American."  It seems a little more "Aggressive New York," though, with menu items like the "Conflicted Jew," consisting of liver and bacon on Challah with an apple dipping sauce...

 


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Posted in FOOD on May 18, 2009 12:20pm by Jena Steinbach | 11 comments





Prune

REVIEW

April 28, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Brunch, French
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Lower East Side

 

 

54 East 1st street between 1st and 2nd Ave

(p) 212-677-6221

 

Inspired by my favorite food blogger, Adam Roberts (of the Amateur Gourmet), Seth made a reservation at Prune for my birthday dinner. The space is  tiny-- all of the tables are practically touching and there is minimal navigational room-- but the French-inspired atmosphere (lots of mirrors, tiled floors, low-lighting) renders an intimate decor. My only complaint of the evening arose within the first two minutes: Prune does not serve bread, but oddly flavored breadsticks. For an appetizer, we tried the sauteed onion special which had the consistency and flavor of french onion soup, minus the broth.  The salty, tender onions and crunchy pieces of bread were quite tasty...

 


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Posted in FOOD on April 28, 2009 10:55am by Jena Steinbach | 6 comments



JANE

REVIEW

February 15, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Brunch, Burgers
NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenwich Village, Noho

100 W Houston St, New York 10012

(Btwn Thompson St & LaGuardia Place)
(p)212-254-7000
The creme brulee French toast is the best in the city, but Jane is also the only place we have ever encountered eggshells in an omelet.  You now know what to order. 

 


Posted in FOOD on February 15, 2009 8:59pm by Jena Steinbach | 8 comments