Waldorf Astoria
By Samantha Ibrahim
Whether you’re in a friend’s Brooklyn backyard or sitting in the opulent Waldorf Astoria, you need to leverage the brunch scene when in New York. Here are our top picks on a few spectacular trendy brunch spots:
The Peacock Alley Restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria– 301 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022
A lot of New Yorkers make this a regular part of their Sundays. Organized over various stations including over a hundred gourmet desserts, caviar and seafood bars, breakfast and chef carving stations, and the famous Waldorf salad at your fingertips, Peacock Alley focuses on seasonal and local ingredients incorporating honey and vegetables for the hotel’s 20th floor rooftop garden. The feast lays on white linen tables that stretch all over the hotel’s intricate antique lobby. Admirers and guests gaze upon the buffet with envious looks on their faces as they grip their bags tightly and take pictures for their Instagram. Best to make a reservation in advance so you are the one eating, not the one staring. One of the most famous (and delicious) things about the Waldorf-Astoria hotel is its world class brunch spread that is set out every Sunday from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. (+1) 212-355-3000
Aurora SoHo– 70 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Williamsburg is the place to be if you’re looking for an Italian spin on brunch-time. The food changes by the season so you’ll never be bored with simple oldie-but goodie Eggs Benedict. The restaurant is known for their Panna Cotta, Bloody Marys, and succulent french toast. You can enjoy these tasty delights in their garden where you can sip lattes and smell the fresh spring bloom around you.
ABC Kitchen-38 East 18th St, New York, NY 10003
A more earthy vibe to brunch is present in ABC Kitchen, where the ingredients are pure, seasonal and locally grown. Even the decor is full of beautifully crafted recycled materials that make the place extra special. Their rooftop garden provides the herbs and flavors for dishes like huevos rancheros and spicy Mexican french toast. For a classy yet natural touch to food, be sure to check out ABC Kitchen on any day of the week.
Norma’s-Le Parker Meridien New York, 119 West 56th St, New York, NY 10019
What list on the best brunches in New York City is complete without a restaurant dedicated to ONLY serving brunch to the masses? With humongous portions for family and friends to share, there is no finer twist on food than Norma’s. They are only open until 3 p.m which is just enough time to enjoy their blueberry pancakes or Philly Cheesesteak crepes. If you’re jazzing up for an authentic NYC brunch-time, then Norma’s where your butt and an empty belly should be!
Rosemary’s-18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
A farm in the West Village seems like a contradiction of terms but not at Rosemary’s. The restaurant’s rooftop farm is filled with Italian essences that is nestled next to its homely and bright dining room. Blood orange soda and olive oil cakes are all the rage here and can only be found at this little European inspired joint. So grab a pal and head over to share some memories at Rosemary’s.
Narcissa-25 Cooper Square (East Village), New York, NY 10003
Inside The Standard hotel, this “farm to table” brunch experience will have your tastebuds coming in for more. From fabulous green juices to crab benedict, it will satisfy your tastebuds. André Balazs and Michelin-starred chef John Fraser’s Narcissa marries the clean flavors and impeccably sourced ingredients of California cuisine with new techniques of roasting, rotisserie, and slow cooking. The multilayered menu features seasonal, local, and organic produce from Balazs’ Hudson Valley farm, Locusts on Hudson.
Crab Benedict at Narcissa
Desert at Narcissa
What are some of your favorite spots?
-SI
Photography by GG
