Brunch With Cameron

SWEET MELISSA, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

2010-05-16T23:51:00.015-04:00

Always on the lookout for outdoor dining, I found that of my favorite patisseries serves brunch in their lovely backyard garden. Sweet Melissa is my go to spot for cakes, cookies and ice cream now, I love it for brunch too. Take a look...

COBBLE HILL: CHAR no.4

2010-05-09T21:03:00.011-04:00

This one is up there on the top of my list for best Brunch spot. Char no.4 always hits the spot. Right off the F train on the Bergen stop, specialize in Whiskey, thick slabs of bacon, and buttermilk biscuits. There is a bar up front showcasing the 150 American Whiskies.
The vibe is smokey, homey, modern, and super delicious. It's worth every penny and every calorie. You must go and try the Bourbon Bloody Mary. Also, the French toast with bourbon glazed bananas and vanilla cream just melts your stresses away. Another one of my favorites on the menu is the poached egg with bacon cheddar grits. I never loved grits until I came to this place... and now.... I dream about them.

Watty & Meg

2010-03-10T08:13:00.003-05:00

That whipped cup of heaven tastes like, butter, honey and whipped cream combined. Plus free buttermilk buiscuts, need I say more. Mmmmm.... Go to Watty & Meg.

Cobble Hill: Bocca Lupo

2010-02-13T17:16:00.012-05:00

Turns out our favorite little dinner spot has an amazing brunch too! Bocca Lupo is an intimate little Italian restaurant in Cobble Hill on the corner of Henry and Warren. The have a long list of bruschetta and paninis that we usually order for dinner, but in the case of brunch you can choose

from various gourmet frittatas, baked eggs and decadent sweets. It's not usually over crowded and the atmosphere is downtown chic, with a very "cosy" elements. A side note, but none the less important - the coffee gets an A+ too.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE : Blueberry Cottage Cheese Pancakes

2010-02-07T18:47:00.018-05:00

On a blustery winter day, breakfast in bed is sometimes the perfect way to spend the morning. This weekend we stayed in, curled up in bed, and enjoyed Cottage Cheese Pancakes. So, without further adieu, here's the recipe for my current favorite, high-protein-yet-super-sweet, meal:

**Note to self, this is a healthy recipe:). To keep it healthy, don't smother your pancakes with high-fructose syrup. Try Agave Nectar instead. It's sold a sweetener however as a Breakfast Pro., I think it works perfectly for syrup. It's usually made organically and is low on the glycemic index.

For Blueberry Cottage Cheese Pancakes you will need:

1/2 cup flour, whole-wheat pastry
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup cottage cheese, low-fat
slightly less than 1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 tablespoon honey

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

In a large bowl, stir together flour and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, milk, eggs, and honey. Stir wet ingredients into dry ones.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium. Working in batches, drop pancake mixture by 1/4 cupfuls into pan. Individually place about 10 blueberries in each pancake. Cook until bottoms are set and tops have small bubbles, about 1 minute. Turn pancakes and cook until just firm in the center, 1 to 3 minutes more. Repeat.

Now... get back into bed!

PRIME MEATS TED & HONEY, BROOKLYN

2010-01-29T09:20:00.014-05:00

Second best to breakfast in bed, is breakfast in your neighborhood. Let me tell you.. Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens area in Brooklyn is a mecca for brunching. No wonder I moved there, and LOVE IT! So here it goes... my first post from BK. I'm going to tell you about TWO amazing places, you choose your fave. First, Prime Meats then Ted & Honey.

Closer to the Carroll Street stop on the F train, Prime Meats has a quaint, woodsy, speak-easy feel. The small space just got expanded, so is good for small groups or just two people. The food is divine and the Bloody Mary is delish - not too spicy not too bland. Break your diet an get the egg, cheese and bacon on a buttermilk biscuit. The bacon is thick and the biscuit is rich n flaky. Checkout the photo...

it's worth it.

NEXT a healthier sandwich but none less the quaint, next to the Cobble Hill Garden is Ted & Honey. With more of a provincial feel they have tones of hearty and healthy items on the menu and some fantastic vegetarian options that meat eaters will want to get there hands on too. A fun treat are

home-made pop-tarts and they have really good coffee to go with them. I recommend going to Ted & Honey on a sunny day, order at the front and eat outside, or taking it to go and eat in the park (cuz there's not a lot of indoor seats).

Bia Garden : Lower East Side

2009-11-22T19:32:00.005-05:00

Talk about a hole in the wall. Bia Garden's entrance on 154 Orchard Street is shady. Once you come in you are instructed to walk into a "hallway" cooler, through the kitchen, and out a small door in the back. There you'll find this refreshingly bright, airy, ethnic atrium space!

This great little Vietnamese gem, is such an adventure. Every table has a bucket of Asian beers and the menu offers all you can drink beer for 15 dollars. You really escape the norm here. Not only within the space, but the food is interesting and different. Be prepared to explore. See the picture of mint pancakes with chicken sausage and apple compote... talk about different.

NoLita: Cafe Gitane

2009-05-02T12:51:00.005-04:00

Sometimes food DOES equal happiness! I've been going to Cafe Gitane for six years now and always love it. I smile just thinking about the little wrapped chocolate they give you with your cappuccino. Their attention to detail makes things taste just that much better and offers little surprises in simple meals. It's an bright yet intimate, french cafe type setting, ideal for a two person party (and not many more). They have amazing hummus, couscous and you can't beat the baked eggs for breakfast, pictured here.Mmmm.

Cafe Gitane has ambiance, attitude and simple great food that will leave you light and happy. Ps. that's a watermelon mimosa in this picture (no bloody mary's served).

Murry Hill: PENELOPE

2008-11-16T18:43:00.018-05:00

It's hard to find a quaint brunch spot in the Middle-East... Manhattan that is. But alas, I found my pre-Bloomingdale's brunch spot. Penelope's is quaint, quick and close to the six train (on 30th and Lexington). There definitely was a crowd and a wait but listen to this! Although the wait for a table was about 40 minutes, the bar is first come first serve, you can nab a tall seat so fast the people in line will think you've got connections. Service was super-friendly and fast. BOTH the Bloody Mary and the coffee are fantastic! There are a lot of healthy and creative items on the brunch menu like Pumpkin Waffles and Salmon Wrapped Poached Eggs. Big thumbs up... just make sure you stalk the bar to get a good/fast seat. Once you're there, you can stay as long as you like.

Lower East Side: PINK PONY

2008-11-09T17:55:00.007-05:00

Back on the Blog! Everybody happy? I was hoping to review the trendy little brunch spot called Prune, however when my friends and I got there the wait was an HOUR AND A HALF! Doesn't quite go with the lazy Sunday morning regime I like to adhere to. My friend Kelly said, " I don't like a velvet rope when I'm just trying to get some breakfast." Meredith and I agreed so we decided to head on over to a old fave, Pink Poney. Our dream came true, no line or wait, great service, and a superior cup of joe. The ambiance inspires you to hang out and write poetry all day. There is bohemian / french country feel with libraries and art on every wall. With close friends you start to blab about life in general for at least a couple hours. No one will rush you. Click on the link (the title) to see the menu... it's basic and delicious. It was all we needed.

Berry and Cheese Pancakes

2008-06-15T13:16:00.005-04:00

This new brunch discovery is edit-able... you can choose your berries and choose your cheese. After a few trials using brie first, then yogurt cheese, then soft Swiss cheese.... I think brie is the best. Next time I'm going to try Giatta's favorite, "marscapone". Here's what I did:Make pancake mix. Add chopped up strawberries (chopped small), and blueberries into the mixture. Pour onto heated pan and while one side is cooking sprinkle pieces of brie cheese around on top. Then once those bubble start popping clean holes. Flip it, like you do!

Lower East Side: SCHILLER'S LIQUOR BAR

2008-06-15T12:40:00.005-04:00

Now that it's summer... brunch tastes even better. I swear!

This time I went down to Essex and Rivington and ate at one of my favorites - Schiller's Liquor Bar. Open at 10am, it's best to get their early. There's nothing on the menu that I don't like (click the title above to check out the entire menu). This time I pigged out on Eggs Norwegian; with yummy salmon and hollandaise sauce on top of potatoes you can't go wrong. They also have quality coffee and fleshly made apple cider donuts for a dollar. Aside from the awesome food, the atmosphere is cool and trendy, an excellent place for celebrity sightings or putting on your giant sunglasses and pretending you are famous. Whatever floats your boat! The food is affordable, service is good and efficient, and did I tell you, this restaurant is owned by the same peeps who own Balthazar, Pastis and Lucky Strike?

Jersey City: MARCO & PEPE

2008-04-21T18:06:00.003-04:00

Okay, I know what you're thinking... Jersey City?? People, it's going to be okay. Especially since you can just hop on the Path train to get right on over to Marco & Pepe. I salivate just remembering the eggs in toast we ordered. This cute little gem has a fantastic brunch menu and great ambiance to boot. It's small and (of course) may have a wait but if you're starving like we were just eat at the bar! It's has a Coastal European feel, is casual, light and airy. They have a fantastic bloody mary and great Lavazza coffee/espresso. There were two big stars of the show at this place. First, the eggs in toast (sourdough to be exact) on top of sauteed vegetables that are truffle infused. Yummm. Second, the french fries... just crispy and salty enough and they come with my new favorite condiment - garlic mayonnaise. Oh. My. God.

Upper East Side: EJ's LUNCHEONETTE

2008-04-15T21:23:00.005-04:00

Nothing like a huge meal after a race through Central Park. Lots of runners head on over to EJ's Luncheonette to refuel. A great idea! Unfortunately, this particular Sunday morning, the Liars there told us our wait would be 15 minutes. I know I'm harsh but in Liar-world, 15 minutes is more like a half an hour. Arg! This does not pose well for ravenous athletes like myself. Needless to say, we needed food and in that department EJ's did not disappoint. A few things that caught our eye on the menu (and we had no complaint about) was the lobster cake benedict (yes, I said lobster), pancakes, strawberry milkshake, and the crunchy french toast you see pictured above. In true diner style, the food is awesome and the service is merely adequate. I will still say, if you're in the area, go! It's on 73rd and 3rd Ave.

Upper West Side: POPOVER CAFE

2008-04-03T18:13:00.004-04:00

When Jason lived on the Upper West Side, this was our "go-to" brunch spot. We definately consider it "our place" but what the hay, I can share! It's a pretty big restaurant but has a small town, Country feel. Popover's still has the same great waitstaff that it had when we started going there almost two years ago and obviously has the same great popovers. Don't know what a popover is? See these pics! Mmmmmm.

They are served with strawberry butter and you can also try apple butter. The coffee is really great (beats starbucks any day of the week), and every dish is heavenly. Also, there are cute teddybears sitting in every nook and cranny so you can cuddle up and regress! With my coffee, popover, and my teddy right next to me... I surpress the urge to suck my thumb:) and ask to go to the park next. Hmmm. Central Park's only blocks away, sound's like a plan. Popover's is on 87th and Amsterdam.

East Village: FLEA MARKET CAFE

2008-03-23T20:55:00.005-04:00

This great little french cafe in the East village is so quaint, delicious and affordable. It's perfect for a casual brunch with one good friend. Flea Market Cafe faces Thompson Square Park (on Avenue A and 8th St.). When it's warm outside they open up the windows and offer sidewalk tables. Seating is limited and service can be a little slow once it gets crowded (after 12:30). So go early and don't invite your entire posse. I brought one of my bestest bestest friends, Erin. We had a great chat and really great food. We both got the omelet with home fries and salad, however, after I started seeing these amayyzing looking french toast and waffles passing by me, I wished I could've ordered those too. Craving sweets, Erin and I indulged ourselves by ordering a toasted french baguette served with Nutella. If not for the Nutella alone, you should go!

LANDMARC: Tribeca

2008-03-02T19:30:00.008-05:00

Landmarc is fun for good kids....

Landmarc is also fun for good adults!....

We had a great "girls-brunch-out" today. We needed a hip place to have a relaxing brunch and needed it to be kid friendly. Landmarc was just our place! It's on West Broadway between Leonard and Worth, and the closest train stop is the 1 train to Franklin. Its so easy! There's no need to be afraid of being below the number gridded new york streets. The star of the show today was the Bloody Mary. Big and spicy, just the way I like it! Another food worth meantioning was the side plate of bacon. It was almost a quarter of an inch think (this is only a slight exaggeration!). If there's one thing I love more than brunch, it's bacon, hehe (another exaggeration). The brickwalled upstairs was filled with light, space, and attractive waiters. Us gals loved it and had a very pleasant time.

Around the table today was lil'Jackson, Catherine, Kelley, Me, and my sis Kristen in her pearls:

Jason's Omlette

2008-03-01T13:59:00.011-05:00

This morning my sweetie made me his favorite omelet. I thought I'd share his recipe. It might be an omelet you haven't tried yet!

Jason's Omelet:

5 eggs, smoked salmon, 1/4" red onion, 1/4 cup cubed cream cheese, a few capers (if you like 'em)

Heat the pan on medium-high. Then just whip up those eggs in a bowl and put them in a pan (add a little butter if you need it). Sprinkle the half the ingredients on top, wait a minute or so, then fold the omelet on itself. Wait another minute, flip it, and serve it.

August: West Village

2008-02-24T14:52:00.013-05:00

Nestled in the tiny streets of the west village, you'll find many quaint places to eat like the one I went to today called, August. It's neighborhood of traditional brownstones, quiet tree-lined streets, and upscale trendy shops is the perfect setting for this restaurant. It's small, has a great rounded cork ceiling inside and the best part, a backyard atrium that really relieves those winter blues! The food is delish too! I had a sinful Pain Du Perdue (fancy french toast) with warm carmelized pineapple and whip cream on top. Mmmm. Jason, the boyfriend, had an amazing fritatta with gouda, wild mushrooms, croutons, and chickpeas. So good, and so different! I would either make a resevation or get there before 11:30. Right after we were seated, I overheard a fashionanle woman, who just walked in, say to her friend, "I'm so excited for the food; this is the best brunch place around here!" Do I concur? Absolutely I concur! Be sure to walk around this part of town when you're done, besides great pre-war architecture, there's lots of shops for big spenders. Marc Jacobs is right up the block... Oh, and don't forget to bring home some magnolia bakery cupcakes in case you didn't overdose on sweets and carbs already.

PUBLIC: nolita

2008-02-22T23:52:00.004-05:00

My sister loves brunch as much as I do if not more! She is by far my best contact if I need to find a new hot brunch spot. She told me about this great find called Public. In nolita, on Elizabeth Street, it's a huge space! Click on the link "Public:nolita" above to see more.
Start off your meal with freshly baked scones or muffins with preserves, accompanied by great coffee and/or an even better bloody mary. That'll wake you up! (I love a good bloody mary) The interior deco here inspires me to buy a huge loft space in tribeca with exposed brick walls, quilted steal accents, wood tables, mirrors, big windows and lots of plants. It's industrial chic, and is themed after "public space" like post offices and libraries. Even the bathrooms are really cool! (I also love a cool bathroom).
Make sure you get there early before they open at 11am. Can be a long wait sometimes... although they've got comfortable heatlamps and a great view across the street of an ironic grassy open garden sculpture market. What that's doing in Manhattan at all, is beyond me. Great shops are nearby as well. If you have time check out Erica Tanov shop... my favorite, mostly, for the experiance of shopping in a quiet, light and airy space. http://www.ericatanov.com/ Oh, this neighborhood is heavenly. I get wisked away for sure. Lots of Ahhhhs, Ooooohs, and Yummmms.

Peanut Butter French Toast

2008-02-22T23:29:00.007-05:00

Peanut Butter French Toast...

Start salivating!

You need (recipe for two): chunky peanut butter, whole grain bread, 2 eggs, 2/3 cup of milk, touch of vanilla, 1/2 package of frozen mixed berries.

Wisk up the eggs, milk and vanilla in a bowl. Heat a frying pan on medium high and add a little butter. Spread the peanut butter between two pieces of bread. Make two of these. Breifly soak each of the sandwiches on each side in the mixture. Put them in the pan for few minutes each side. Meanwhile, take half the package of frozen berries, microwave them in a bowl for only about a minute and a half. Put your peanut butter french toasts on plates, takes those hot berries and spoon slash drizzle them over. Looks so scrumptious, doesn't it!?!?