Vic's

We were looking for a spot for brunch and dranks after SoulCycle and decided to go to Vic's since it was right by the Noho location. I've been meaning to come here after hearing highly positive things from many friends but was disappointed to learn that they only served the Cacio e Pepe at dinner time. The meal overall was enjoyable and I would want to come back to try that pasta another time.

They had a lot of interesting selections for drinks and I felt like they were quite well priced also. 

Soppressata Pizza - Calabrian Chilies, Mozzarella, Thyme 
I felt like this pizza was a bit too salty and needed a bit more cheese. It felt a bit dry but the crust was nice. 

Heirloom Carrots - Dill, Capers, Shallots 
This dish was on the house which was really nice of them. These carrots were delicious! I loved the flavor combination and the carrots were also very sweet and fresh. 

Orecchiette - Dandelion, Garlic, Anchovy, Lemon, Pecorino
The pasta was perfectly al dente and I loved the freshness of the lemon. The flavors were simple but packed a punch. The sprinkling of bread crumbs also took it to another level. 

Porchetta & Eggs - Salsa Verde, Bitter Greens
The meat of the porchetta was very flavorful but in general it was just wayyyyy too greasy. I understand that porchetta is on the fatty side but this was slightly nauseating. I think it also lacked a carb element as it needed something to soak up the oils and the runniness of the egg. 

The restaurant was surprisingly not full for brunch and I really enjoyed the drinks here. I really enjoyed my pasta here and was not as crazy about the other dishes so I would be happy to come back to try other pasta dishes in the future.

Vic's 

31 Great Jones Street

New York

NY 10012

Community Food & Juice

Community Food and Juice is one of the most popular restaurants around Columbia. The atmosphere is bright and airy and the food is delicious and wholesome. I haven't been back to Community in ages and decided to grab brunch with C one sunny day. There was a 20-30 minute wait on a weekend which is not bad at all and we were really happy with our meal.

Banana Walnut Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter 
Mmmm these were so good. While they were not as good at Clinton Street's, these were still fluffy and hearty. I loved the addition of the crunchy walnuts and the maple butter were also yummy. The one big complaint I had was that the server charged me for asking for extra syrup when I asked if I could get the rest of the pancakes to go. It was definitely a "seriously?" moment and just did not seem very nice. 

Vegetable Frittata - Asparagus, Melted Leeks, Roasted Tomato, Fontina, Lynnhaven Goat Cheese, Fresh Thyme
I had a bite of this and loved it! The veggies were all delicious and the goat cheese was heavenly. 

Heritage Hickory Bacon 
Decent and smokey bacon! Love bacon with pancakes! 

Sweet Potato Fries 
These tasted nice but were very soggy. I would give this a miss. 

Overall the meal was enjoyable but I would not say this is a must visit in New York. It is a cute spot if you are in/live in the area.

Community Juice & Food

2893 Broadway 

New York

NY 10025

Joseph Leonard

Hi guys! Sorry I've been on sort of a hiatus recently. I've been dying to try Joseph Leonard for a while after seeing many yummy brunch photos on Instagram. I finally got the chance to try it with A after a Justin Bieber theme SoulCycle ride (best day ever?). The hostess was super sweet because I put my name down before Soul and she said she can't guarantee anything but will definitely keep my name there and would let me know! The restaurant is tiny and it was bustling!

Avocado Toast - Two Eggs Any Style, Country Bread, and Baby Lettuce 
I never order avocado toast when I am out because I eat it every morning at home but A seemed to enjoy it!

Hashbrown
Probably one of the most impressive and beautiful hash browns I've ever seen! I think if you were to come here for a specific dish, this would definitely be one of them! The outside is so crispy and the inside is tender and fluffy. Delicious!

"Benedict" - Pain Perdue, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Salmon, and Scallion Cream 
I was quite curious about the savory pain perdue but ended up not liking it too much. It was too eggy and not particularly flavorful. I would have preferred it on a regular english muffin or crusty bread. The eggs were poached perfectly and the smoked salmon was very flavorful, and I particularly loved the scallion cream which was creamy and luscious. I actually loved putting the scallion cream with the hash brown! However, as a whole dish everything was too soft and mushy and it was just missing that crunchy factor. I think the switching the pain perdu with some warm crusty sourdough would be absolute perfection. 

I think this is a super cute spot for a brunch date but I probably would not be coming back any time soon as there are still many other spots for me to try! I think if the wait time is not too bad and you are in the area you can definitely give this a try! Their monkey bread and pancakes also looked awesome so I could be tempted to come back to give those a go!

Joseph Leonard

170 Waverly Place 

New York

NY 10014

The Living Room

We ended our superb Hamptons trip with brunch in a super cute restaurant called The Living Room. It really did feel like we were dining inside the cozy living room of someone's house and I also loved the porch swing outside. Our bloody marys came in super cute glasses and were the perfect start of the day. My eggs benedict were unfortunately a bit overcooked but the hollandaise sauce was delicious. A cute spot for brunch if you are in the area!

The Living Room at the Maidstone 

207 Main St

East Hampton

NY 11937

Norma's

Norma's at the Le Parker Meridien Hotel is one of New York's quintessential breakfast spots. It is know for its over the top dishes including "The Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata", and while it does not actually cost a zillion dollars, is priced at an absurd $1000 usd thanks to the 100 oz of caviar plopped on top. The meal starts off with a complimentary shot of the smoothie of the day and it is actually a smart little trick to get you to order the smoothie after. They also offer you orange juice right away and gives you an impression that this may also be complimentary but it is not, so remember that! The menu is here so you can get a sense of all the gut blasting dishes on offer here. The food was not bad, but definitely not refined in any way and also quite pricy. I don't think I would return as I think they only rely on their fame and shock factor of how much stuff they can load on the plate.

Super Cheesy French Toast with Caramelized Onions and Applewood Smoked Bacon
I don't really see why this is called a french toast since it was just a ton of cheese loaded on top of two croissants. The bacon was nicely cooked and the caramelized onions were also very flavorful, but as you can imagine this was extremely heavy and I also don't think it't quite possible to make this combination taste bad unless you were to completely ruin it some how. I did like the addition of maple syrup as the sweetness made this dish even more decadent and gooey. 

Eggs Benedict - Buttermilk Pancake Layered with Canadian Bacon and Grilled Asparagus
I thought the change of english muffins to pancakes was quite clever and the hollandaise sauce was made very well. However, apart from that it wasn't particularly special.

I would not say the meal was not enjoyable, my dish was actually quite satisfying but it was just extremely heavy and I don't think it's worth the hype and price. 

Norma's

Le Parker Meridien Hotel

119 W 56th St

New York

NY 10019

Isola Trattoria at the Mondrian Soho

I've always seen pictures of this beautiful space and have been wanting to see it for myself. I scheduled a lunch date with T at Isola on a sunny day and had a great time! Unfortunately I recently found out that the management of the entire hotel has been changed and the original restaurant is no more. I think that the new restaurant under the new management will also be Italian but I am quite disappointed because there were some items on the menu that I was planning on trying! Hopefully the new restaurant will be just as good.

Eggs Al Forno - Roasted Tomato, Escarole, Guanciale, Herbed Breadcrumbs
This was T's dish and she seemed to think it was ok. The tomato sauce was flavorful but the dish overall was a bit too mushy

Tuna Carpaccio Fontina, Caramelized Onion, Arugula, Truffle Aioli
This was my fish and I loved it! T thought it was a bit strange but I thought it tasted really good. I think that the tuna carpaccio can be cut up a bit because it looked a little weird just plopped on and also made eating it a little messy. However, the flavors really worked and I would definitely order it again! 

So so pretty! 

I had a great time here and the space really was every bit as beautiful as I imagined. I hope that the new restaurant is sorted out soon and is just as good so I can come again! 

Isola Trattoria 

Mondrian Soho

9 Crosby Street

Soho

New York

NY 10013

Oolaa

I'm actually really surprised I don't go to Oolaa more. I've been for a friends birthday before and another time because I was waiting for a table at Yardbird, but apart from that, I've never had Oolaa on my list of safe go-to restaurants for some reason. After this though, that will definitely change! We just got back from a Macau pool party which was SUPER fun and needed some delicious food to fill our hungry bellies. Oolaa seemed like a great choice because it had a really extensive menu and lots of satisfying options. Our table was a tad small for all the things we ordered and service was a little slow at times but nothing too serious.

Hash Browns
I really liked how these hash browns looked but their shape made for an overabundance of the soft fluffy middle and I much prefer the crunchy outer layer. The hash browns were still really yummy with a soft fluffy core and crunchy exterior but I actually prefer Mcdonald's. Those are quite unbeatable really.

Muesli - Topped with Fresh Fruit, Served with Greek Yogurt, Skimmed Milk, and Honey
S got a big bowl of health muesli and we all teased her about it because we were on a mission to pig out. She didn't really enjoy it and I also thought that the ratio of muesli to yogurt and milk was very odd. They gave her a tiny amount of yogurt and milk and it resulted in this dry lump of muesli that was not very palatable. The fruit looked quite good though.

Oolaa Laa Pizza - Cajun Spiced Chicken, Spinach, Mushroom, with Sweet Chili and Sour Cream
Nom nom nom this pizza was quite delicious. I enjoyed the unique pairing of flavors and the crust was very decent. This actually reminded me of a pizza I use to get in high school from Pepperoni's in Stanley Market. The dollop of sour cream and sweet chili sauce really gives the pizza a nice kick and the chicken pieces were the perfect bite size.

Linguine alle Vongole - Fresh Clams, Scorched Tomatoes, Saffron, in a White Wine Garlic Sauce
I only had a small bite of this but it was quite good. A little bit salty and unlike the usual vongole which is more delicate in flavor but still a solid pasta dish. It was also a little more oily than usual but the pasta was cooked well and the clams were plump.

Linguine Carbonara - Crispy Pancetta, Shallots, Garlic, and Parmesan, tossed with Organic Egg Yolk
Eeeeeee carbonara is my ultimate fatty indulgences (well one of a few). I just looooove creamy pastas and that added with bacon is just to die for. Now I know that this is not prepared the traditional way with no cream but this was oh so good. The pasta was super creamy and decadent and the amount of bacon was generous. It would be even better if the bacon was crispier and there was more black pepper! This really hit the spot.

Oolaa serves a wide selection of solid food and I will definitely be back again. The atmosphere is bright and airy and the location is also very convenient. 

Oolaa

G/F

CentreStage

Bridges Street

Soho

Hong Kong

Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant Part 2 (or actually 1)

Yay I found the photos from my first visit that I mentioned in my first post about Clinton Street! This is the time I came here with Y and waited for 2 hours.

Country Breakfast - Three Eggs Any Style, Heritage Maple Cured Ham, Hash Browns, Buttermilk Biscuit
This was yummy but I think I prefer the Southern Breakfast mentioned in my first post more. This hash brown was nicely browned on the outside but I would have preferred them to be thinner and had less potato filling and more crunchy bits. The eggs were cooked perfectly as you can see and the biscuit was flakey and well done. 

Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy, perfect thickness, and well seasoned. 

Cheese Grits
Hmmmm I love grits. I used to not but I think it was just because I was served a terrible version of it before. When grits are made right they are just decadent and delicious and these were on point. 

Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter and Wild Main Blueberries 
Oh lord these pancakes were just dreaming. Fluffy, sweet, and everything you imagined the best pancakes to be. The maple butter was also perfect and the blueberries were also juicy and sweet. 

Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant

4 Clinton Street (between East Houston and Stanton)

New York

NY10002

Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant

Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant is most famous for its fluffy pancakes, but I have actually never ordered them the two times I've been (haha and I don't have a picture of them here either... sorry). Don't get me wrong I did get a couple bites of them from my friends order but I usually just prefer savory breakfast items! The pancakes are really as good as they say it is and a must try if you like pancakes. The other items that I have ordered have also been yummy. I waited for 2 hours or more when I first went with Y and I didn't think I would go again. But when J visited we went and waited for around 40 minutes. I am so certain I have pictures from my first visit too... I will dig them up soon and do a second post since I tricked you guys who clicked in from Facebook into probably thinking there would be some close up drool worthy picture of the pancakes hehe.

Southern Breakfast - Two Eggs any Style, Sugar-cured Bacon, Cheese Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes 
This was really yummy and hit the spot. The fried green tomatoes were quite interesting and not something I've had before. Nothing spectacular, but well made and satisfying. The standout item on the plate was the SUGAR CURED BACON. I loved how the bacon was cut thickly and the sugary sweetness matched with the smokiness of the bacon was just pure perfection. I really loved putting all the components of the dish into one perfect bite. The eggs were runny and creamy and was so good with the crispy tomatoes, the bacon added that savory and smoky element, and lastly the cheesy grits ended it all with a bang! 

I think Clinton Street provides very satisfying and well made dishes in a bright and friendly environment, but I would not wait more than 2 hours a second time. The pancakes really do not disappoint so it is worth a wait if you've never been, but you should put your name down and go grab a coffee or shop around if you decide to come here.

Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant

4 Clinton Street (between East Houston and Stanton)

New York

NY10002

Sarabeth's

Sarabeth's is a very popular brunch spot in NYC so you better expect a long long wait on weekends! The decor is very cute and the food was delicious! I got the crab cake sandwich and it was very tasty but I felt that the crab to bun ratio was a bit off. The fries and salad was also well made. I would definitely want to come back again but maybe for dinner. I would return for brunch as well but I don't feel any urgency in doing so.

Sarabeth's

40 Central Park S

New York

NY 10019

Gjelina

One of my dining priorities was to have a nice brunch and Gjelina had great reviews and was also in Abbot Kinney which was PERFECT because we were able to have a lovely brunch then go to the beach. It was such a beautiful afternoon with great food, amazing friends, and perfect weather. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was cheery and bright. There needs to be more days like this.

Braised Sweet Corn - Cilantro, Chili, Feta & Lime
This was a wonderful medley of flavors that allowed for the fresh sweetness of the corn to shine through. The feta was tangy, the lime super refreshing, and the chili giving that perfect kick. Not a side to be missed. 

Crispy Fingerlings, Truffle Oil, Herbs & Parmesan
I am usually not the biggest fan of chunky potatoes but this was delishhh. I adore fries, hash browns, and tater tots, but I don't like home fries or chunky fries (you get the idea). These potatoes were perfect! The insides were fluffy and there was enough crunch to balance it out. And these crispy babies were all smothered in a aromatic truffle oil and parmesan blanket. Yum!

Braised Pork Meatballs, Tomato, Parmesan & Grilled Bread
Meaty juicy meatballs with a rich and fresh tomato sauce = amazing. The meatballs were so well flavored and plump and it went perfectly with the crunchy bread. We ordered two of these it was so good! 

Lamb Sausage, Confit Tomatoes, Rapinim, Pecorino & Asiago
I felt that this could use more cheese and gooeyness but the crust was delicious and crunchy and the toppings were high quality and tasty. 

I could not find this pizza on the menu! Maybe a special?
This pizza was gooey-er than the one above, it was good but not particularly memorable. 

Burrata with Grilled Peaches and Prosciutto
Ahhhh I love love loveeee this dish. The grilled peaches were divine and add on the prosciutto and creamy dreamy burrata?!!?! In heaven. 

Squash Blossom, Zucchini, Cherry Tomato, Burrata & Parmesan
This was my favorite pizza out of the three. The vegetables were so fresh and this combination was so unique. This pizza was also so visually appealing. 

Salt and Pepper Frites - Romesco & Aioli
I love fries and I love aioli. Enough said. 

This may also have been a special: Brisket Sandwich with Purple Slaw & Cheese
I took a bite of this and it was BOMB. The brisket was so tender and the slaw provided the perfect tangy balance. The only thing is that the bread was a bit too fat it seemed to be soaked in oil and that was a bit much. 

Warm Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisp - Almond Gelato
I think the rhubarb was a bit too sour but I don't have very distinct memories about this dish. 

Butterscotch Pot de Crème - Salted Caramel and Crème Fraîche 
AMAZINGGGG. So so creamy and luxuriously sweet. Give me more. 

Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake - Crème Fraîche and Hazelnut 
This was dense and rich but nothing after that caramel heaven in a pot. 

I really enjoyed my time at Gjelina and I can't wait to return next time I am in LA!

Gjelina 

1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Venice

Los Angeles

CA 90291

USA