In a city where the world converges, it is easy to find the staple of many cultures and communities, the traditions that renew familiarity and bring family together. However, many of us have left our families behind in hopes of pursuing the desires God has instilled within us. And we find ourselves here, the center of all things cultural, to form our own families, our own communities, and our own traditions. And amongst the diversity, we often get lost in what traditions we adopt as our own. So I am here to share briefly about one of mine, in hopes of inspiring a tradition within you.
Passed down from the generations before us, this long-standing tradition among New Yorkers, green or otherwise, has carried us through the most difficult of circumstances. As beloved as English teatime, I have come to depend on it as my lifeline to sanity and normalcy in this chaotic city. Just as the breathtaking Statue de la Liberté has withstood the winds of tyranny, so has this cadeau de France withstood the tests of strenuous work hours, 4 AM curfews, and over ambitious supervisors who “…need you to go ahead and come in on Saturday. Um, yeah…did you get that memo?”
No, it’s not the much-anticipated, annual restaurant week, which we all know is now upon us. And how can you refuse to splurge on a five star, four-course meal for a prix fixe of $35. Yet, just as French-infused as restaurant week may be, what I offer you may tickle your taste buds more fervently and send you coming back in the weeks to come, palate ready. I speak of the beloved weekend brunch. This is a topic near and dear to my heart, one in which I dabble in weekly. I say dabble because brunch is my vice. And I hope to make it yours as well.
To be honest, I draw hesitancy in writing this review, for I cherish these small alcoves in the city to which I call my own. And my fear is that these recesses will no longer be my little secret. However, I must succumb to the common good and share the morsels of brilliance I have discovered or been introduced to along the way.
The first restaurant to wet your appetite is for all you northerners, or those willing to venture into the cold, Canadian tundra we call Inwood. This restaurant is nestled right in Fort Tryon Park and just steps off the A train. Fort Tryon Park has come a long way in the last several years. Headed by the support of Bette Midler, the New Leaf Café (http://www.nyrp.org/newleaf) is run by a not-for-profit program intended to gentrify the park and surrounding communities. Profits from the restaurant go to the project, a truly brilliant idea. And brilliant only begins to describe this restaurant. Plan on reservations because this place brings in a big crowd. The menu varies from gold potato pancakes to salmon cakes to steak and eggs. And, for only $14.95, your meal includes free coffee and juice. And mimosas are just $6. The service is somewhat spotty, but well worth the trip up the A train.
Good food is what draws me in to an exceptional brunch experience, and so the next restaurant is aptly named. Good (http://www.goodrestaurantnyc.com) is located on Greenwich Avenue between 7th and 8th. The food is traditional with a twist. Try the BLT omelet. Although Good does not run a special, their brunch menu runs between $8 and $12. Not bad for good food and good service. However, Good is packed by 11am. Get there early and plan on a wait. And make sure you’re whole party is present. Otherwise you might be left without a table, and without such a “good” experience.
I’ve saved my last review for the finest brunch location. Giving up this restaurant to you all is a great struggle. It’s my prized possession in the city, and a part of me would like to keep it all to myself. Located on the edge of Greenwich Village, and just blocks from Hudson River Park, Havana Alma de Cuba (http://havanavillagenyc.com) is perfectly situated for a Saturday, late-morning excursion. Havana was recently Zagat rated. And ever since, they’ve stepped up their game to provide you with an all around exceptional experience. Havana has the best Cuban food in New York City, and maybe the best sangria. For $12 you get a huge meal, a free half-pitcher of sangria, and all the café con leche you can muster down afterward. And if you don’t like sangria, they have an eclectic selection of fruity mimosas.
Havana is packed nightly, and with live Cuban music, who could resist? Brunch, however, is still accessible, and I’ve never had to wait for a table. But, when it does get full, there is a beautiful patio out back during the summer months. Their Ropa Vieja is the best item on their menu. But, everything is amazing, from their traditional Cuban sandwich to the heuvos flamencos. And start out with an order of Tostones, flattened plantains served with an oil and garlic sauce, muy delicioso. With dessert and appetizer, I’ve still never spent over $20, and their Natilla is to die for. This Cuban style crème brulee will send your taste buds into spasms. A great finish to an exceptional meal.
After brunch, head to the piers at Hudson River Park and soak up the sun while your food settles, and your head clears from the sangria. Or, skip dessert and head over to Magnolia’s for a cupcake on your way to watch the puppies in Washington Square Park.
As wonderful as these places are to me they are only truly enjoyed with friends and family. Bring your roommates along, or your friends after church. There is truly nothing more precious in this world then good food with those you love. And add a little sangria into the mix and you get pure bliss, and community at it’s best. And, at such a great price, brunch is something we can all enjoy, without putting a dent in your wallet.
