Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Sunday Brunch, New York Style

Sunday brunch has always been a favorite meal of mine, especially after a late night the evening prior. I always look forward to a flavorful, unctuous meal to round out the weekend, but everywhere else I've ever lived, brunch was not as favored by all. Since moving to New York, I've learned that brunch in the city is a part of every New Yorker's weekly routine; hell it is a fact of life! Learning this early on, I've ventured to a few restaurants around the city to see what everyone is raving about. From elegant lobster omelets to longonissa sausage, here are some of my Sunday brunch favorites (thus far):

Elephant and Castle (68 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich Village, NYC)
I love brunch at Elephant and Castle, who wouldn't?

Elephant and Castle is a restaurant in Greenwich Village that has been around for over 40 years, and they have perfected the NYC Sunday brunch. They unfortunately do not take reservations, so you may have to wait a little while. However, turnover is incredibly fast at this establishment, and I can assure you that you won't have to wait long. The brunch menu at Elephant and Castle has endless options; Steel-Cut Oatmeal Brûlé, Eggs'n Apple Benedict on French Toast, and Goat Cheese Omelets with tomato and basil. The menu is mouth-watering, and the food is delicious. If in the neighborhood (or even if not), definitely check out Elephant and Castle for your next brunch excursion.

Pig and Khao (68 Clinton St, Lower East Side, NYC)
Sizzling Sisig at Pig and Khao
A few Sunday's ago I stumbled upon Pig and Khao, a small Filipino restaurant on the lower east side. The atmosphere is casual, low key and warm. Once you walk in, you are met with luscious aromas of sizzling proteins and various herbs and spices. Then you sit down and look over the menu, and even though you may not recognize everything on the menu, you want to eat it all! The dishes are family style, so I would recommend getting a few different dishes to share. The Grilled Pork Jowl, Sizzling Sisig, and Longonissa Sausage are amazing plates. All in all, I definitely plan to return for brunch at Pig and Khao sooner than later.

Vamos Tacos and Tequila (348 First Ave, New York, NY 10009)
Bottomless Margarita...enough said
Crispy Fish Tacos with Pickled Onions
About a month ago I visited Vamos Tacos and Tequila for Sunday brunch with my friends Sophia and Joe. The original appeal was tasty, authentic Mexican food, but then we arrived and quickly discovered their bottomless margaritas. We were sold! With any entree purchase, for $9 more you can have bottomless margaritas. These margaritas aren't weak, sugary messes either. No, they are deliciously strong and made with real fruit juice. How could anyone pass up this deal? While the drinks were amazing, the food was good but not special. For the margaritas and fun atmosphere, I would love to return to Vamos for Sunday brunch.

Union Square Cafe (21 E 16th St, Union Square, NYC)
Lobster Omelet with Sautéed Spinach and Roasted Potatoes

In a previous Nom Nom New York blog post I wrote about Union Square Cafe, a restaurant located in the heart of Union Square. If you're looking for an elegant Sunday brunch with amazing food and equally as great front-of-the-house experience, surely make Union Square Cafe your next brunch destination.

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