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Top brunch spots in lower Manhattan

March 24, 2016 by Erica Leave a Comment

Top brunch spots in lower Manhattan

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I really like going for brunch when I’m in NYC. Unfortunately so does the rest of the city… But there are so many good brunch spots to choose from all over and if you book or come decently early it’s usually not a problem. Here are a few of my favorite discoveries in the East Village.

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Mudspot – prix fix brunch at 18.50 USD with a mimosa (or orange juice), half decent black coffee in an enamel mug and a main dish. Cozy, tight and dark café setting. Sit at the very narrow seats at the counter, in the cozy, dark middle part or in the lighter back area. My sister got the Huevos Rancheros (pictured on top) which oddly enough do not come with saucy beans but still taste great. I really like the pressed avocado sandwich with Mexican cheese and home fries. French toast looked delicious too.

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Miss Lilly’s Jerk Shack – just fabulous Jamaican diner with the best brunch of this trip. I didn’t get to drink but the 1-hour-free-refill rum punch (or mimosa or spicy bloody mary) at 15 USD made for very happy company. Tasty too, but could not compete with my Jamaican Breakfast. Ackee and saltfish was a delicious “scramble” with sautéed callalo, festivals and plantains. I’ll admit I had to ask what half of it was but it was sooooo good! The Jamaican Huevos Rancheros were great too, as were the Jerk Fries. Yum! Great atmosphere as well as friendly, efficient service (thanks Freddy!).

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In nearby SOHO, Maman (mentioned in the café post) also makes a nice brunch. Fresh, not heavy, with great coffee, baked goods and quiches. Thought trough interior design and great canelets. French chatter from the bakery.

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Are you jonesing for fried chicken after a big night out? Root&Bone has just the cure. Their crispy free-range “bucket of bird” with tabasco honey is a good way to start the day. Come ravenous. The buckwheat waffles with cheddar and whiskey maple syrup require space. Space – something this spot is low on on a weekend. Come before opening if you don’t want to wait in line.

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Works at night too… Though I must say, my favorite Chicken&Waffles (a very odd, very american combo) are still served at Sweet Chick on Ludlow St. I’ve been here in the evening as they know their cocktails but hey, if you want a Lynchburg Lemonade at noon on a Saturday, who am I to judge? Great pancakes and egg dishes too. Nice location in SoHo. 

Are you a fan of dumplings for brunch? I am. My go-to-spot in NYC for classic dumplings, served by waiters who don’t always speak english and where the crowd is a mix of Chinese families out for brunch, hung over hipsters and the occasional tourist is Oriental Garden. It’s cheap (most dumpling places are), quick and yummy.


This should be enough to get your weekend started. Though a bit old, you can also have a look at my post on an excellent brunch place across the bridge!

Filed Under: Food, Travel Tagged With: brunch, Cafés, Feature, New York, restaurants, travel

Manhattan’s best cafés for the sweet toothed?

February 17, 2016 by Erica 1 Comment

Manhattan’s best cafés for the sweet toothed?


One last flight to NYC before the baby’s arrival (for a meeting on sustainability in wine) turned into a sugar ladened weekend. I love really well made sweets and baked goods, and right now I have an excuse. Gluten seems to work fine ever since I got pregnant (how!?!) so I’ve REALLY been indulging. My waddling has confined me to lower Manhattan. Luckily, two of my favorites are close by!


On my last visit, I fell for Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery on Lafayette and 3rd St. This time it’s been my daily haunt. Lafayette has two sections; the café (with the best cappuccino I’ve found in NYC) and the restaurant with bar. The restaurant has above average food in a slightly upscale price category, excellent service and a good atmosphere for work meetings. Great spot for a sidewalk brunch in summer.

The French-style café section is small with high chairs, marble and zink tables and an enticing selection of French baked goods. Last time I was wooed by the calorie bomb that is their fabulous coconut-banana croissant. This time, I’m even more in love after discovering the tarte du sucre – a brioche dough with a center filled with sugar, cinnamon and butter. It’s so addictive I’m salivating at the thought. It will be haunting my dreams until I get myself through a sugar de-tox.

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Maman is another small French-styled café. The SOHO location (on Centre Street between Broom and Grand) café area only has a few chairs inside and another couple of chairs outside. I’m very fond of looking out through the window at the pretty building in front, which I haven’t really figured out the story of. Anyone know? The dulce de leche canelés are fabulous but they also have delicious sandwiches, cookies and breakfast items. There is a cute “salle a manger” in the back that serves brunch on weekends. Nice attention to detail in the interior decoration and a “seasonal, local produce”-angle for sandwiches, soups and quiches.

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On this visit I also went wild for ice cream, in spite of record chills in NYC. You can see three of my favorite Ice Cream haunts in the East Village in my next post.

Filed Under: Food, Travel Tagged With: brunch, Cafés, New York, restaurants, travel, USA

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