Showing posts with label Breakfast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breakfast. Show all posts

Monday, April 4, 2011

The Breslin - A Rare "Meh" In The Big Apple (New York City)

The Breslin
The Breslin

I think by now, most people have assumed I'm a NYC based blogger or just really love the Big Apple. While I'd love to be living in NYC, the latter is more appropriate at this time. The city itself, the nightlife, the cocktail bars, and of course, the food scene here is truly out of this world. During my trips to NYC in the past few years, I've rarely had an average meal. Well.....probably except for just one.

The Breslin
April Bloomfield Running the Line


The brunch at The Breslin came about after the failed dinner attempt at The Spotted Pig a few nights prior, and after hearing many great things about Chef Bloomfield, I knew I had to try The Breslin.

Pumpkin Pancakes with Spiced Chili Pecan Butter
Pumpkin Pancakes with Spiced Chili Pecan Butter

The pancakes were fine, but I wasn't feeling the Chili Pecan Butter. Next!

Fried Peanut and Banana Sandwich with Bourbon and Vanilla
Fried Peanut and Banana Sandwich with Bourbon and Vanilla

This was one thing I didn't try, but from what I remembered, the person that ordered it wasn't in love with the dish either.

Chargrilled Skirt Steak with Green Sauce and Fried Eggs
Chargrilled Skirt Steak with Green Sauce and Fried Eggs
Chargrilled Skirt Steak with Green Sauce and Fried Eggs

This was probably my favorite dish of the meal. Though it would have to be a total fail for them to make me hate steak and eggs. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and remained juicy and tender. The eggs were cooked perfectly over easy.

Warm Smoked Salmon with Bacon, Chives, and Garlic Butter Sauce
Warm Smoked Salmon with Bacon, Chives, and Garlic Butter Sauce

While I thought this was a good dish, it really wasn't anything special. I was hoping the garlic butter sauce would add something to the smoked salmon. It really didn't do it for me.

Chargrilled Lamb Burger w/Cumin Mayo and Thrice Cooked Chips
Chargrilled Lamb Burger w/Cumin Mayo and Thrice Cooked Chips
Chargrilled Lamb Burger w/Cumin Mayo and Thrice Cooked Chips

Now, to the MAIN reason I think most of us came to The Breslin,the lamb burger. I have to say I'm a burger fan. From the time I was 4 years old eating my Happy Meals from McDonald's in the mean streets of Taipei, to trying some of those "hood" burgers in the streets of Inglewood and Compton (Which BTW, are fantastic! Heart attack inducing yes, but fucking fantastic nevertheless), there's really nothing better than a juicy burger cooked medium rare. Now, I hope I came on an off day or something, because the lamb burger just wasn't very good. None of us really cared for it. The lamb patty was fairly dry and bland. Sadly, the thrice cooked chips were the best thing on the plate.

House Made Sausages
House Made Sausages
House Cured Bacon
House Cured Bacon
Baked Beans in Pork Fat
Bean in Pork Fat

Above were three of the sides ordered. The sides themselves were fine. Standard meaty goodness, though again, it wasn't anything special enough I had to come back and eat again.

The Breslin

While I might be harsh in my review, my meal at The Breslin was easily the most disappointing to date during my trips to New York City. While I haven't tried the regular lunch or dinner menu at The Breslin, with all the fine dining establishments in the Big Apple, I'd be lying if I said I'm planning to go back and try it again. After the initial disappointment of not making it to Spotted Pig, maybe it was actually a blessing in disguise.

The Breslin @ The Ace Hotel
16 W 29th St
New York, NY 10001
(646) 214-5788
Website

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Eggspectation - Oeufs Savoureux (Montreal, QC)

Eggspectation

Eggspectation

After dropping off our beloved rental car, shown: here and here, we were ready to grab some breakfast before hitting up the streets of Montreal. After looking over Lonely Planet's suggestions, we found an Eggspectation close by to our hotel, so off to get some oeufs (eggs) we go! By the way, I was being sarcastic in regards to our rental car. PT Cruiser? Meh.....

Banango

Banango - Banana, Mango, & OJ

Page

Page - Strawberry, banana, blueberry, kiwi, honeydew, papaya, pineapple, cantaloupe, and OJ

Before going over the breakfast menu, we decide to order some smoothies. My buddy B went with the Banango with a shot of rum. A more exciting way to start of the morning! While my buddy Morg and myself went with the Page, without the extra kick of alcohol. Hey, what can I say, we're good boys! :)

Toast & Maple Syrup

Toast w/ Maple Syrup

Eggstravaganza

Eggstravaganza - 2 eggs, 2 french toast, sausages, potatoes, fruit

Eggwhat?

Eggwhat? - Corned beef hash, two eggs, toast, potatoes, fruit


Eggspectation

Eggspectation - Three egg omelette w/ mushroom, onion, sausage, peppers, bacon, ham w/ grilled potatoes and fruit

We decided to get three separate items off the menu. Even though I did not taste the first two items my friends ordered, they seemed to enjoy it. I decided to go with the namesake of this restaurant, the Eggspectation. Although the food did not blow me away in any shape or form, it did hit the spot on a cloudy spring morning in Montreal.

How does Eggspectation compare to a say an IHOP or Denny's here in the US? I'd say I much prefer the food at Eggspectation. Though, come with no expectations, other than getting some delicious egg dishes, or as the French people say, "oeufs savoureux!" There are quite a few Eggspectations in Canada and Eastern parts of the United States, so get your egg on! Au Revoir!

Eggspectation
1313 De Maisonneuve West
Montreal, Quebec H3G 2R9
(514) 842-3447
Official Website