All this week I've been sharing with you my dining adventures from my most recent trip to New York City. We've already drooled over the veggie hero at The Meatball Shop and the angel food cake ice cream with chocolate and cherries at Morgenstern's, so today let's talk about my favorite meal of the week - brunch.
I have some serious go-to places when it comes to brunch in New York, but I was feeling adventurous, so I suggested to my childhood friend that we try a place in Flatiron called Spoon & Tbsp.
As we approached the storefront on 20th Street I groaned, "Oh man! The door is covered by scaffolding!"
Despite its construction zone status, the whimsy still comes through in the details - the robin's egg blue trim, the intricate iron work and the charming logo.
We had arrived on the early side (10:00am) and the place was empty. I was grateful because it gave me free reign to snap these pictures for you.
We were seated at a two top and handed menus. I was immediately drawn to the menu categories "Boozy bevs" and "Sweet comfort." This place was speaking my language!
Sadly, I had terrible allergies that day and my throat was killing me. I had to forgo the Bloody Mary and instead ordered a hot green tea. My tea arrived in an adorable ceramic pot worthy of an Alice in Wonderland tea party.
We wasted no time with our selections and the food arrived quickly. My friend chose the breakfast skillet which is mushroom and potato hash, spinach and parmesan cheese, topped with two eggs.
Once she was a few bites in, I asked for her thoughts. In between more forkfuls she said, "This is unbelievable. All the components are delicious. The parmesan cheese on top is awesome and the eggs are cooked perfectly. It did come with a side of toast, but I didn't need that because I just wanted more of the skillet."
I decided on the mushroom omelette which came expertly folded next to a heap of hash and greens.
The omelette was packed with mushrooms and their signature earthy flavor. I love how bright and yellow the egg was. I have to say, the shredded potatoes in the hash were excellent and tasted even better dunked in cold ketchup.
Now, earlier when we were strategizing about what to get, I convinced my friend that in addition to our egg dishes, we should also split something sweet (I try to convince people of this any chance I get). We did indeed order a plate of French toast to share, which came topped with whipped cream and served with a side of fruit.
While I loved the sweet taste of the whipped cream with the toast, the pieces were too soggy. My friend commented, "It just tastes . . . undercooked. A bit like eating something raw." Needless to say, not a winning dish.
Though Spoon & Tbsp definitely gets points for their cute tea service and their memorable breakfast skillet, the rest of our meal was just kind of ho hum.
The next time you're in NYC, visit one of my brunch standbys - Buvette, Jack's Wife Freda, Maialino, Penelope or The Smith.
Tell me, where is your favorite place for brunch in the Big Apple?
