Category Archives: West Village

Brunch at Phillip Marie in the West Village

Posted on January 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

After reading rave reviews of Phillip Marie we knew we had to try this brunch.  The West Village charm is incredible, and the food is even more.  Upon arrival there was already a line out the door – good thing we had a reservation.  However, similar to most hot-spots, we needed the full party in order to sit.

wall decor - ain't that the truth

Review:
After we finally sat down we were immediately served with brunch cocktails – mimosas all around served with a  splash of vodka.  (Yes, champagne, OJ and vodka)!  Of course, I started with a bloody mary – it was not the best.  So I quickly switched to the mimosa cocktail. These were serious mimosas for the serious bruncher..

  • a perfect fruity starter

Crab cake Benedict

  • 2 Crab Cakes Topped with Poached Eggs & Hollandaise and Skillet Potatoes 
  • The crab cake and eggs benedict was “perfect”

Traditional Egg Benedict

  • Traditional and perfect!  Served with 3 eggs and skillet potatoes

Buttermilk Pancakes

  • Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream & Strawberries
  • Pancakes were tasty with homemade cream (no syrup needed)

Frittatta was runny and delicious - the potatoes were incredible!

  • Unfortunately, this frittata is no longer on the menu

But no worries, we enjoyed our meal before having all of our refills of the strong mimosa cocktail.  Next thing we knew, we ended up having a major Sunday Funday throughout the West Village!

Last Call:
This is hands down one of the best brunch experiences thus far.  The food was overall fantastic, the price was fair,  the service was incredible and most of the all, the laid back yet preppy atmosphere was perfect for a summer-time brunch.  I’m looking to head back this winter!

Brunch Review:  5 out of 5 mimosas

The Information
Phillip Marie
569 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
(at 11th ave)
212-242-6200

→ Leave a comment

Posted in AYCD, Bloody mary, brunch, favorite brunch, Great Food, Great Service, Greenwich Village, mimosa, NYC Brunch, West Village

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Brunch at Diablo Royale West Village

Posted on December 12, 2011 | 2 Comments

Thank the devil for Diablo Royale West Village!  We’ve been here twice but this review is for the first time experience…

Review:
Without a reservation three of us walked into Diablo and sat immediately with incredible cinnamon chips that tasted similar to Stacy’s Chips.  Since we were in the West Village on a Sunday for brunch there were several large and

Bloody Mary Bar at Diablo Royale

loud parties around us which seemed to cause our server some anxiety:  he was alright but clearly the only person working the floor.

While we waited to order the food we also immediately opted for the $25 unlimited drink special with our meal and went right to the Bloody Mary Bar (or Maria for those who chose Tequila instead of vodka) and created our own concoctions.  This is an immediate plus for the maven! (Note:  This was not an option in the Fall and perhaps is only available in Spring/Summer).

Grilled Steak and Eggs

  • Grilled steak with tomatoes, onions & pico de gallo served with two fried eggs
  • Delicious and tender steak
  • The home fries and chipotle sauce was perfectly marinated and the perfect mix of peppers and onions

Chillequiles

  • Tomatillo & tortilla chip casserole with eggs over easy, chihuahua cheese & your choice of chicken, carnitas, or vegetables
  • So savory and delicious – like nachos for breakfast

Of course, after all the food we couldn’t help but want to try all of the cocktails at the venue, since we also have enjoyed a happy hour or late night bar stop at Diablo.  The drinks were sinful:

The Ricky house specialty cocktail

  • Dos Equis and frozen margarita mix – a devilish duo

Mimosa, Bloody Maria and Sangria

Although the service was great and the food was incredible.. since we were only a party of 3 the server asked that we move from our table to the bar because people were waiting. We understand the need to turn over tables.. but we had not been seated for the 1.5 hours noted on the menu and the two other large parties had been there before us.. and they did not have any food in front of them for nearly 20 minutes.  We were a little tiffed when asked to move and close our tab…

Last Call
Hands down the best Mexican brunch in NYC – but we recommend coming with a large party as you may get a bit better service.  The Bloody Mary Bar in the warmer months is a plus as well.  We have already been here twice and still receive the same less than mediocre service, but the ambiance, food and decor even it out.

Brunch Review: 4.75 out of 5 mimosas
The Information:
Diablo Royale West
189 W 10th St
New York, NY 10014
(between Bleeker & W 4th St)

East Village Location:
167 Avenue A
New York, NY 10009
(between 1oth & 11th St)

www.diabloroyale.com

→ 2 Comments

Posted in All you can drink, AYCD, Bloody mary, brunch, favorite brunch, Great Food, Greenwich Village, Mexican Brunch, mimosa, NYC Brunch, West Village

Tagged , , , , , , ,

30 NYC Outdoor Brunch Spots

Posted on June 6, 2011 | 1 Comment

Mimosa at Riverpark

Finally summer.  Time for the Frying Pan, Long Beach, the Hamptons, Fire Island and outdoor dining at brunch!  In no particular order, Mimosa Maven brings you 30 of NYC’s Outdoor Brunch Spots for your dining and drinking pleasure.  Cheers blushes:

  1. Dos Caminos:  Nearly every location has an outside dining area.  (SoHo, Midtown East, Meatpacking..)  So enjoy a Prickly Pear margarita with your meal (about $15 for meal and includes 1 drink) while enjoying the sun!
  2. Dukes: Murray Hill:  Want to enjoy the weather outside without the sunburn?  Enjoy the shade with Duke’s Country Brunch.  Just $10 added to your meal for an unlimited liquid brunch!
  3. Riverpark:  Gramercy:  Enjoy the view of the East River and Brooklyn at this Tom Colicchio Restaurant.  Don’t forget their delicious mimosas.. Check out the beirgarden after your meal!
  4. Boathouse: Central Park:  Sit Lakeside at this NYC staple restaurant for an elegant brunch.  Then.. enjoy a walk in the park, or even take out a kayak right on the lake.  (We recommend the Lump Crabcakes)
  5. Paradou:  Meatpacking District:  Paradou means Paradise, and the view truly is amazing!  Enjoy the a la carte menu or the $29 limitless cocktail brunch cocktail at this Meatpacking gem, right in a beautiful garden! Go ahead.. smell the Hydrangeas
  6. Pastis: Meatpacking District:  Enjoy a lovely French brunch right on the cobblestone streets of Meatpacking.  And don’t worry, we also have a chuckle when we some girls falling on the street while trying to walk in their heels..
  7. The Park:  (Cusp of Meatpacking and Chelsea):  The Garden at The Park seats almost 325 people (wow!).  Try their brunch while sitting right beneath their Japanese Maple Trees.  Want to “feel” like you’re dining outdoors, ask to be seated in The Atrium or The Penthouse.  MOMs:  Are you looking to bring your kids?  Great!  There’s a kids brunch menu too!
  8. 230 Fifth: Gramercy:  Looking for a rooftop brunch?  Try 230 Fifth!  The brunch menu is full and plenty, and even has a “Skinny” list for those on a diet still wanting brunch. Brunch items range from $9-$16 with bloody’s at $10 with a bottle service menu running up to nearly $200.
  9. Waterstone Grill: Financial District (FiDi):  Try any brunch item with unlimited mimosas and brunch cocktails (for just ten bucks added to your bill) while sitting on the famous Stone Street!
  10. Fiddlesticks:  West Village:  Although outdoor dining may be limited to a few tables, the $10 brunch menu (that includes 2 complimentary brunch cocktails) shouldn’t be missed! Want the Traditional Irish Breakfast or Steak and Eggs?  Just $12 with your 2 complimentary drinks!
  11. Beckett’s:  FiDi:  Continue down Stone Street for more outdoor dining and stumble in for $15 brunch that includes your food and choice of one mimosa, bloody mary, glass of wine or pint of beer!
  12. Ulysses: FiDi: Think this place is only good for happy hour, Wall Street types and beer?  Well, now enjoy some Saturday Brunch on Stone Street! Brunch comes with complimentary croissant and muffin basket (yum)!
  13. Harry’s Italian:  FiDi:  A little walk away from the always fun Stone Street, Harry’s Italian has some wonderful outdoor seating for brunch in the shade.  Enjoy your pizette and unlimited cocktails (or any brunch item) for just $15.95!
  14. B-Bar:  East Village/NoHo:  Bowery Bar’s garden and outdoor seating is great for evening cocktails and dinner, but also for a great brunch.  Brunch is available Saturday-Monday ($10 per brunch cocktail and about $10 for your meal)
  15. Calle Ocho:  Columbus Circle:  Enjoy outdoor seating AND limitless Sangria at brunch!  Drinks are included with your meal (about $14-$18).
  16. Pier 84:  Midtown West/Hell’s Kitchen:  The menu may be small but the view is amazing.  Enjoy a view of the Hudson right on the pier
  17. Serafina:  Midtown West:  Going to an afternoon Broadway show and looking for outdoor dining at brunch beforehand?  Site right on Broadway for just $19.95!  Includes brunch item and 1 complimentary brunch cocktail.
  18. Doc Watson’s:  Upper East Side:  $11.95 gets you 2 complimentary brunch drinks and a brunch item.. while enjoying the UES view to people watch.  What gets better?
  19. Agozar:  East Village:  Enjoy this lovely Cuban restaurant for Brunch right on the Bowery.  Cafe con leche anyone?
  20. Rio Grande: Murray Hill:   Your choice.. Mexico or Texas side for one of the best outdoor seating spots in NYC.  For just $19.95 one drink will be included with your meal. But be advised.. it only takes one margarita to get sloppy here!
  21. Cafe Orlin:  East Village:  Enjoy the lovely summer weather without the sunburn under the shade outside at Cafe Orlin.  The menu is great and prices are even better!
  22. Sullivan Bistro:  Greenwich Village: Try this cozy restaurant and extra spicy bloody marys.. If you like early brunch, try the sidewalk seating right on Sullivan Street!
  23. Felix:  SoHo:  Although you’re not quite outside, all of the walls are open right to the city-streets of SoHo.  This brunch gets crazy and fun!
  24. Agave:  West Village:  Arguably one of the best margaritas in NYC.. Agave offers West Village outdoor dining and a complimentary margarita (or choice of any brunch cocktail) with your meal!
  25. Kittichai:  SoHo:  $20 includes appetizer, entrée and dessert. Otherwise, try the a la carte menu with an average cocktail about $12. We recommend the pleasant outdoor dining…
  26. 1 Dominick:  West Village:  Sidewalk seating, perfect for people watching!  Brunch items range about $8 with cocktails about $6.
  27. Loreley:  Brooklyn (Williamsburg) :  Finally!  A beer garden with a brunch menu!  Rid your hangover with hair of the dog and many many a German beer and meal.  You’ll never realize you’re right under the BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway).  Don’t forget.. brunch is ALL DAY (yes ALL DAY BRUNCH) at this German biergarten.
  28. Harefield Road:  Brooklyn (Williamsburg): This pub turns into a great morning-after hangover cure with Harefield Eggs or the Breakfast burrito.  Enjoy outdoor seating and an incredible Bloody Mary while you’re at it!
  29. Perch Cafe:  Brooklyn (Park Slope):  The bi-level outdoor dining area is fantastic, and even has umbrellas blocking the sun for some protection!  Daydream about living in one of the beautiful brownstones while enjoying your very wallet-friendly meal (brunch items range from $3 – $11)
  30. Back Forty:  East Village (Alphabet City):  This restaurant only buys locally-grown ingredients.. and it is all delicious!  Enjoy the New York local ingredients and outdoor dining for brunch all weekend long.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Alphabet City, AYCD, brunch, East Village, favorite brunch, Greenwich Village, Hell's Kitchen, Hung Over, Latin, Meatpacking District, mimosa, Murray Hill, NoHo, Party, SoHo, West Village

Another Beatles Brunch in NYC?

Posted on March 3, 2011 | Leave a comment

NEW FLASH: ANOTHER Beatles Brunch spot to try? Thank goodness!

I have yet to schedule my BB King Blues Club & Grill Strawberry Field brunch ($40 online, $42.50 day of the show for Beatles cover band and all you can eat buffet) and another Beatles Brunch location appears:

Rockography Cafe opens March 21 in the West Village, as a cooler, more hip Hard Rock Cafe.  Imagine this:  the 16-oz. burger with velveeta cheese, fried egg, pickles and more is the “F.U. Burger” (FU, no substitutions), photos of musicians  and from rock will line the walls and the soundtrack is expected to be epic.

But Zagat mentions a Bloody Mary Bar – like my dream come true.  The brunch will be epic.  New York Magazine claims there will be an endless bellini brunch with a “build your own Benedict” option.    Just the rumors are enough to get me there!

I will be there that weekend for brunch.  Who’s coming with me?

The Info:
Rockography
504 Sixth Ave
New York, NY 10011
646-360-4143
www.rockographycafe.com

→ Leave a comment

Posted in AYCD, brunch, West Village

Tagged , , , ,

Park it Here: Garage Brunch

Posted on February 20, 2011 | 1 Comment

Garage in the West Village  is one of my favorite NYC brunch establishments!
It has it all:

  • Delicious food
  • Great drinks
  • Live jazz music
  • Classy ambiance
  • Moderate pricing
  • Great service
  • All You Can Drink mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.  Or at least one if you opt to not to the AYCD deal

Review:

Garage is an ultimate go-to brunch spot when the parents, and even grandparents, are in town. It’s even ideal with just one, or all of your girls.

The clientele is calm and more mature than most AYCD venues. Maybe it’s on the live jazz music that plays in about 20 minute sets.

Every omelet is delicately made with nearly no grease and the grilled chicken sandwich is outrageous.  Last weekend, I had the Caprese omelet, tomatoes, mozzerela and basil.  In the past, I’ve ordered the spinach and mushroom omelet and the Farmers Market omelet (Fresh roasted zucchini, tomatoes, asparagus, eggplant, and yellow squash, tossed with goat cheese).  Honestly, each one was equally delicious.  However, Renee (a frequent #brunchtastic bruncher), is on a search for the perfect steak-and-eggs combo.  She did not find it here.  We are on the search for a great steak-and-eggs meal for her.

The sandwiches are quite tasty as well. The grilled chicken lay on Rosemary and Thyme  Focaccia roll with a mini salad drizzled with the perfect amount of Garage’s house dressing. If you love waffles, it is phenomenal as well! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and loaded with whip cream and chocolate…

We can’t forget about the live jazz! It’s such a great touch, particularly for the parents. It classes up the place, not that it needs it (relative to other AYCD brunch places). And if you’re lucky, I’ll bring my grandfather and he’ll even want to sing for you.

Only 2 downsides
1. If one person at your table wants to order unlimited drinks, your entire table must order unlimited drinks
2. When ordering unlimited drinks, they tend to take a while to fill up your glass

Last call: This  place is a dependable brunch spot.  Particularly if you are entertaining out-of-towners.   It’s perfect for a low-key catch up brunch, going away brunch (we miss you Nadine!) and a place to relax and listen to live jazz music after a long stressful week. When I’m here I enjoy myself, my fellow brunchers and especially the food.

Brunch score: 4.5 out of 5 glasses
Price: $16.95 per dish with 1 drink, plus $6 extra for AYCD

The Info:
99 7th Avenue South
NY 10014
(212) 645-0600

Visit their Site for more information and the full menu!

→ 1 Comment

Posted in All you can drink, AYCD, Great Food, Greenwich Village, Inexpensive, live music, Manhattan, West Village