Friday, June 3, 2011

Weekend Roundup: Memorial Day Weekend Edition- Alfresco Brunching


The flip flops are out, the dresses are getting shorter, the restaurants have brought out their tables, the birds are chirping and the temperatures keep rising. Put away those hefty coats, sweaters and UGGly boots folks because summer has officially kicked in! 

Memorial Day weekend brought perfect weather in NYC and the theme of the weekend was ALFRESCO!!! The babes were so thankful for finally having some sunny weather and a chance to enjoy what we have been waiting for the most, ALFRESCO brunching! We gave you our suggestions for the weekend and what kind of people would we be if we didn’t try any of those spots and share with you all? Selfish? Nope not here at BRUNCHINEE! 

The babes had a fun Friday night thanks to our friends at 5StarEvents. We even made a pit stop at Pop Burger after dancing the night away at Crimson. Hey don’t judge us have you guys ever tried Pop Burger? If you have then you understand it is one of the best after the club/lounge/bar spot/ for some delicious sliders, fries, onion rings or even a shake and they are open til 5am! We hear Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted enjoying some sliders their last week!

Here are a few pics of the deliciousness for those that have yet to experience Pop Burger:



Now onto the real deal: Our brunch filled long weekend!

On Saturday we slept in a little and then linked up for a nice relaxing brunch at THE MERMAID INN in the UPPER WEST SIDE. This place has quickly been added to our faves because of its relaxing "I'm on a boat" feel, yummy brunch entrees and alfresco dining experience. The Mermaid Inn has 3 locations in NYC but this location (568 Amsterdam Ave) in the UWS is the only one that currently offers brunch. 


Our cute waiter, who we named Clark Kent was super attentive and quickly brought over some raisin bread w/ strawberry butter and our mimosas which, may I add are made with freshly squeezed orange juice and cava. So refreshing after a night of hard liquor (haha.)

 If you are not much of a drinker, The Mermaid Inn offers this replenishing non-alcholic drink called the Sparkling Pear which contains pear puree, honey and soda. Very refreshing summer drink!
 

Now onto the entree which I could not stop talking about all weekend! We both were feeling like Eggs Benny so we ordered the Mermaid Benedict with Lobster (you can also add bacon instead if you like) which came with spinach, old bay hollandaise, english muffins, lobster, two poached eggs and potatoes. We checked into The Mermaid Inn via YELP and we received a free side order! We chose the chorizo which was really good. One of the babes also had to try the raved about fish tacos which come with tilapia, marinated red cabbage and pickled jalapenos. Serious flavor fiestas over here! We enjoyed every bite!

Mermaid Benedict w/ Lobster
Another look at the Mermaid Benedict w/ Lobster
Side of Chorizo 
Fish Tacos
Fresh Salsa
Brunch at The Mermaid Inn is served until 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.We cannot wait to try their LOBSTERPALOOZA on Sundays!

Some more pics of THE MERMAID INN:





MEMORIAL DAY BRUNCHING @ GABRIELA'S


Many restaurants that normally serve brunch on the weekends extended their brunch to Monday because of the Memorial Day festivities. This babe just couldn't resist the opportunity to have a 3 day brunch weekend. Those don't come often ya know...

I ended up at Gabriela's Restaurant in the Upper West Side (yea I know we love us some UWS lol) where we spent Cinco de Mayo. We promised you guys we would cover them for brunch and here we are. You see we keep our promises. ;) 

I arrived close to 3pm and their brunch goes on until 3:30pm (just in time!).  I took a glance at the menu and discussed the popular dishes with the waiter ( I always do this!) I did not want to go with the normal huevos rancheros or a burrito so I went with the torta con carne asada which is basically a grilled steak Mexican style sandwich with refried black beans, avocado, queso fresco and chipotle or jalapeno chiles. Sooo glad I went with this choice because it was exactly what I needed. Served with a fresh fruit salad on side and plantain chips this dish was a hit. 

Each brunch entree incudes either a mimosa, sangria, small frozen Sauza Gold margaritas (you can pick flavors!), bloody Maria, orange juice or coffee for $12.95. Authentic Mexican brunch food for a decent price. Not bad huh?



Along with the mango frozen margarita came their warm crispy tortilla chips with salsa and chipotle dips which are great to keep you calm while you wait for your entrees. 


Gabriela's offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3:30pm and is a true NYC secret. They have a full tequila bar and an awesome alfresco dining experience.




Live, Laugh, Brunch
-The Brunching Babes :)






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