Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday Hit List Edition : Beat The Heat Brunches



Can we say T.G.I.F ! I feel a particular victory for us all for making it to this Friday. The truth is we all love our city but this week has been a particular scorcher. Many times this week I thought about going outside and doing a rain dance hoping for a little relief knowing that other NY'ers would gladly join in with me like a secretly synchronized flash mob! Thankfully the weekend is here and we can all seek refuge in the form of delicious and cold cocktails , wonderful company and indoor AC while we enjoy our brunch!  So off we go down the yellow brick road of yummy brunches for another set of sure to be crowd pleaser.

Seafood City:


Location: City Island New York

What you need to know: A hop  and a skip into the Bronx and a jump over the city island bridge you will quickly be transported to a small ferry town reminiscent of (make any place up far away outside of the city) and Insert here. Whats more Seafood City boasts fun and accommodations for the whole family from its large cafeteria style indoors, to arcade area, to outdoor patio with clear views of the boats and docks complete with an outdoor wet bar! You are sure to find enjoyment here for any group type and size! Sit inside and you'll be thankful for great AC, contemporary music and a seafood selection to rival any true crustacean lovers appetite. Feeling more like a liquid brunch no problem! The bar selection includes all of the regular suspects as well as some specialties such as the Henny Colada ( pictured atop this article), the Miami Vice (available in regular or extra strength) and the Nutcracker Coladas that have NY'ers and out of towners coming from all over just for their famed reputation. Want to keep the party going you and your crew can head to the nearby Orchard beach located in the same vicinity and take in even more fun in the sun!



X2O Xaviers on the Hudson










Location: 71 Water Grant Street
               Westchester County, New York

What you need to know: So You Fancy huh? Feeling a little fancier or simply like taking a breather from the NYC streets. Well since we never met a Frenchie we didn't like ,restaurants that is, this  3 floor mainly glass petit tresour which sits on the water is definitely high on our recommendation list! Here you can take in breathtaking views of the George Washington and Tapanzee bridge and gain some new perspective on these architectural classics while you enjoy an equally decadent brunch. This Sunday only  menu boasts not only French but also Italian, Spanish and Asian influences and embellishments. For 38.00 per person you and your compadres get unlimited Champagne, Breads, a selection of 2 savory courses & 1 dessert. Not to shabby, and with selections such as Miso Glazed Salmon,Poached eggs with creamed spinach , Pan Seared Cod and deserts such as Caramel flan with fresh fruit and Warm Banana Walnut Bread Pudding with ice cream we are more than certain everyone will find something more than accommodating of their palette.


Mojave 
 

Location:22-36 31st St
             Astoria, NY 11105

What you need to know:  Grab your unlimited metro card and some friends and get transported to the land of Queens. Already live in this flavorful borough well then even better! This southwest inspired and sister restaurants of the villages Agave NY brings serious flavor in their brunch selection options. We particularly enjoy that they have such a wide selection on their brunch menu that include the categories appetizer, eggs, pancakes and others,salads and sandwiches, quesadillas and sides! We haven't even mentioned the best part yet. With this pollo loco heat outside you are sure to want to ask for one of their delicious libations which also come FROZEN! Nothing screams adult fun like an alcoholic slushy and with flavors such as Strawberry, Mango,Passion Fruit, Prickly Pear, Blood Orange, & Pomegranate we sure everybody will walk out with a different fave. 



Southern Hospitality


Location: 1460 Second Ave., New York, NY 10075
               (btwn 76th & 77th Streets)
               

What you need to know: Staying or coming into the city this weekend.come on down to SoHo we are talking the restaurant not the neighborhood. This ones a recession special scoring you bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for an additional 11.95 with the purchase of any brunch entree. With Brunch running from 11:30 am -3:30pm everyone can definitely get more than their moneys worth. Whats more coat your stomach with southern favorites such as chicken and waffles , chicken fried steak n eggs and one of their culinary all stars pulled pork! Take the party from your table to the bar upfront which features a lively atmosphere and flat screen televisions that also makes this a good one for when any sporting events are on during the weekend. Hey why not make it a J.T. inspired day and keep the fun , AC exposure and mimosa induced giggles going  and take it from his restaurant to the movies where you and some friends can catch him and Mila Kunis in the flick Friends With Benefits opening this weekend.   

 You've been hit! That's it for this weeks Brunch Hit List. Go out brunch happy. Fill up you hearts and belly's with delicious new finds and stay cool! 


XoXo,


The Brunching Babes
 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

You Never Forget Your First.....Brunch That Is....


Whether it is the 1st time you moved into an apartment, 1st time you become a parent, or 1st time you do something extravagant, those moments are always cherished dearly. Well, these babes will NEVER forget the 1st time we ever BRUNCHED thanks to CALLE OCHO or THE OCHO as we like to refer to it. You just never forget your 1st...


Calle Ocho located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Columbus Ave btw 81st and 82nd St. will always hold a special place in our hearts. So many great brunches were had here whether to celebrate a birthday, reunions, solo brunches, group brunches, etc. Never let us down. They recently closed their doors on June 26th and the babes were lucky enough to enjoy their last brunch (how bittersweet!) by hosting a birthday party for a good friend. Calle Ocho is not closing its doors forever but they are moving to a new location across the street inside the Excelsior Hotel on 45 West 81st, so don't fret my friends you can still have an opportunity to check out what the fuss is all about.


We recently mentioned Calle Ocho in one of our weekend hit list as one of the best Latin brunches in NYC and we are not lying! Calle Ocho offers UNLIMITED sangria with their brunch. Many delicious brunch entree options on their menu and with 8 different flavors of sangria to choose from, you are bound to come back. The decor is very "Miami Meets Manhattan" with vibrant colors and hues inspired by Latin America. Calle Ocho's vibe is like no other. With subtle salsa music playing in the background, they have created an ambiance which makes you feel like you are in the Caribbean with a New York twist. We can't wait to see what the new place will look like!









The waiters are very attentive to your needs at The Ocho and make you feel welcome. They bring you a basket of assorted breads with strawberry butter in a Cuban Cigar box. These breads were seriously made in heaven! From the moment you walk in til you are ready to tap out you can enjoy the bottomless sangria but make sure you follow The Rules of the Sangria Bar!




We were lucky enough to arrive early and secure the entire top section of the lounge area which is a cute area with smaller tables, couches and very intimate setting. The sangrias began to roll in and soon it was time to order our entrees.



One of the most popular dishes at Calle Ocho is the VACA FRITA (one of the babes FAVES) which is a Cuban skirt steak with Latin fried rice, tomato escabeche and avocado topped with two eggs. This was a popular entree among our guests. The picture below will prove why....



They say "when in Rome do as the Romans", well when at Calle Ocho you have to try their Cubano right? Check out how The Ocho does the Cubano.


If you are a vegetarian, no worries, Calle Ocho offers the VEGETARIANO: wild mushroom paella, Guatemalan green bean salad and sweet pea vinaigrette. Very tasty!




Another popular dish among our guest was the FRITA CUBANA, a Cuban style burger, seasoned beef and pork patty, red onions and chimichurri fries.


Here we have the QUESADILLA DE EL SALVADADOR, soft tortillas, chipotle chicken, asadero cheese, curtido, avocado and crema nata.

For under $20 you can get any of the above entrees with unlimited sangria! Now that is a BRUNCH deal you cannot turn down!

We look forward to the new Calle Ocho opening at the end of this month (July). The babes have been invited to get a sneak peak of the new place and we hear it will look a lot more modern than the old spot. They have already started taking reservations so we suggest you move quickly because we are certain reservations will fill up!

We would like to thank all of the workers, managers, waiters and Chef Alex Garcia for all of the great memories at THE OCHO. We look forward to making more memories at the new spot. You better believe we will be there to cover the new and improved Calle Ocho!

Here is to NEW beginnings!

Cheers,
-The Brunching Babes :)