Pretzel Croissant
by Cristy-Lucie Alvarado
January 31st, 2008
CITY BAKERY
3 W 18th St
(5th & 6th Ave)
212-366-1414
$$
I’m always on the lookout for the perfect croissant. It doesn’t matter whether I’m craving something savory or something sweet, if I see a croissant with potential, I give it a whirl. Those buttery bundles of flakey goodness never disappoint. So I finally came across the infamous pretzel croissant from City Bakery. Turns out, I’m obsessed. It looks like a croissant, feels like a croissant, but tastes like a pretzel — a buttery, flakey, tender little pretzel with the right amount of salt in every bite. The outer shell is crisp and buttery and when you sink your teeth into it, you’ll be pleased to find a soft fluffy inside with dainty brown pretzel-like specs. Adorned with a light sprinkling of sesame seeds, there’s a delicate crunch as you gnaw away at this heavenly treat.
Posted in American , Bread , Breakfast , Snack , Union Square
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Pumpkin Pancakes
by Cristy-Lucie Alvarado
December 17th, 2007
CAFÉ ORLIN
41 St Marks Pl
(1st & 2nd Ave)
212-777-1447
$$
With a menu that includes creamy hummus, gooey chocolate cake, and insanely generous breakfast specials, it’s no wonder Café Orlin is a dine-out staple for most East Villagers. For this windy winter season, I heartily recommend the pumpkin pancakes — part of the breakfast menu served till 4pm daily. The five fluffy pancakes, dressed in cinnamon yogurt, are carelessly piled on top of each other and garnished with split orange rings. They are served with butter and a side of maple syrup, but I didn’t need either of them. The pumpkin’s sweetness is balanced by the slightly sour yogurt, and the cinnamon adds just a dash of spice. Next time, I think I’ll request some extra yogurt for proper dipping. Mmm, a nice comforting breakfast for these cold winter mornings.
Posted in Breakfast , East Village , Eclectic , Grains
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Halloumi Eggs, poached, with roasted halloumi cheese, olives, salad and za'atar pita
by Celia Cheng
August 16th, 2007
CAFÉ MOGADOR
101 St. Marks Pl
(1st Ave & Ave A)
212-677-2226
$
The Halloumi eggs at Café Mogador make the ideal brunch! Tired of eggs benedict and omelets? Two poached eggs are served on top of roasted halloumi cheese and roasted tomatoes. The dish comes with a little mesclun and za’atar pita. Halloumi is an indigenous cheese from Cyprus that’s salty and similar in texture to mozzarella. However, it doesn’t melt when cooked, so it’s ideal for frying, grilling or roasting. I recommend getting a side order of the “Moroccan sauce” — stewed tomatoes with garlic and jalepeno — and pouring it over the eggs! I’d also ask for some harissa (Tunisian hot sauce) if you want to spice up your dish. Brunch hasn’t tasted this good to me in… forever!
Posted in Breakfast , Brunch , Cheese , East Village , Eggs , Moroccan
Mini Bagels
by Celia Cheng
April 28th, 2007
BAGEL BOB’S
51 University Pl
(9th & 10th St)
212-533-2627
$
Once a week, I’ll pick up a toasted mini sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese and a slice of tomato from Bagel Bob’s. I have to credit this craving to my sister, Cynthia. Bagel Bob’s been around for some time and it’s always consistent, but these mini bagels stand out because a mini is just the right portion for me. Since bagels are denser than other breads, a regular bagel is always too much. But these minis are brilliant! I can make my own mini BLT w/ avocado on bagel without having to skip the next meal.
Posted in American , Bread , Breakfast , Greenwich Village
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