For a while, I resorted to hosting brunch at my place. I would whip some eggs, flour, milk, and vanilla extract to make thin French crepes served with freshly brewed vanilla black tea. Homemade jam, nutella, and rich, creamy, sea-salted butter were my primary smearing choices. My ultimate favorite is raspberry jam. The flavors create the perfect balance on my palate. And of course, I always have my pantagruelian side of sliced fruit.On days when I did not feel like cooking myself a breakfast of champions, I would walk over 7 blocks to Henry’s Bagel & Espresso Bar. As soon as I walk in, I inhale the warm toasty smell of dough, espresso, and pastries. I can actually see the men at work in the kitchen through the glass window overlooking Union Street. I order a whole wheat everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox. It has to be the most delicious and quickest breakfast option!
Recently, however, I have discovered a nook of a place 2 blocks away from me called Bocca Lupo. Glass windows allow for a sun-filled room, and a wooden bar and tables give it a rustic, natural feel.
An Italian eatery on weekdays, Bocca Lupo is a brunch hotspot on weekends. I extremely enjoyed the Eggs Poached with cremini toast, spek & tomato fonduta. The tomato fonduta is a spinned version of hollandaise with a spicy twist. Every element marries impeccably together to create a harmony of exquisite flavors. Rich and oozing with ambrosial ingredients, another crowd pleaser is the baked eggs with artichokes, sweet sausage, spinach, and ricotta.
Henry's Bagel & Espresso Bar, 520 Henry Street @ Union Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (free WIFI)
Closest subway: Carroll St. on F train
Bocca Lupo , 391 Henry Street @ Warren Street, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Closets subway: Bergen St. on the F train
[image 1 thanks to Matthew Levine according to this license]
[image 2 taken by Andrew Karcie for nymag.com]
