Living It Up NYC: My Top Picks for Brunch (Part 3 of 4)

When the weekend hits (or any day, really), brunch becomes an essential part of the day. Rest assured even though I was not able to cover all the best brunch spots in New York and Brooklyn, I researched all these places before hitting the reservation button. 

1. The Fat Radish: This low-key farm to table affair leans toward British and vegetarian fare at the Lower East Side. Radish is also omnipresent on the menu because after all, they are called The Fat Radish. My salmon bowl is one of the healthiest meals I've had in my short New York trip. The herb salad is bursting with flavors and the beet pickled eggs give the entire dish an attractive pink glow to an otherwise bland-looking meal. 

Tip: Vegetarians go crazy for this spot. 

seafood brunch
Can't go wrong with smoked salmon, pickled eggs and avocado. 

brunch
Vegetarian-friendly with grilled halloumi (cheese from Cyprus), quinoa, almonds, kale and egg.
The Fat Radish
You know a food spot has made it when it has its own cookbook.
2. Okonomi, Brooklyn: This is one of the few restaurants that I discovered through Instagram because of its photogenic Japanese brunch set. Okonomi prides itself with its focus on domestic seafood and Mottainai philosophy, specifically meaning must not waste food. True to the Japanese's love for meticulous packaging, the brunch sets came in small yet thoughtful presentation. I devoured my meal in no time but didn't leave hungry.

Tip: This is great for seafood lovers. For other photogenic establishments, follow Cha Cha Matcha and 2nd City on Instagram. 
seabass
Brunch set #1
Japanese breakfast
I forget which fish this is but everything was well seasoned. The homemade tofu soup is commendable. 
3. Chelsea Market: After my brunch at Okonomi, I made my way back to Manhattan to visit Chelsea Market. By the time I got there, I hit the lunch crowd - both employees at nearby offices as well as tourists. Instead of waiting in long lines, I made a mental note to bookmark this place, particularly the sushi joint inside the seafood market, as my next brunch location next time I'm in town. If you're not prepared to whiz through the variety of vendors, you might end up here for hours on end.

So many choices!
Seafood post. The sushi joint is at the back.
The lunch crowd is here.
Did you miss the first two of my New York series? Fret not:
Top 10 Summer Treats
When the Old and New Collide

You Might Also Like

0 comments