* epicurean discovery

Comodo / 58 Macdougal Street, New York, NY 10012
http://comodonyc.com/

It’s a little challenging to find a restaurant that doesn’t only serve a brunch menu on the weekends in NYC especially in SoHo.  When you wake up late on a Saturday after a long evening of social gatherings and venture out around 3PM, you’re trapped in the “awkward dining period” from 3PM-5PM.  Restaurants are either closed in preparation for dinner service or will only serve drinks at the bar. Most establishments start brunch at 10AM and end around 2PM or 3PM. However, there are some exceptions that last till 5PM and then immediately commence dinner service afterwards. 

Luckily, I dropped by Comodo (a supper club turned restaurant) in the former Salt Restaurant space on Macdougal Street. The food at Comodo is Latin-American inspired, and the interiors were cozy. Since they serving brunch until 4PM, the boyfriend and I were thrilled when they welcomed us with open arms. I had read many raving reviews before coming here and have been eager to try their dishes. 

Our server was very nice! He helped us decipher the menu and made excellent recommendations.  In addition to the food menu, there is a wine and cocktails list as well as freshly squeezed grapefruit and orange juices. I wonder how lunch and dinner would be like there next time. 

The first dish above is the “Calentado” Duck Fat Fried Rice.  Duck lovers will want to try this!  The comforting mix of duck breast and fried rice topped off with an egg is a hearty and fulfiling combination of deliciousness. This was very enjoyable and filling. 

Next, the “Poached Egg On A Pao de Queijo” was what I had.  The Pao de Quiejo is a type of Mexican bread, and it was my first time tasting it. The dish appeared to be a new type of “Eggs Benedict,” except the egg was poached and possibly quail, and it was prepared with avocado, chipotle cream sauce, and chorizo (my addition). The egg? Perfectly poached. Absolutely fantastic. On the side, diced butternut squash accompanied my meal. I thought it was very savory and satisfying (as the portions were just right). 

Not pictured…unfortunately, I wasn’t able to snap the appetizers we had or the dessert (since my iPhone 4 Pudding photo app failed me this time, I and forgot my regular camera again, sorry). To start, we ordered the “Four C Chicharron”(three pieces) which was made with chipotle, chorizo, and chuleta on toasted chihuahua cheese. What is chihuahua cheese? Cannot recall its description? This dish was unlike anything we’ve ever had, and it was remarkable.  Our dessert was the churros and chocolate.  Dipping the fresh, piping hot churros into an espresso cup filled with melted dark chocolate was a tasty experience. As I’m writing this, I can recall the taste, textures, and flavors of that dish.  

Comodo is yet another promising restaurant  where I’ll definitely make a return visit.  

JANE

[ Brunch at its Best - the photos say it all!]

When you decide to brunch at Jane, you MUST make a reservation in advance (I’d say at least 2-3 days) since they fill up quickly or you’ll end up waiting at least 45 min to an hour (depending) to eat.

Located in northern SoHo and the beginning of Greenwich Village, Jane is a very lively restaurant with cozy seating (tables are quite close) and commendable service.  I visited in October 2011 with high expectations. With few last minute requests such adding/subtracting/re-adding extra guests at my table, the host & hostess were very accommodating despite the busy brunch rush and my indecisiveness at the moment.

The brunch menu is quite extensive and creative!  You’ll find the usual brunch cocktails to complement your meal. 

Photos from top left to right:

• Benedict Johnny *
• Classic Eggs Benedict
• Country Breakfast with Grits
• Vanilla Challah French Toast *
• Salmon Scramble

*Recommended to try

JANE
100 W Houston St.
(between Laguardia Pl. & Thompson St.) 
New York, NY 10012
(212) 254-7000

TARTINERY NOLITA

I’ve always wanted to try Tartinery after passing by it with a friend early this year in the late spring. The clean, and elegant appearance lured me as did the appealing menu, and it being French. However, I forgot the name of this place! I only found out about it again from another friend’s foursquare check-in, and it clicked - this was the place!

Tartinery NoLita is a modern take on the traditional bistro. It’s focus is on the tartine, a gourmet, open-faced sandwich on thin, delicately toasted bread. One of their breads, the Poilane country bread, hails from the famous St. Germain-des-Prés boulangerie in Paris. Oh, and this bread is flown daily from the bakery in Paris to New York.  Oh, très special, non?

I came for brunch on Saturday, late September - my apologies for the delayed post!

After flipping through photos from fellow Yelp reviewers, I decided on the Jamon Purée tartine. The Jamon Purée is cooked ham, Brie cheese and dijon mustard. I chose to have it on the Poilane country bread.

How was it?

My taste buds were dancing with delight!  It was absolutely divine.  The tartine was perfectly done, and the flavors were very well-balanced.

I didn’t know whether to use my hands to eat the tartine or dining utensils, so……I went for the dining utensils. The neater(?) way.  I was confused.  I probably should have asked them what to do.

Followed my meal with a cappuccino and dessert (why, it has to be complete!) I skimmed the menu for a unique dessert then asked the friendly bartender (I sat at the bar) for his recommendation.  He suggested the clafoutis, so I chose it. The clafoutis is a baked dessert, that is a little buttery and flan-like with berries inside - this one had the aroma and taste of almond, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and donned with a mint leaf on the side. First time tasting clafoutis, and I adored it! I definitely could have had another one.

Tartinery NoLita offers lunch and dinner (aside from the tasty tartines) and carries a vast collection of organic wines, mostly French from what I remember.  They also serve cocktails, beers, fresh juices, water, and soda.

My overall dining experience was lovely.  I enjoyed the attentive, friendly service, the beautiful interiors, and especially the food. I will definitely be returning and recommending this French NoLita gem to my family, friends, supper club and lovers of food.

This might just be the beginning of future, regular visits to Tartinery NoLita.

Tartinery NoLita
209 Mulberry Street (at Spring St.)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 300-5838

http://www.tartinery.com/

BISTRO LES AMIS
180 Spring St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 226-8645
http://www.bistrolesamis.com

My favorite place to eat in SoHo - great for brunch & dinner! Petite inside yet cozy/romantic.