the weekend buzz

“Tired of the same old same old for Brunch? Check out our list of new (and old) favorites!”

Peels may be on everyone’s list at the moment, but there’s good reason. In addition to a build your own biscuit brunch (hello, gorgeous!), they offer mouthwatering selection of homemade pastries (buns, buns, buns!), a terrific selection of organic salads, and a great variety of sandwiches and eggs. A favorite of mine is the smoked trout sammy with fries. There are long waits for tables, I know, but I am sure there’s an App for that. Or just bring a book, a few sections of the paper, have a cuppa joe from their takeaway cafe, and enjoy the rewards of patience. 325 Bowery, between 2nd and Bleecker, (646) 602-7015.

You can't beat the views at Riverpark, and the brunch ain't bad either. Executive chef Sisha Ortuzar recently debuted an all-new brunch menu of tasty options like a pork belly & egg sandwich with cheddar, asparagus, ramps and frisée ($13), which you can enjoy on the expansive outdoor terrace overlooking the East River.  Starters such as grilled bread with mashed avocado and olive oil ($6) and sides like the lamb sausage with spiced yogurt ($7) round out the midday meal.  450 East 29th Street, 212-729-9790, www.riverparknyc.com.

EN Japanese Brasserie just started weekend brunch, where chef Abe Hiroki serves a medley of both western & traditional Choshoku "Japanese breakfast" dishes such as a skillet-baked azuki pancake served with Kurobuta sausages ($15) and a fried oyster omelette with mizuna and watercress salad ($16).  Refreshing, flavorful cocktails ($13 each) include Homemade Ginger, Navel & Prosecco and Tomato Water. 435 Hudson Street, corner of Leroy, (212) 647-9196.

B&B, the American pub in SoHo, offers weekend brunch on Saturdays/Sundays from 11:30am-4pm. Chef Josh Capon's hungry-man menu includes dishes such as the breakfast burrito filled with chorizo, peppers, onions, mozzarella and pico de gallo ($13), "Leo" pizza with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and caramelized onions on flatbread ($12), Belgian waffles with fresh fruit ($12) and short rib hash with sunny-side up eggs and warm tortillas ($14). Oh, and don't miss the burger. 25 West Houston Street, b/w Mercer and Greene212-334-7320.

If you’re taking in the Highline or frolicking at Hudson River Park, check out the brunch at The Standard Grill. In addition to the indoor cafe and dining room, the restaurant features a 92-seat outdoor cafe where you can order from chef Dan Silverman's menu that includes items from the griddle such as brioche French toast, buttermilk pancakes and raised Belgium waffle, all available with a choice of tasty toppings that include Nutella and strawberry compote.  Baked Eggs Florentine with creamed spinach, Gruyere and toast and creamy polenta with broccoli rabe, sausage and fried egg are a couple offerings made with organic eggs while a selection of entrees such as The Standard Ranch Burger are also available.  Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4pm.  (848 Washington Street at 13th Street, 212.645.4100, http://thestandardgrill.com/)

If you're up in Central Park, Telepan serves a fantastic $28 prix-fixe brunch that includes a pastry basket for the table, appetizers such as hazelnut cream crepes with bananas & brown sugar sauce and apple sausage with poached egg, duck prosciutto & watercress, and hearty entrees such as a fallen pancakes soufflé with brown sugar bacon & huckleberry syrup. 72 West 69th Street, 212-580-4300.

At The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, chef April Bloomfield's brunch menu includes poached egg with curried lentils, yogurt and cilantro along with sandwiches such as the grilled three-cheese sandwich with house smoked ham ($16), the fried peanut and banana sandwich with bourbon and vanilla ($11) and the signature char grilled lamb burger with feta, cumin mayo and thrice cooked chips ($21). A popular cocktail at brunch, the Bitches Brew, is a take on a Michelada and is made with mescal, tomato juice, fresh lime juice, spices and is topped off with beer ($12). 16 West 29th Street, 212.679.1939, www.thebreslin.com.

Before or after an afternoon of shopping in Soho, Caffe Falai has outdoor seating along Lafayette street where you can order from a selection of chef Iacopo Falai's oven-baked eggs in various preparations that include Italian tuna ($13), sautéed spinach & mascarpone ($13) and sautéed wild mushrooms ($12) as well as a selection of panini that are available from 7am to 4pm.  During breakfast (7am to 12pm), you can choose from croissants with savory fillings, like ham & cheese ($5), or an "Italian breakfast" item such as poached figs with fresh ricotta and crunchy almonds ($9). 265 Lafayette Street at Prince Street, 212.274.8615.  

Enjoy!

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