My old roommate Emily moved to Brooklyn. And I went to visit her and see her lovely kitty who I used to cohabitate with. We decided to go on a brunch adventure. We were in Clinton Hill, and made our way over to the Fort Greene area. Her boyfriend Jordan, who also adores restaurants, had a few places in mind for us, and we set out on an adventure.
We passed one place that had a wait. Another that did not have a brunch menu. So we started heading towards a brunch place that Emily and Jordan liked, and in doing so, we saw a cute little restaurant called Cafe Lafayette. We stepped inside, and I realized that I have probably never been in a restaurant so small. There were 2-3 tables on the right, 3 tables on the left, and 2 tables in the front, and that was it. The restaurant was full, and one table was on their way out. A mere three minutes later, we were seated.
A bottle of water was placed on the table. Lovely. Jordan and Emily asked for coffee. When they drank it, they realized they really liked it, and asked the waitress what kind of coffee they were drinking. The waitress went to the back, retrieved the cannister, and told Jordan all about the coffee. It was a rather nice gesture. And Jordan ordered some french onion soup to start, which was nice for such a cold day. And quite frankly, the door opening and closing to let patrons in an out kept the restaurant at a temperature a little below warm.
The menu offered a variety of salads, burgers and omelets. A lot of patrons ordered the burgers, and they looked incredible. When we saw them come out, we had a few regrets that one of us did not try the burger. Of course, my choice was easy. Why you ask? Because they had a goat cheese and spinach omelet, and I can't say no to the goat cheese. Usually I whine when restaurants only let you choose two fillings for omelets. But this was different because it was predetermined, as if they were deciding that these two fillings were a good combination. The omelet was $9.00, and I ordered it with egg whites. The waitress said it would cost more. I said, how much? She said $3.00. WOOF. That is alot of extra dollars for me to spend just to feel better about eating the omelet. I contemplated. And contemplated. Awkward pause. Make a decision Kerry. SAY SOMETHING. Ok. I will take the damn expensive egg whites.
I should note that the decor was lovely. They had wine bottles and old art. It was the cutest, artiest, most interesting looking place I have had brunch. I felt like great minds used to meet at Cafe Lafayette to engage in discourse far beyond my understanding.
On to the entree. Omelet arrives. Side salad. Approximately 7 big home fries. Emily and Jordan also got egg dishes. You can look at the brunch menu here, but it does not look like the brunch menu we got at the restaurant on Sunday. And as a side note, look at the specials. They have an all you can eat mussels and frites for $15 on Wednesdays! With a glass of wine too! Amazing.
There is the omelet. Emily thought the home fries were too peppery. The little salad was delightful. And the omelet was pretty good. It could have been a little fluffier. But the goat cheese was nice. And the best part was, they only ended up charging me $1.00 for the omelet.
When it comes to brunch, you can find so many cute places that have not been majorly hyped up and overrated. And if you are in that brunch mood of "strolling around town with nothing to do," why not try something new that looks cute? There are certainly some really fancy brunch places that have entrees at an average price of $16.00, and of course there are variables of mimosas, bread baskets, egg whites, etc., but for the most part, the price range from one brunch place to another is not extravagant. It probably won't kill your wallet to try something new.
I should also say that I really love when friends want to show me their neighborhood. I am due for pizza in Brooklyn with friend and blog reader Justin soon. The excitement that people show for their favorite neighborhood spots, allows me to enjoy a meal with them from a completely different perspective. When people are excited to show off their favorite restaurants, I get excited with them. The personality of a restaurant is largely shaped by the people in it, so getting to know those usual patrons makes you feel that comforting home-like feel. And I love it.
Have a delicious day!
NYCMenuGirl
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