Sunday Brunch: The Park NYC

Another weekend. Another opportunity for brunching with friends.

Have I mentioned before that brunch is my favorite meal ever?

Yes, I think I have.

There is something about this lazy weekend meal, served up with some fruity cocktails and spending a few hours munching and sipping with friends that warms my heart.

Maybe it's the bubbly-induced babble about life that makes us feel like budding philosophers.

Maybe it's the fact that no one is {usually} rushing you through the meal. It's the accepted practice that this is the time to sit back, enjoy what you're eating, and take advantage of catching up with the people that busy schedules prevent you from talking to during the work week. One thing about Paris that I absolutely love is that all meals are expected to be hours long.

Brunching has turned into a generational norm in the US. And it looks like it's been taking over Europe little by little too.

In honor of my trip to NYC this week, I thought I'd share a little from my brunch at The Park last summer.

This is easily in my top 5 bunch meals to date. A big statement to make, I know, but it's true.

Take some spicy pulled pork, some sweet potato hash, perfectly poached eggs, a side of avocado and mix it all together. Y'all, this is the meal that dreams are made of. I'm certain.

Not to mention there were so many other scrumptious dishes on their menu that I'm sure are equally delicions. Not pictured: my dear friend Kimberly's mascarpone stuffed French toast. Hello, heaven.

I'm already dreaming of brunch next Sunday before I hop back over to Paris!

Bon dimanche, mes amis.

Sunday Brunch: Urban Table

While visiting one of my dearest friends in New Jersey a few weekends ago, I had a few hours to kill by myself, so ventured to Urban Table located in downtown Morristown. It was the second time I had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful restaurant, and both times I've absolutely loved it.

I've had both lunch and brunch at Urban Table, and both have been truly excellent! It's not often that I find a place that has a really great vibe and is still down to earth. If you're ever in the Jersey suburbs, don't miss this great, local spot!

On the lighter side: Honey Dijon Glazed Turkey Burger Salad. Perfect lunch portion - enough to fill you up with energy for the rest of the afternoon. And the tangy, zest dressing is perfection.

On the heavier side: California Burger. It will give you a hug from the inside. That's a direct quote from the bartender. She was 100% correct.

For Bunch: Belgian Waffle. You won't believe the whipped cream and carby goodness that will come out of the kitchen. Also, the Brioche French Toast looks like a solid winner.

Don't Miss: The Pomegranate Margarita. The signature drink. I've had both frozen and on the rocks. Both are wonderful. Maybe prefer the frozen just a tiny bit more, but trust me, you can't go wrong.

 

Mouzon House - Saratoga

I had  the enormous pleasure of dining at Mouzon House in Saratoga Springs for lunch a few weekends ago. This place absolutely blew me away with their cozy, elegant atmosphere and scrumptious fare. My aunt, uncle, cousin and I enjoyed a lovely brunch to end a ridiculously perfect weekend. 

Saratoga is blessed with so many locally owned restaurants in which you will find first class cuisine, but of all the places I ate over the weekend, this was my favorite. Their corn bread and biscuits were perfectly moist and proportioned. And, oh, the chicken and waffles! To. Die. For. I'm not a believer that chicken and waffles is one of the most satisfying comfort meals. Ever. Another little treat was that we had out own little dining room on the second floor that couldn't have been more cozy for the rainy, dreary morning.

If you are ever in the Saratoga area, be sure to stop by for brunch/dinner/evening cocktail. Mouzon House also has the prettiest outdoor bar that would be a lovely place to pass a summer evening. 

Sunday Brunch: B Bar NYC

Brunching is the quintessential NYC experience. Everyone and their mother does it. Girlfriends, boyfriends, parents, grandparents...the list is never ending. Honestly, I could brunch everyday. It's my favorite meal, and the best part is it is always shared with people I love. Last weekend, I enjoyed my Sunday Brunch at B Bar in NYC with one of my dearest college friends. 

Folks, the atmosphere in this place is spectacular. The ambiance and setting alone are worth the visit. B Bar has a ginormous outside patio that is covered with twinkle lights and beautiful flowers. Not to mention a huge, Mexican tiled fireplace for chilly nights. How often do you find that in NYC? Never. Exactly why this place is amazing. Due to the scorching heat last weekend, we opted to sit inside and gaze out at the beauty through huge garage door windows. It felt like we were out there without the sweat.

This place is retro with a Mexican twist. You can find your typical brunch fare {cinnamon french toast for me...delish} or you can get something a little more exotic like avocado toast. The food was fine, but honestly, the atmosphere is what did it for me. If you want a leisurely NYC locale to spend a few hours with your friends, lover, significant other on a Sunday, give it a try.