Three Great Brunches on the Bowery

Pulino's smoked trout salad and eggs

Dining options on the Bowery have simply taken off and that includes some standout brunches.Those who've dined with me know that a brunch menu had better offer more than a standard plate of eggs, bacon and home fries to get my attention. Enter Pulino's, Peels and Hecho en Dumbo.

I never used to consider a pizza joint for brunch. Not anymore. Pulino's not only serves a worthy weekend brunch, but it's one of a few neighborhood restaurants that offers a proper weekday breakfast too. Dominating the corner at E. Houston, interiors feature Keith McNally's trademark subway tiles. It's friendly and airy, perfect for groups and families. The unusual smoked trout salad and eggs ($15) looks like a giant bagel with the works, but is light and satisfying. For a heartier option, try the cheesy skillet baked eggs and fettunta (garlic bread).

Peels build-a-biscuit piled high

Peels is southern comfort on a plate. So what if everyone looks like they walked out of "Gossip Girl"?

If the weather's nice, snatch one of the few coveted outdoor tables. The build-a-biscuit is a classic breakfast sandwich that starts with one beautiful buttermilk biscuit. Then choose your vice. Eggs with bacon, ham, sausage? Smothered in red eye gravy? All up to you. All worth the calories. Peels is also open for breakfast during the week.

A hearty Mexican chilaquiles verdes

Hecho en Dumbo has been serving a consistently delicious and buzzy brunch since opening two summers ago. Not to mention a great value.

A $17 prix fixe gets you an authentic Mexican dish - sweet or savory - served with a cocktail or fresh non-alcoholic beverage.They always greet you with a little plate of deliciousness to start. Sometimes it's tiny palmiers, other times fresh mini sweet buns. I'm partial to the stew-like chilaquiles verdes, featuring corn tortillas and a fried egg layered with shredded chicken and a spicy tomatillo sauce.

Pulino's
282 Bowery @ E. Houston

Peels
325 Bowery between E 2nd St + Bleecker

Hecho en Dumbo
354 Bowery between E 3rd + E 4th Sts

DC's Ultimate Power Brunch

Springtime in my native Washington, DC, is gorgeous and a perfect excuse for a weekend getaway to the nation's capital. Plus, world-class museums are free, downtown is walkable and iconic photo ops are everywhere.

While there, it's worth splurging on one of DC's most sophisticated Sunday brunches in the Lafayette Room at the Hay-Adams hotel.

Just steps from the White House (and briefly home to President Obama in the weeks before taking office), this historic landmark oozes power and elegance. And serves an equally refined Sunday brunch buffet.

On three special occasion during the year - Easter, Mother's Day and Christmas Day - brunch takes place on the recently renovated hotel rooftop. The views are breathtaking and some of the best anywhere in DC, so plan ahead and bring a camera.

Expect to be seduced by a luxurious selection of sweet and savory dishes. Chef Peter Schaffrath's signature cranberry focaccia French toast is not to be missed. Coated in crispy corn flakes, it is one guilty pleasure. So is the eggs Benedict. Seafood dishes abound with the likes of seasoned crab cakes, lobster and fennel salad, shrimp tempura and snow crab claws. Carnivores will feast on classic beef and lamb roasts, thick cut bacon and Virginia pork sausage.

Of course, save room for dessert. Much of it is petitely portioned, so sample away. The pistachio creme brulee was a beautiful twist on a classic. The chocolate mousse martini was as fun to eat as it was to look at. Follow it all with a long afternoon stroll along the National Mall.

16th + H Streets, NW

Sunday brunch 11:30 am - 2 pm

$65 per person

dining reservations 202 638 2570

 

Washington DC on Dwellable

Burger + Barrel's Meaty New Brunch



Steak frites for brunch

Burger & Barrel just began brunch service, which makes shopping in Soho or seeing a matinee at the Angelika an even better weekend outing.

The brunch menu has appealing all American flair: Smoked salmon + egg 'pizza' ($12), a B+B bacon breakfast sandwich ($12), and even chef Josh Capon's signature Bash burger ($14) is available for brunch. Truth be told, I was not a fan of the Bash burger, despite all the raves. The bacon jam had a strange flabby consistency and tinny after taste.

But if you're craving some daytime beef, the classic steak frites ($27) delivers. A red wine shallot butter slowly melts atop a generous sirloin cut. No fuss. Just good taste.



A mound of short rib hash hides under eggs

The short rib hash ($14) is a standout. You'd never guess by the image. What's hiding under the fried eggs is a generous serving of soft, succulent short rib and cubed potatoes. Add a bit of creamy guac, pico de gallo, and crisp flatbread, and the flavors snap, crackle and pop.

25 W Houston (between Greene + Mercer Sts.)
212 334 7320
Brunch Sat + Sun, 11:30 am - 4pm
Brunch reservations recommended

Maharlika Filipino Pop Up Brunch



Porktastic sizzling sisig

 Brunch in the East Village is getting hotter - and more global - than ever.

Last week, I raved about Cuban fare at El Cobre. This week we venture off to the Philippines with pop up brunch at Maharlika. Brunch here is a foodie's delight. Culinary adventure? Check. Menu starring P-O-R-K? Check. And beautifully presented, mouthwatering meals? Check again.

Owner Nicole Ponseca dreamed of putting an authentic and winning Filipino restaurant on the Manhattan map. After months of traveling around her native Philippines with chef Miguel Trinidad to develop a home-style menu, the former Saatchi & Saatchi professional took the plunge with a weekend pop up brunch at bistro Leon (she is GM to Leon sister resto Juliette). And the crowds keep coming.



Tocilog tocino - inspired pork in 7 Up



Brunch time feels like a festive afternoon house party. Ponseca's warmth touches everything from the welcoming staff to the comforting aromas wafting through the small, but lively dining room. Your table is already set with delicious local snacks - spicy nagaraya nuts, cornicks, even chicken chicharon.

Don't be surprised if your neck keeps craning as dishes emerge from the kitchen. The food looks gooood! For something typical and hearty, try the sizzling sisig with eggs ($13), a hash of pork ear, cheek and snout cooked three ways, mixed with onions and served with garlic rice. The pork is tender and tasty.

My favorite pork dish was the tocilog tocino ($11), a plate of sliced pork tenderloin, marinated in 7 Up and grilled to crispy, caramely goodness. It's served with a light mixed salad, garlic rice and fried egg. The tocino also comes as a side order ($5). Filipinos love their pork and that means SPAM too, which is featured in the eggs Benigno ($12), along with coconut hollandaise and white sweet potato fries.

Mango stuffed French toast

The mango stuffed French toast ($12) is sheer heaven. Decadent without being cloying, and perfect as a shared dessert.

Here's more good news: Maharlika will be joining Brooklyn's Dekalb Market  in May, and feature quality Filipino foods and Asian condiments.

Maharlika is Sanskrit for 'noble work' and folklore suggests Maharlika was also a fabled princess, inspiring Ponseca in her venture of "noble work...sharing the culture and identity of Filipinos through food." Mission accomplished.

351 E 12th St @ 1st Ave
Saturdays and Sundays, 11am - 3pm
Cash only
Reservations highly recommended at info@maharlika.com