Restaurant Information:
45 East 1st Street New York, NY 10003-9320
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(212) 780-0262
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Service 11/15 or 73.33%
- Hostess(N/A)
There isn’t one and there wouldn’t be room for one.
- Promptness(4/5 points)
After arriving, we were seated immediately and handed menus. We were then asked what we would like to drink and when our waiter returned with our drinks a few moments later, our orders were taken. Before I knew it, our food was served. This would have gotten a five, but I had to ask for a refill on my coffee and water twice.
- Alertness(3/5 points)
I would say the alertness was about what I expect. I think my waiter was a little out of sorts that day or was just having a bit of trouble with the table next to us that wanted to split the bill in some ungodly manner.
- Friendliness(4/5 points)
I’ve been to this place twice now and the first time I would say it scored a five and the second time a three. The owner/chef was beyond kind when we talked to him. This score is really a four leaning hard to a five.
Food and Drink 19/20 or 95%
- Price(4/5 points)
I think the prices are really fair here and you get some great food for what you pay for when you dine here. The downside is that this is clearly a place that is run by a chef that has to charge you slightly more than you would at some other place that’s very corporate and doesn’t care half as much about their ingredients.
- Quality of Food(5/5 points)
You are not going to find better quality of food anywhere. More creative, possibly, larger portions, maybe, but not higher quality. Every meal is served with fresh biscuits and butter. I had an egg chorizo scramble with avocado and various vegetables. The menu has a few standard dishes, but for the most part it changes regularly as the chef sees fit. Also, there will be meats and cheese of the day on special. I’d also offer the caveat that if you don’t know what something is, ask. There are some applications of meats that you wouldn’t normally eat or be offered for brunch, but it’s good to know what you’re getting into before you start the adventure.
- Quality of Beverage(5/5 points)
I had to cut myself off after the third cup of coffee—it’s that good. Water was served as it should be and the glasses were neither too big, nor too small. They also have a selection of microbrew beers on tap that just make me drool looking at the list. I haven’t sampled any of the alcoholic beverages, but I’m sure they don’t disappoint.
- Presentation(5/5 points)
I think I saw at least three different types of plates for different dishes. When my order came, I looked at it and thought to myself, “this is how every meal should be served.” We taste with our eyes first, then our nose, then our mouth; I was half way through the meal before the plate even was placed on the table.
Decor and Space 15/20 or 75%
- Cleanliness(5/5 points)
This place is spotless. I’d be amazed if I found a dust bunny anywhere.
- Theme(5/5 points)
This might be my new brunch location. The interior is almost all wood. What isn’t wood, is used for cooking or making drinks, or there for decorative purposes to make you feel more at home. If I could put a bed in the corner and my clothes in a closet, I would live at this place.
- Adequate Seating(2/5 points)
It’s just such a small space. The place is wonderful when it isn’t packed, but when it’s packed, everyone is in everyone’s way. I do think they did a great job with the lay out of the seats though. The space becomes more of an issue in the winter when people take off and put on their coats.
- Location(3/5 points)
The score would have been higher, as it’s a short walk from the 2nd Avenue subway stop, but on your way to this gem, you pass Prune and several other places where all kinds of brunch chaos is waiting outside. Let them be foolish and tarry on to your destination.
Bonus(3/5 points)
One point for using specialty foods of local farms.
One point for using ambitious ingredients.
One point for a menu that changes regularly.
Total score 45/55, with bonus 48/55 or 87.27%
