foodie's Reviews

I’m an avid brunch aficionado and – take it from me – there may be no better spot in New York City, if not the U.S., to tuck into a scrumptious brunch than Balthazar, a gorgeous fin de siècle brasserie that looks like it could have been plucked from a Parisienne boulevard. Saturday mornings can be quite the scene – oodles of jet-setters preening at the bar and knocking back mimosas – but that’s all part of the allure. This is Manhattan, after all. Most importantly, all the distractions and din in the world can’t detract from the heavenly offerings. I usually order the Eggs Norwegian, poached eggs and velvety smoked salmon topped with hollandaise. If you’re in the mood for a little kick, get a spicy Bloody Mary, the perfect accompaniment to the creamy eggs. With its French roots, Balthazar is, at heart, a wonderfully social spot, perfect for a rendezvous with friends, either at the gleaming bar or the leather banquettes, where you can share a bottle of wine surrounded by a lively crowd doing the same.

Reviewed on: October 20, 2005