Breakfast/brunch recommendation

[eclecticavatar.livejournal.com]

If you haven't yet eaten at The Neighborhood Portuguese Restaurant and Bakery in Union Square, do so at your earliest convenience. The breakfast/brunch that we had on Saturday was delicious and the portions were just right for the price which was totally reasonable.

I recommend that you go on a nice day so that you can sit outside, however. Inside is a little crowded

Comments

[komos.livejournal.com]

Actually, I didn't "dis" The Neighborhood. What I did say was that their specials were too much food for one person and that they ran expensive. I also said that their food was good, even if oddly plentiful.

There's just one that I will outright "dis," and that's because their food is truly uninspiring and their owner is an ass. Yes, I have said that to his face.

I also reserve the right to criticize other venues freely if I believe that the value is underpar, or if you're paying more for ambience than anything.

As for what I do like, it really depends on my mood, and I'll limit it in and around the Square just for argument's sake. Kelly's is a good bet for greasy spoon fare, and there are some surprises there as well. They don't really know how to handle asparagus, but that's really minor and there are very few places that do it right. Renee's is a decent middle of the roader. They push the envelope a bit and still manage to keep prices and lines reasonable. Sabur is fantastic, if spendy. My biggest issue there is that they open too late unless your plan is for a truly lazy Sunday. Orleans has a wonderful hollandaise - rich in mouthfeel with just a hint of citrus - but you will pay a premium to be there and the menu is not at all kid-friendly.

And holy carp, I have opinions! Considering that I've been doing weekend brunches in the area for the better part of 14 years, I should hope that would be the case. I've given most places plenty of chances (the glaring exception is Soleil, which I can't seem to time right), and when I'm willing to say that a place is overrated, I really do mean that it's overrated. Here's the kicker, though... everyone else is entitled to their opinions as well. I'm not interested in pissing matches. I'm just here for the food.

[bryant]

I'm not either. If I ask for opinions, it's cause I'm curious -- there's a lot of good brunch out there that I just don't know about.

Thanks!