[ my top ten ] Favorite Brunch Spots of the World
Posted: February 16th, 2012 | Author: Jennifer | Filed under: my top ten, The Travel Bug | Tags: my top ten, the travel bug | Comments Off
I started off trying to make a top 5 list of my favorite brunch spots and then I got carried away. It’s true that I love food and I love brunch even more – especially when it’s served with copious amounts of good coffee and inventive and fresh menus. And of course, I do not mean for this list to be exhaustive. I’m sure there are many more fantastic brunch joints around the world for me to explore in the future.
1 – Freeman’s – New York
Freeman’s is charmingly tucked up an alley in the grey area between Soho and the LES. It feels secretive and mysterious even though it’s totally well known and packed full of wealthy NYC hipsters all of the time. Tables are jammed right in next to each other so you get a sort of intimacy with the next table that rarely happens in quiet old Vancouver. But the food was great and I found the antique-y atmosphere to be almost (ironically) Northwest Coast. In any case, it’s the perfect place to while away a lazy morning. Get the hot artichoke dip. I still dream about it.
2 – Four Ate Five – Sydney
The teensiest little restaurant was a total delight. And if I thought NYC was crowded – well, I actually did share a table with another couple here. But it was worth it. Australia has amazing coffee almost everywhere, plus the food here was local and fresh. Get a pastry for the road afterwards. Trust me.
3 – Bottega Louie – Los Angeles
I had never heard of Bottega Louie prior to my last trip to LA but it was a great find. It’s more like something I would expect in New York, which is to say gigantic, crowded and chic. The old converted bank doesn’t have the best acoustics but makes up for it with pretty displays of macarons, pizza, wine – everything really. Kim Kardashian was there the week before me but don’t let that stop you.
4 – Balthazar – New York
Balthazar is so NYC that it almost feels like you have stumbled onto a soundstage somewhere. But no. Instead be served delicious food with a side of impeccable service and eavesdrop on the people at the next table bragging about their real estate upstate. Get some donuts to start. Trust me.
5 – Two Chefs and A Table – Vancouver
I had to include at least one local joint on this illustrious list. Two Chefs and A Table is definitely my pick. While strangely situated in a sketchy part of town, once inside I always feel that I’ve been ported off to France or something. It’s tiny and charming and the food is incredible. In fact it always leaves me to wonder why there isn’t more of this general concept in this city. It’s also crowded and small but the food is so good I don’t even mind being seated at the large communal table.
6 – Bill’s – Sydney
This was a totally different take on the Sydney food scene than Four Ate Five. It’s rather upscale (and probably out of my reach) at night but the brunch is well worth it. A beautiful and bright room is staffed by true professionals. I had the banana ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter and I’m sad they have to exist on another continent entirely.
7 – Hugo’s – Los Angeles
Hugo’s is ridiculously LA but don’t let that scare you. Hugo’s really has something for everyone: Mexican, vegan, gluten free, organic, whatever. It’s obviously popular but very casual feeling and rather unassuming (especially from the outside). Just ignore the LA-types wandering about with sunglasses indoors. I went to the West Hollywood location but I’m willing to bet they are all as solid food-wise as this one.
8 – Gypsy’s Hideout – 68 High Street Northcote, Melbourne
I know I barely scratched the surface of Melbourne’s food scene but Gypsy really clicked for me. This is probably just every day stuff for a Melbournian but the quality was up there with far fancier contenders. Plus I loved the simple cafe vibe. I’m sure it would be even better during the warmer months outside on the patio. There’s no website so I gave you the address because I care.
9 – Twisted Fork – Vancouver
I love brunch at the Twisted Fork. I love the inventive seasonal menus. I love the carafes of coffee. I even love the tiny booths. However now everyone else also shares my love and Twisted Fork is often too busy for me. But you should still check it out – it’s totally worth it. (Pssst – it’s also totally worth it for dinner).
10 – Lola – Seattle
Lola’s is part of the Tom Douglas empire (which also include Serious Pie, my favorite pizza in Seattle but I digress). I’ve only had brunch here once and while pricier than my normal greasy spoon budget, it was definitely worth it. The coffee is great and the food fresh. The star here is the lowly potato so be sure to order some. Plus I love the comfy booths and that relaxed Seattle sort of calm.
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