Yes, I've been brunching but neglecting to blog. Here comes the first of many blog entries with the places you should avoid and the ones that you need to check out.
Vanderbilt in Prospect Heights is located at 570 Vanderbilt (between Dean and Bergen). I've heard good things about dinner, especially their small plate options, so figured it might be a good place to try for brunch. When you walk in, you are struck by a very large bar on your right. This bar has places to seat 10-15 comfortably. It definitely could seat way more than that 10-15 if they squeezed in seats like many other nearby spots. On the other side - there's a bunch of small tables next to windows overlooking the street. If you pass the bar and go down a few steps, there is cozy dining room with a bunch of tables and alot less distractions. The decor is rustic with dark wood planks on the walls, chalkboards listing specials, and a wood floor. It's definitely going for a sort of country feeling.
For brunch, they have some unusual faire such as Oyster Mushrooms and Bacon & Onion tart. Most of the brunch options are around $12 which is about what you'll pay at nearby brunch spots. However, they offer a $20 prix fixe option which includes a bunch of options. You get a beignet which I must admit it I never had had before. A beignet is deep fried dough with confectioner's sugar on top. Sort of like a grown-up, more dignified funnel cake. The beignets were small but delish! My friend Elisa (my brunch companion for this entry) had previously had beignets in New Orleans (apparently home of the beignet) and commented that it tasted pretty much the same. FANTASTIC START to the meal.
On the prix fixe menu, they offer a choice of three options: eggs vanderbilt (really eggs benedict with your choice of spinach or Mortadella aka a type of pork sausage), smoked trout crepe, and french toast. Elisa opted for the eggs vanderbilt with the Mortadella and instead of poached eggs - eggs scrambled. They are (or appeared to be) happy to accommodate however you want your eggs cooked instead of sticking straight with the menu. The dish looked good and she was very pleased with her choice. I opted for the smoked trout crepe which came with melted leeks, roe, and a sunnyside egg. Fabulous dish. It was on the small side (meaning if that's all you ordered, you might need something else) but beautifully plated. I felt like the crepes with the trout were the perfect combination with the sauce (leeks and roe) as a great compliment. Trout can sometimes have no taste but the creamy leek/roe sauce brought out the trout taste without it being too fishy. All dishes on the prix fixe menu also come with your choice of cottage fries (really potatoes), bacon, or sausage. We both got the cottage fries which were salty and crunchy - a nice addition to the meal.
The prix fixe menu includes coffee and your choice of brunch drink (bellini, bloody mary, dew drop, or something non-alcoholic) which makes this prix fixe menu's price ($20) totally, totally worth it! I got the dew drop drink which was an unusual bright pink and had a nice fizzy taste. The waitstaff are great and did not bug/rush us out at all. Though we were there for more than 2 hours and even past the time that brunch is served (3pm) - all the staff was courteous and brought refills of coffee and water throughout our time there.
All in all - totally recommended! Rustic setting, offbeat brunch menu, and a great value ($20 for all that food and drink!) - I totally suggest this spot and think it's worth the trip....even from Manhattan.
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