Brunch a Go Go!

(Updated! New pics below!)

I like to think of Brunch (note the capital "B") as the official pastime of NYC, specifically of the Upper West Side, but hey let's not be single minded here. Brunch can make or break your weekend. It can provide heady water cooler fodder for equally discriminating foodies come Monday morning. And let's face it, it's delicious.

New York is filled with dozens of worthy Brunch spots. Often you will see groups of gal pals sipping mimosas, or a young person discreetly nursing a hangover while entertaining those pesky parents who thought nothing of arriving for a visit at 11 a.m. on a Sunday morning. But Brunch provides a wonderful, and slightly different, date option for those willing to see their sweetie in the broad daylight. Plus you can drink during the day!*

*On Sundays, libations are withheld until after 12 noon, but Saturdays are a free-for-all. Bring on the early morning booze.

So let's get the ball rolling. Here are a few of my favorite Brunch spots, and the reasons why you should make them your own.

The Scenester Brunch
Jane ~ 100 W. Houston, b/w Thompson & W. Bway
Four words: Vanilla bean french toast. I admit, I'm partial to FT, and I've made it my part time job to find the richest, most decadent in the city. Jane wins. They have a very similar menu to the former glorious Neptune Room of uptown fame. Every brunch order comes with your choice of several delicious complimentary cocktails, such as the "White Peach Bellini" or "Raspberry Champagne Cocktail." Plus the scene is pretty bustling and hip, with music a bit trendier and louder than your average bruncher may be used to playing throughout the restaurant (though this is SoHo we're talking about here). You might have to pay close attention to your date, or learn to read lips. All the more reason to lean in close. Be prepared to wait, like most decent brunch spots. But this one is worth it. Your date- may I suggest 2nd date?- will appreciate your selection.

The Spirited Brunch
Calle Ocho ~ 446 Columbus, b/w 80th & 81st
One would never suspect from walking through the colorful, glossy bar area & entry way, that Calle Ocho is home to a cavernous main dining room. This choice is great for groups, but not off-limits to couples by any means. Steer your date over to the free unlimited sangria bar to break the ice, even before you order your meal. Savor some of the warm breads delivered to the table and enjoy the vibe. The food is tasty and flavorful, though the portions a bit small, perhaps to make up for the aforementioned free & flowing bevvies.

The Brunch On The Go
Grab some egg (whites!) & cheese bagel sandwiches from 72nd Street Bagel, scones from Alice's Tea Cup, or some rich hot chocolate from Jacques Torres*, and stroll over to the park surrounding the American Museum of Natural History to enjoy each other's company al fresco and people watch. Perhaps, if you're lucky, there will be a street fair to savor as well.

*J.T. hot choc works just as well at their Dumbo location where you can enjoy the great view from the newly renovated Brooklyn Bridge/ Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park nearby.

Worth The Wait? You Decide...
This wouldn't be a fully satisfying brunch post without paying homage to those NYC landmarks that draw brunchgoers literally lining down the block. All delicious. But hey, it's your date. You could always bring a laptop and watch a dvd together, or play 20 questions while in line.
SaraBeth's West, East, South (Who knew there were so many SaraBeth's?)
Clinton Street Baking Company- Pancake Month is legendary here.
Good Enough To Eat- I finally had the patience to wait in line- and the good fortune for it to be a relatively short wait- for that pumpkin french toast (the only one to my knowledge in NYC). Not bad.
Cafe Lalo- Tiny or cozy? Loud or exciting? Your call... remember to point out to your date that You've Got Mail was filmed here!

Honorable Mention

I could go on and on about brunch, but here are some other worthwhile locales that you and your date will enjoy.

Community Food & Juice- Uptown organic food decadence; their omelets are legendary, and the hot buttered cider is positively sinful- next time I'll try it with the rum.

Whym- Tasty Hell's Kitchen meal
Elmo- Vibrant & buzzing Chelsea scene

What's been YOUR favorite brunch date?