Cafe Condesa
Until recently, I didn’t do brunch. Actually, that’s something of an understatement. I used to start my weekend with a large black coffee, a Camel Light, and a quick jaunt to the puppy run. Now that I’ve ditched coffee and cigs I’ve been exploring certain weekend indulgences–like french toast and morning cocktails.
Braving brunchtime crowds to find french toast that’s better than what you could make at home can be tricky, so it’s rewarding when you find a place that’s gifted with their griddle. Cafe Condesa in the West Village uses what looks like french bread as opposed to the ubiquitous challah in their french toast. It’s relatively light, buttery-crisp on the outside but soft and eggy in the middle, and served with fresh berries ($7.75). My side of scrambled eggs were cooked to fluffy perfection ($2.50) but I could have done without the champagne with muddled strawberries which at $9 doubled the cost of an otherwise reasonably-priced and very satisfying meal.
This austere little cafe only has a few seats so expect a short, awkward wait and if it’s a cold day, beware the table for two by the front door, which doesn’t completely shut.
Cafe Condesa Brunch menu – served Sat and Sun 11am-5pm
Cafe Condesa, 183 West 10th Street at Seventh Avenue
Love brunch! Too bad I don’t live in NYC: this looks like a perfect place.
I have definitely been bitten by the brunch bug now. Next time, I’m going to ask them what kind of bread they use.
Well I got my answer. One of Cafe Condesa’s proprietors wrote in to say that they use baguettes from TomKat Bakery for their french toast.
i tend to be predisposed to the thick fluffy challah french toasts & found the crispy french toast surprisingly scrumptious! reminds me that i need to go back there very soon.