As previously mentioned, I firmly believe that brunch is the most important meal of the week. It is a time to be with friends, to indulge in luxurious foods and strong cocktails, to let go of all that happened during the week and to prepare oneself for the next one. In NYC, however, brunch is more than therapy - it is a competitive sport. There may be over 3,500 restaurants here (in the borough of Manhattan alone) yet somehow most folks seem to want to brunch in the same handful of places, which results in long wait times and frustration for all involved. And now that spring has arrived (woo hoo!) and no one wants to be at home on a beautiful weekend afternoon, brunching is going to be more fierce than ever.
The Farm on Adderley on Cortelyou Rd. is one of these places to which brunchers seem to flock. Its popularity can be attributed to its menu that celebrates fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce but also to the lack of peer eateries in the area. It is one of the few, if not the only, restaurants in the Ditmas Park neighborhood where brunch classics, like mimosas, sausage and eggs are served in a contemporary, hipster setting.
My friend Michelle and I ventured out here on a Sunday. When we arrived, the front bar area was packed with hungry friends, couples and families, patiently awaiting their tables. We were told the wait would be 45 minutes, so we had the hostess put our names down while we took a stroll around the neighborhood. Ditmas Park is a quiet, residential area and the colonial, pastel-colored homes are really a sight to see, so the wait was not entirely dreadful.
Once seated, we both ordered the Farmer’s Breakfast - scrambled eggs atop sauteed Swiss chard and yukon gold potatoes served with toast - and a generous side of bacon. The eggs were airy and light, and the sauteed vegetables were so savory and yummy despite their being light on seasoning; it seemed like they were just happy being themselves. The dish light due to its lack of meat protein, which is great for spring and summertime eating. Although we waited 45 minutes for a table at which we ate for like 15, I felt like the dish was worth it. Or perhaps I was just in a good mood that day - it was brunch time, after all.
What is the longest time you are willing to wait for a table?
Brooklynites, what is your fave brunch spot?
