Though life on the Upper West Side is surely more tranquil, I can’t help but to return to my old stomping grounds for the single reason I fell in love with it in the first place: the cuisine. Hell’s Kitchen is home to some of the greatest and most varied restaurants, bakeries and markets in Manhattan. So when I want brunch, I don’t want just any ol’ brunch; I want a HK brunch. And there’s no better spot in the area than Eatery on 9th avenue at 53rd street.

Deep Southern, Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese… this place has everything. Furthermore, (and surprisingly) they do it all well. Sonny can order a Japanese egg white omelette with shiitake mushrooms, tofu, Japanese eggplant and plum glaze while Cher can enjoy the outrageous stuffed French toast with chocolate-banana cream cheese filling, Vermont maple syrup & vanilla ice cream. Eatery is an embodiment of New York culture, a melting pot of cultural flavors and one darn easy place to agree on. Not to mention, the veggie options are plentiful and prices quite reasonable… 

On my most recent visit, I ordered the “E-Benne” poached eggs on a vegetable-potato cake with roasted chili-hollandaise and smoked salmon (I’m an occasional pescetarian and a sucker for this stuff) and frizzled-onion hash browns. Adam decided on the amazingly fragrant corn flake crusted French toast with orange marmalade, fresh berries and cinnamon syrup. My eggs were perfectly poached, with the yolks not at all runny. I loved the moist, hearty potato cake and the smoked salmon was delicious. Adam’s was just plain ridiculous. The crispy, caramelized corn flakes added a wonderful crunch and flavor, and the red berries took it to a whole new level. It almost seemed silly that they’d include marmalade and syrup, as it was so satisfying without the extra sweeteners.

Bottom line: Head on over to Eatery to break the monotony of the same ol’ brunch fare and try a new twist on classic dishes, or perhaps something new altogether. You won’t be disappointed.

Further recommendations: Grilled Marinated Tofu Stir Fry, Mac & Jack, Santa Fe Sweet Potato Hash Brown