My friend S explained brunch was a New York City institution and suggested I experience it firsthand. To do so, we met up with some of her classmates and headed to Clinton St. Baking Company so I could be exposed to a NYC brunch.
After being handed a menu, I’ll admit my heart skipped a beat from sticker shock. I knew I wasn’t in Illinois anymore, but wow were restaurants in NYC a-fancy-prom-3-course-dinner-maybe-at-Olive-Garden-because-we’re-from-central-Illinois-and-our-options-were-limited level of expensive. EVERYWHERE.
This internal turmoil ended with the simple fact that I needed to sustain my coffee addiction. I ordered a cup to wash down a plate of crispy potato pancakes ($13). The potato pancakes, served with caramelized applesauce and sour cream, were scrumptious. The caramelized applesauce spoiled me so thoroughly that I fear the potato pancakes I devour nearly every year at Christkindlmarket in Chicago will never taste the same.
As my first NYC brunch, it was a great introduction. However, I think I’ll be able to truly enjoy it once I’m solvent and don’t wince at the mark-up for mimosas.
※ Information:
- Site: Clinton Street Baking Company
- Location: 4 Clinton Street (btw. East Houston & Stanton), New York, NY 10002
- Borough: Manhattan
- Neighborhoods: Between Lower East Side & East Village
- Price Range: $$
Laurel, Annotated 
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