Review: LiL Frankies
1st Ave btw 1st and 2nd st
Manhattan

THIS is my new favorite place for brunch. It is delicious, cozy/cute, close to the 2nd ave stop, well priced and encourages multiple bellinis. Apparently there is a great garden, but not a winter time treat.

Plus with the name "LiL," it was destined to be a family fav*

What I had: poached eggs with portobello mushroom and polenta on bed of arugula with parmessan shavings, dark coffee, bellini

*have you met my cousins, little Wayne, little Jerry and little Kenny? don't worry, girls arent left out, there was once a little Lulu

Review: Tea Lounge
7th Ave and Union or 7th Ave and 10th st, BK
The tea and coffee are over priced, the wine and beer a good price. There are LOTS of old, super comfy couches and chairs, so much that you usually have to climb over someone to sit down (the challenge being not spilling your beverage of choice). Baristas are informed about the tea, wine, and beer offerings. No real food, just coffee bar type desserts. Overall, I really like this place (10th st is more intimate than the ginormous union st shop) for grabbing a glass of wine with my roomie, a low-key date, or treating myself to a spot of tea with a book.

What I had: merlot, lady grey tea, coffee (on separate occations)
added note: they dont offer honey or lemon for their tea. weird for a tea shop

Review: Slate's Restaurant
If you ever find yourself in Hallowell, ME (just outside of Augusta) check this place out . . . the art work inside is fantastic and the brunch menu, well, lets just say it rivals and probably surpasses many NYC eatery offerings.
It is all organic, yet the price is definitly right and service with a smile and a complement on your earrings.

What I had: scrambled eggs with broccoli, red peppers, and swiss cheese with a side of hash browns and salad; coffee, lots of it.

Recipe: Apple Walnut Bread

3/4 c vegetable oil
1/4 c applesauce
3 whole eggs (or2 eggs, 2 egg whites )
1 1/2 c sugar (or 3/4 c sugar, 3/4 c splenda)
1 t vanilla
2 c flour
1 t cinnamon
1 t b. soda
1 t salt
2 med-big apples, peeled, cored, cubed (i used granny smiths)
1 c chop walnuts

Mix oil through vanilla in large bowl. Mix flour through salt in smaller bowl. Pour flour mixture into wet mixture and stir until combined. Fold in apples and walnut pieces. Grease 2 pans bread pans (or use parchment paper). Pour into pans and bake at 300 F for 70 minutes.

Recipe: Doggy treats
makes 6 5" treats

1/4 c rolled oats
1 1/2 T margarine
1/4 c boiling water
3 T cornmeal
1/2 t sugar
1/2 t beef bullion granules
2 T milk
1/4 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg white (well, i forgot this when i made them and they still turned out OK)
3/4 whole wheat flour

Mix oats, margarine and hot water in a bowl, let set 10 min. Add in remaining ingredients, slowly adding the flour. kneed. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake 35 -45 minutes at 325 F.

Review: Belleville
5th Ave and 5th St, Park Slope

Very French. ridiculously tall ceilings and doors.
Brunch was delic, possibly the best home fries ever. Rumored to have great mimosas (not a big champaigne fan myself). I'd say average brunch pricing (you know, $13 for eggs and fixin's :)
The best part is there was no one rushing you out the door.
Only negative, slow to refill the coffee cup.