419449 Mon Jul 09 13:59:41 -0700 2007 3 18 Manhattan 0 2733295 Totally by accident, I discovered a new yummy alternative to the typical downtown brunch. I stopped into the Tasting Room Wine Bar yesterday for an iced Americano (which was excellent by the way) and the lovely barista suggested Tasting Room on Elizabeth St. in Nolita for brunch when we mentioned that we had intended to go to Prune (it just so happened to be closed). The spacious restaurant was more or less empty when we walked in after noon. Yes (gasp!)- no line! The space was strangely laid out, a small front area with a few tables and a largish bar connected by small corridor to a larger space in back with maybe 25 more tables and a private (tasting) room. The decor was pleasing in that rustic, but simple way but felt claustraphobic. The partially visible wine storage near the entrance was a nice touch, with rounded walls constructed to look like a wine cask. The benches were nice, though I did not care for the backless stools accompanying the table. The menu was very much in line with what I remembered from the old space - with an emphasis on seasonal artisanal ingredients. 10 or so items were offered in taste and share portions, with the former an appetizer sized plate, and the latter being more akin to an entree size. Prices were between $10-25 or so, not the most inexpensive place, but in line with Clinton Street prices. My SO ordered a share plate of the delicious brioche french toast. The 1.5" thick, well-soaked brioche was topped with slightly sweetened ricotta and wild blackberries - I did not miss the mapple syrup at all. I ordered the rich fried duck eggs (which they offer in addition to regular hen eggs, pheasant eggs and goose eggs) plated over some nice kashi, and served with perfectly greased and grilled English muffin. The duck eggs were silky and luxurious with an unusual rich flavor. It's really difficult to describe. SO's mother ordered the taste of Red Wattle farm pork (loin?) which was a substantial piece of nicely seasoned and cooked meat, accompanied by perfectly soft fried egg and carmelized baby leeks and carrots. (really, the Share option for this would have been way too much) We didn't try their Bloody Marys as we were a bit hungover from the night before. Service was friendly and genuine. Our bill came to roughly 54 with tip. They also gave us a 25 dollar gift certificate for filling out a comment card. I imagine they won't be doing this forever but hey, it was a nice touch. Mon Jul 09 13:59:41 -0700 2007 53427 kayonyc 1 2734256 Thanks for the tip! Mon Jul 09 19:12:09 -0700 2007 2733295 10936 kathryn 1 2969451 Stopped in for brunch today around 1pm. The restaurant was about half-full. We were seated in the back but the front looked much brighter (natural light) and cozy. My boyfriend ordered a Bloody Jerry (made with red wine and mustard) and pronounced the best (non-traditional) Bloody he's had in NYC. He's always on the lookout for good Bloodys and this hit the spot. The OJ was sweet and light and freshly squeezed. The coffee looked good (served in french presses) but we didn't partake. We shared a place of bacon from Flying Pigs Farm. Delicious bacon, although I wish it had been a tad less crispy. Still, excellent and one of the top in the city (top 5 perhaps). I ordered the "taste" plate of french toast. Today's was a cinnamon custard french toast, with sweetened ricotta cheese and fresh blueberries. Tasty, with a bit of an eggy taste, but not as rich or heavy as I thought it would be. I did enjoy the crisp edges, though. The "taste" portion was filling enough that I only ate about 3/4ths of it. We ordered the "share" portion of the buckwheat pancakes with whipped cream and Tristar strawberries. Gosh, those strawberries are great. I'm going to be very very depressed when strawberry season ends. The buckwheat pancakes were a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the berries. The portion was 3 large pancakes and we didn't finish the entire thing. It was easily splittable between 2 people; however, we were told that the "taste" portion contained a single pancake, and my hunch was that 1 pancake would not have been enough. All in a all, a very good brunch, surprisingly uncrowded AND surprisingly spacious for downtown brunch places. We'll definitely be back for bacon and Bloodys. Unfortunately, they only had duck and chicken eggs on the menu today, but I'll be back to try those duck eggs. Sun Sep 23 22:12:11 -0700 2007 2733295 10936 kathryn 2 2973970 great report - and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Just a bit curious why it hasn't quite caught on though, which is probably a good thing... Tue Sep 25 09:06:10 -0700 2007 2969451 53427 kayonyc