665649 Sun Nov 08 15:30:12 -0800 2009 1 18 Manhattan 0 5165625 If brunch means catching up rather than showing off, eat at PJ Bernsteins, on third. First banish that vestige of a cold (is it swine flu? Do I feel hot to you?) with a nice big bowl of the best chicken soup in New York. They serve a clean, clear consomme and you get to add what you want -- noodles or rice, chicken or not. It's wonderful. And for dessert I had a cup of the borscht -- again, no fuss, just classic and perfect. Beets are good for the liver, so if you went drinking last night,.... My friend had the corned beef hash with two eggs - a gorgeous platter. It's not hip -- so you skip the loud, self-important groups that haunt EJs, and the few children this morning were all polite and well-tended. The service is warm without being intrusive and the noise level lets you talk. The food is simple and good -- and reasonable. Two of us ate for $16 each. Enjoy. Sun Nov 08 15:30:12 -0800 2009 1122692 Angelacason 1 5177896 I've never had borsht for dessert. I didn't realize beets are good for the liver, so I'm getting a side benefit from eating borsht. Nice to know! Thu Nov 12 23:10:12 -0800 2009 5165625 17058 Pan