Vesta's Warm Bankie is More than Bank for Your Buck

It's been quite a while since I've been to Vesta for brunch and last weekend's CSA pick up gave me the opportunity to do just that.  It was a good excuse to have some comforting and locally sourced goodies, provided by no other than the Brooklyn Grange, which is partnering with Vesta for the aforementioned CSA.

After speaking with Farmer Ben and settling up with our veggies, my mom and I headed inside to enjoy a lovely brunch. 

The Warm Bankie - Since I've heard nothing but passionate raves about this dish from Meg, I just had to try it.  And after all, the fact that it incorporated truffle oil just sold me immediately. 

This dish was simply awesome (I know...not very eloquently said but words just don't do this breakfast of champions justice).  It consisted of delicate fried eggs on a luxuriously silky bed of polenta that was flavored with truffle oil.  Garnished with earthy mushrooms and asparagus, the Bankie was pure decadence (and sustenance) from start to finish.  And it reminded me of reBar's polenta egg dish, which was also out of this world.

Farmer Ben's Seasonal Salad - My mom already had breakfast so she was more in the mood for lunch food and went with this fresh salad with mixed greens, radishes, walnuts (instead of crispy bacon) and a light blue cheese dressing.  I say light because it wasn't doused on heavily, creating thick globules. Instead it was just the perfect amount, with a thin coating around the veggies that gave them a delicious, tangy flavor.

Breakfast Potatoes - We received a side of well done, crispy breakfast potatoes (sort of like hash browns) with fresh parsley on top.  They were pretty awesome and a nice way to supplement both of our dishes. Even though I didn't need them with my Bankie, I still dipped these crispy spuds into the creamy truffled polenta.  Let me tell you...it was gooood.

Brunch Cocktails - Although I don't remember the names of our brunch cocktails, they were pretty stellar. I had an OJ, prosecco and mint concoction that was oh so cool and refreshing.  Once I muddled the mint with my straw, its flavor intensified more, producing a pungently delicious combination.

My mom had a fizzy, cranberry cocktail with lime that seemed to be our server's special creation. That too was excellent and I slightly preferred it to mine (but only before I muddled the mint).

Service and Cost:
Our server, David was fantastic - very attentive and on point.  He made sure that we were happy with our dishes and even asked if we needed any adjustments. Everything was great and because it wasn't too crowded, we felt relaxed and happy to linger around and chat.

Costs are gentle on your wallet and include the following:

Brunch entrees: $6 - $14
Pizza: $12 - $14
Entree salads & pasta: $9 - $15
Sides $3 - $4

3 Mmmms

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com

Il Bambino - Brunch Paninos are a Great Way to End the Week

It's been a while since I've visited Il Bambino and I was really looking forward to trying their brunch.  Meg has recommended it on many occasions (I trust her taste entirely) so I knew it was going to be awesome.  Wow! My friend Fran and I were impressed and enjoyed sitting outside in their quaint backyard garden. It was was the perfect, sunny day to sit out there, which made our experience even more pleasant.  Here's what we tried:

Lentil-Tomato Soup - Known for delicious soups, they hit it out of the park once again with this one.  It was on the creamier side, as most of their soups are, with tons of hearty flavor from the lentils, chunks of tomatoes and some dried herbs.  And in customary Bambino fashion, it came with a beautifully pressed piece of bread with signature pesto on top.  Delightful!

Smoked Bacon, Scrambled Egg Panino - This was my choice and I was immediately drawn to it when I saw it incorporated truffle oil - I'm a sucker for that stuff.  Even though it was enjoyable and the bacon was really flavorful, the truffle essence was too light to be noticed.  Overall, the flavors in the sandwich didn't really pop and it was on the bland side. I think it needed sharp seasoning or a spicy sauce to give it more personality.

Piggy Got Back - Fran ordered this creatively named sandwich with prosciutto, scrambled eggs, mozzarella and olive spread.  Let me tell you, it rocked my world, as I had the pleasure of finishing half of it.  The smoky prosciutto paired beautifully with the fluffy eggs and the slightly spicy olive spread brought it all together.  I'd highly recommend it to olive lovers and people who love big, bold flavors.  This piggy really delivered!

Service and Cost:
I haven't yet had a bad experience with service.  Our server was polite and sweet and even though they experienced a snafu with their computer system, causing our order to be delayed, he was able to compensate us with a nice bowl of soup.  We really appreciated that and his kindness didn't go unnoticed.

Costs are affordable, especially given the good quality of ingredients.  Our brunch was about $34 total (with coffee) excluding tip.  Most brunch paninis are in the neighborhood of $9-$10.

3 Mmmms

Il Bambino Cafe - 34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106
718.626.0087
N/W Train to Broadway or 30th Avenue
www.ilbambinonyc.com

BareBurger - Bodaciously Bad-Ass Brunch

BareBurger - 33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.7011

N/W Train to Broadway
www.bareburger.com

Oh my! I had the most delectable brunch last weekend at BareBurger. Before my brunch experience here, I've heard many effusive recommendations from friends, but I was a tad skeptical. "BareBurger for brunch?" I thought.  But after my superior meal, not only was I convinced about its greatness, now I must spread the good word to you all. 

Organic Omelettes - As you probably know, the name BareBurger refers to organic and au naturale ingredients that are used by this restaurant.  And just like the fresh, organic ingredients used in the burgers, the quality of the brunch is no different.  My friend Crystal and I both ordered organic omelettes with slightly different fixins.  I went for the salty, indulgent one with Danish blue cheese and applewood bacon and she got the more earthy, Swiss and mushroom omelette.

Wow!  This wasn't simply an omelette, it was a whole meal, coupled with a fresh fruit salad with delicious raspberry vinaigrette and a generous helping of crispy sweet potato fries.  We were amazed at how hefty the plate appeared.

The omelette itself was awesome.  I loved the salty, melted blue cheese that was oozing from the middle and the crispy and plentiful pieces of bacon.  I loved that these two ingredients were interspersed throughout the omelet generously and not just in the middle or to one side.  Oh and let me not forget the thin caramelized onions that were also in this baby - they were sweet and delicious, almost like candy.

While I didn't try Crystal's omelette, she told me how much she enjoyed it and that everything was served in just the right proportion.

Service and Cost:
Since BareBurger is sort of modeled on a classic burger shack, the service is very quick and efficient.  You're seated immediately and served coffee within five minutes.  Our omelettes came out about 10 minutes after ordering, which was incredible.  But in spite of this efficiency, we didn't feel rushed to leave and enjoyed our conversation even after we finished eating.

Prices are moderate and a bit on the steep side, but considering that everything is organic, it's understandable.  We paid a total of $17 each for an omelette and coffee (including tax and tip).

3 Very Satisfied Mmmms