Feast (NYC): Cornelia Street Cafe

watching food come up from the Cornelia's window

Cornelia Street Cafe masquerades (at least to me, a non-local) as a low key hole in the wall, but is in fact the winner of many food awards, including “Best of New York Food” and “Inspired Cuisine.” Sitting just a block from Murrays‘ in the West Village, you’ll always know the cheese on your burger will be excellent.

We had brunch at Cornelia’s last weekend on a brief trip into the city, and walked right in at 12:30 on Saturday afternoon. While the prix fix menu looked like a deal, we chose Morrocan Hummus with Pomegranate Reduction and Bistro Burgers with bacon instead. The hummus was thick and rustic, not as smooth as store-bought, and the touch of sweetness from the reduction was genius.  The burger was served on a grilled English Muffin (something I used to think was unique to Massachusetts), and the fries, though a little thicker than most bistro frites, were perfectly greasy, crispy, and not mealy. I particularly appreciated that the plate came with salad as well – a good side salad always makes me feel better about consuming copious amounts of beef and potatoes.

One more note – the mimosa I ordered was one of the best I’ve ever had. The ratio of juice to champagne was spot on, just enough booze to feel the fizz, just enough juice to temper the buzz. Good thing too, I wanted to have my wits about me when I saw Chris Rock‘s Broadway show – something else I highly recommend – a few hours later.