I love NYC during the summer/fall transition. The air is crisp. The sky is clear. And city is vibrant. I found myself in the city on a whim. The flight was a good deal and I haven't visited in a while. So off I went to the Big Apple. Brunch is in high abundance in New York. You can find deals and brunch specials on almost every corner. But I had my sights set on a local spot called Penelope.
Located on the corner of Lexington Ave and 30th, Penelope is perched right on the corner of the city block. It's a small spot. I would guess no more than 50 people could be seated. The seating is a mixture of church pews and bistro sets. It's eclectic and cozy. And if you're serious about brunch, this is where you want to be. Brunch is on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Penelope features beverage cocktails that cater to the seasons. My beverage of choice was the Summer Rose Mimosa - Sparkling Rose meets orange juice in a wonderful blend. It was refreshing and invigorating.
For food, I decided to indulge my sweet tooth and had the Nutella French Toast. They used French baguettes for their version. It was hearty. The warmed Nutella filling oozed into every sinful bite. The fresh fruit on the side balanced out the sweetness and made me feel a little healthier after such a calorie-heavy choice. If you are a fan of rich brunch, this is the dish you want.
Brunchlust Rating: A It's a great, non touristy spot that deserves the love of locals and visitors alike.
159 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY
