Punch

I love places that spoil you with a basket heaping full of goodies in the form of carbs before you even get a chance to lift the menu. But what I love more is finding a mix of different kinds of goodies in that basket, specifically those that range from savory to sweet. And if that basket is warm, man I love it even more.

I’ve wanted to come to Punch ever since Sam Talbot graced Top Chef with his presence. He didn’t own this restaurant but worked as the head chef. Good enough for me. But then, I became discouraged by the prices. It’s a wonder what going abroad can do because after seeing $20+ dishes, you figure that a brunch for $15 isn’t so bad after all, especially when it comes with a spectacular bread basket, main, mimosa or bloody mary, and coffee.

So what exactly is in this bread basket that I keep raving about? Well, just picture tiny muffins that you can just pop into your mouth with hidden gems of red and blue inside. Rye bread that is perfectly complemented with their homemade jam. There’s enough to stuff you full before your main even comes out.
That being said, they offer quite a selection for their mains. Pancakes, french toast, eggs benedict, hanger steak… you name it. I’ve never understood the concept of steak for breakfast, so I guess it was a good a time as any to find out. The steak was great, not over the top or anything, but at least it was cooked the way I wanted- medium rare that is. But what you have to realize is that I have very high expectations for steak, and a steak worth $15 obviously isn’t going to shatter those expectations. It came with two sunny side ups and a bit of home potatoes, which is always the push for me to get a specific dish.

(I think I couldn’t help myself from eating when I was taking the second picture¦)

Sabrina, having been here a couple of times, got their eggs benedict. Once again, it was good, but not ever the top banging delicious. I’m not sure if I’m an eggs benedict fan. Plus, Anthony Bourdain reveals in No Reservations that hollandaise sauce isn’t exactly the most sanitary menu item during weekend brunches. The raw egg yolks sits in a bowl, basking in its own demise for the length of morning to afternoon. And remember, raw eggs are meant to be consumed minutes after it’s made.

But, for the ambiance, food- that being quality and amount- I’d have to say that $15 is a fair deal. Once again, I’d like to reiterate the bread basket. It was deliciously yum. And if that isn’t enough, the mimosa will do you in.

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913 Broadway
New York, NY 10010
Near 21st St.  See Map | Subway Directions
212-673-6333