A few weeks ago, my husband and I were in New York for a couple of days.  He had some business and I made it my business to join him at the tail end of his trip.  I love New York, even when it is bitterly cold as it was during our visit.  Together we took in a show and enjoyed some wonderful meals.  On my own, I visited the Whitney and did some shopping.

Brunching was also involved.  Brunch reminds me of Sunday mornings in college and my early twenties living in Boston.  It also reminds me of Sex and The City where “brunch” played a leading role, appearing in almost every episode.  I don’t brunch on a regular basis, but in New York it just seems like a thing to do!  I visited two places on this trip and am sharing them with you today.

Jack’s Wife Freda has 2 locations in the West Village.  The first on Lafayette Street was opened in June, 2012 and the second location on Carmine Street where I visited was opened in December of 2014.  I have been following them on Instagram for over a year and knew I wanted to check out what seemed like a really fun vibe.

Owned by a couple who originally hail from South Africa and Israel, Jack’s Wife Freda serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails, 7 days a week.  The food is humorously described on their website as South African Israeli Jewish Grandmother Cuisine!  Playful egg filled breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches and other entrees are offered.  Matzo Ball Soup shares space with Peri-Peri chicken wings and Smoked Salmon & Avocado toast.  Great for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Jack’s Wife Freda is bright and attracts a youngish crowd on the Friday morning I visited.

Outside the restaurant…

Lots of seating options at this location including bistro tables for two, banquettes alongside the walls, a communal table in the center and several stools at the small bar.  I was told this location is larger than the original on Lafayette, but maintains Jack’s Wife Freda signature classic looks and orb lighting…

A closer look at the bar…

Perhaps because it was a Friday which may not be an official “brunch” day for New Yorkers, I was seated immediately.  You can most certainly expect to wait a bit on the weekends.

Here is my brunch selection, The Mediterranean which included two poached eggs, a chopped salad, avocado, feta (substituted at my request for labne) and grilled, fluffy pita bread.  I could have this on the daily and not tire of it.  Since I was dining alone I don’t have any other pics of the food to share, but check out their Instagram for more views of their colorful cuisine…

Perfect fuel for the rest of my day.

Service was excellent and the entire staff was very personable.  Great music was playing in the background and the vibe was very upbeat.  I noticed when diners left, the staff said a very warm goodbye and “see you soon” to many who I just assumed were regulars.  But since I received the same, neighborly fond farewell, I have to assume this is just what they do at Jack’s Wife Freda.  I left with a big smile on my face!

˜

On our way out of the city on Saturday, my husband and I visited Russ & Daughters Cafe on the Lower East Side.  The cafe was opened in 2014 on the 100th anniversary of Russ & Daughters, the famed appetizing store which is located nearby to the cafe.  The businesses are owned by the 4th generation of the Russ family and there are plans for more expansion soon.  Fun fact I learned from their website is that the business was the first in the United States to have “& Daughters” in its name.  Cool.

Russ & Daughters serves classic “appetizing” foods that the original deli sells and then some.  Like at Jack’s Wife Freda, paper menus serve as placemats.  Dishes range from “noshes” such as knishes and potato latkes to “boards” that showcase the cafe’s freshly sliced fishes and soups such as the traditional matzo ball and borscht. Caviar service, herring, noodle kugel and all kinds of egg dishes are served alongside cocktails and sodas all day, seven days a week.

The restaurant is not large and parties larger than 6 may be tough to seat on a busy weekend morning as we witnessed during our 45 minute wait for our table.  An open kitchen allows you to witness what is going on behind the scenes and catch glimpses of the food being prepared…

Selections of “boards”…

And a bowl of matzo ball soup…

A case displays the many fishes available for fresh slicing.  Smoked salmon is sliced paper thin to order…

My husband and I ordered the same board, The Classic.  His bagel was sesame and mine was an everything.  The smoked salmon was the star of the board, absolute perfection…

We also ordered the chopped liver because why not?

It was tasty but not my favorite version to be honest.  I am sure this is more my issue, but to my palate, I thought it was a little dry.  My husband on the other hand really enjoyed it.

Was it worth our 45 minute wait to eat at Russ & Daughters.  Absolutely – we were so glad we went.  A little people watching and some great food all made for a fun morning.

I hope you find yourself at one of these restaurants for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner soon!

Until next week…

One Year Ago: Shaved Tuscan Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Two Years Ago: Farfalle with Leeks and Chicken Sausage