When I think of hotel dining, images of dark and dingy bars filled with drunk businessmen come into mind. Of course this image doesn't pertain to NYC hotel eating. Thus I introduce you to Norma's at Le Parker Merdian hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The waits are long, the crowds are big and the prices are astronomical. Ever heard of $1,000 brunch entree? Yup they have it at Norma's. It's just your normal lobster frittata with 10 oz of caviar sprinkled on top. Don't worry I've never tried it and wouldn't dare ordering it but I do like to frequent Norma's whenever I have a family member fronting the bill.
Located just off the lobby of the hotel, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming. The tables aren't too close together and the service is pretty good considering the crowds. They always have a shot glass sized sample of the smoothie of the day to start you off and they offer free refills of their fresh squeezed orange juice. The coffee is strong (2 splendas for me in each cup) but they leave the pot on your table which is nice.
This past Saturday I don't even think I was hungry and I was probably still half asleep but still couldn't resist their Norma's egg Benedict. Instead of the usual english muffin, their poached eggs are served over buttermilk pancakes and grilled asparagus is added into the mix along side the Canadian bacon and hollandaise sauce. The dish is rich and so filling.
Not as rich as the crispy french toast and Belgium waffle covered with berries that we also got. We didn't go overboard and get the chocolate decadence french toast or the PB&C Waffle 'wich (peanut butter and toffee crunch) but it did cross our minds. The french toast wasn't very crispy but it was covered with a warm caramelized sauce that did the trick.
The options to go crazy are endless at Norma's and their dishes are super creative - a big thing that I find refreshing. Usually nothing stands out from one brunch place to the next but Norma's is the exception. They serve the same menu daily but they're only opened until 3 so get there in time. But if you happen miss the breakfast cut off or find yourself hungry when you leave (I doubt that will happen) hop in the Burger Joint line across the lobby floor.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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