Brunch Part I: LES

I wasn't a fan of the Lower East Side until last winter when I was inducted into its brilliance through a series of fine brunches. Here are some of my favs:

1. CLINTON ST. BAKING COMPANY (4 Clinton St.)

(Left: Biscuit sandwich w/ homemade tomato jam, Right: Blueberry pancakes)

We waited a whole 2 hours on a Sun. before getting seated at this joint, crazy huh? What's crazier is that it was worth the wait. Now, you may argue that no food is worth that kind of time investment, but let me wag my finger here because then you would be much mistaken my friend. Let me just say you have to try this place at least once in your lifetime, and if there just so happens to be a 2 hour wait then so be it. (This place serves up weekend brunch 7 days of the week, so if you're one of the fortunate few that do not work on weekdays I would suggest going then to avoid the massive sat/sun crowds).Voted as the 'best brunch' and 'pancakes' from Time Out NY and New York Mag respectively. What's so amazing is the perfectly honest home style cooking that is immaculate in taste and presentation. For example, the buttermilk pancakes come with a 'maple butter' dipping sauce that just warms and melts your insides with a giddy pleasure. Oh, and that homemade jam - so fresh, so perfectly balanced between sweet and tang - we ended up just eating it by the spoonful. They also sell their baked goodies at the front of the shop to takeout or to satisfy your hunger as you longingly wait in line to be seated. One of their tricksy strategies to keep us hanging around was by offering us samples of their magical deliciousness; it sure kept us hooked.

2. ALIAS (76 Clinton St.)

A charming little place with lovely decor and lovely prices. The impression I got from this place was fresh everything; the ingredients are seasonal and sometimes whipped up into slightly unconventional concoctions (I've tried the fried chicken on top of buttered cornmeal waffles combo, yummy). A truly worthwhile second choice if you get fed up with "Clinton St. Baking Company's" line. Brunch is served here on the weekends.

3. ESSEX (120 Essex St.)
This spacious loft-like restaurant used to be a part of the Essex St. Market before they renovated it into a hip loungey establishment. The brunch here (served on weekends) is decent; although the sub par food is made up by the cheap price ($16 brunch special) which comes with 3 drinks to boot, nothing like a bloody mary to nurse that hangover eh?

However, I much prefer this place at night when the food quality is generally better and when there is usually no line to be seated. Furthermore, this place is chock-full of seafood specials I love!

- Tuesday: Unlimited mussels fries $14 and 1/2 price drinks (6-9): I've been here twice for this and my my you can really utilize your 4 stomachs, if you have more than one (note the 'UNLIMITED'). The mussel soup base is nice and savory while the fries are some of the best I've had - thick, fresh, crispy on the outside and steaming soft on the inside.
- Wednesday: Whole maine lobster for $16 and 1/2 prince drinks (6-9): The lobster was surprisingly large, sweet, springy and fresh for the price - delish!
- Thursday: $1 oysters all night and 1/2 price drinks (6-9): I have yet to try the oysters.