Prune

By Brittany Ho, September 9, 2010 11:10 pm

www.prunerestaurant.com

Proprietor/Chef: Gabrielle Hamilton

Category: American/Brunch

Neighborhood: East Village
54 E. 1st St, New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-6221

Dutch Oven Blueberry Pancakes

Dutch Oven Blueberry Pancakes

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros

Mood: Something sweet or savory or BOTH.  with starch or proteins in it.  A must for Brunch.  A good blend of both offerings that will entice and satisfy the palate.

Tastes Like: something popped sweetly in my mouth and seconds later it zinged.  You can tell by the presentation that the chef actually gives a crap what it looks like and how it tastes.  It’s no ordinary brunch, but it’s not quite extraordinary.  Still, I am enamored bright the bright pink logo and pretty in pink friendly staff.  It’s simple goodness, with a few turnkey ingredients that really enhance the quality of the dish.  Crème fraiche on the blueberry pancakes was an excellent idea.. fully executed well. The pancakes were adorned with lots of blueberries, and the batter was a light contender to the cream.  Whipping delicious.  Due to seasonality, the fruit will rotate depending on which season we’re in.  Last time I checked in, I was sorely disappointed when I saw pear instead of blueberry.  No creme fraiche this time.  It was good, but my loyalties are with blueberries.  Til’ next summer!  Not feeling sweet?  Live on the edgier sie of things with huevos rancheros, though the eggs were baked perfectly moist (i rarely am in agreement with baked eggs).. and who can say no to a classic tex mex of avocado, salsa, chili & lime? I must admit, my favorite item on the menu goes back to the basics.  Steak & eggs.  Prime rib so bloody juicy it makes my heart race with every bite.  The hash brown like potato rosti was crisp and enjoyable paired with the extra crispy english muffin.   And if you’re looking for the perfect bloody mary place… I don’t know about perfection, but this place has about 10 different kinds to your liking.  With a shot of beer… how about that for authenticity?  if brunch is any introductory to the dinner entrees, i’m wholeheartedly excited.  with a quick glance of their offerings, it sounds like simplicity meets a touch of exotic.  there is some thing for every one.  my personal favorite is the danish… anchovies & fresh fennel. mm mm mmm….

Must Haves: dutch oven blueberry pancakes, though it has to be with crème fraiche not sour cream.  They might have changed their menu recently, so I would ask for crème fraiche!  STEAK & EGGS! you don’t know steak and eggs until you try this monstrosity of a dish.

Stay Away: NA

Ambiance: very unassuming on the outside… adorned with very hot pink on the inside.  Quaint and cute for LES, packed with lots of flavor & personality.

Service: Service is ok, nothing memorable, but everybody was courteous.  This place is always packed so I can imagine why their heads may roll from occasion.

Rating: 5 stars

Caveat: Be prepared to wait a whopping while. Have only had the pleasure of brunch here only!