Balthazar

Balthazar, Wednesday Morning

In the last few days, I've gotten back into the habit of waking up early and eating breakfast. I've mentioned in the past, a handful of times, how much I enjoy the calm serenity of morning hours. Be it down in the Village, caught between bites of a warm croissant and soothing latte, or at a patisserie on the UES, the morning is a wispy unclaimed time of the day that's yours and yours alone to keep. Sometimes it's nice to have company, and other times it is even nicer to be alone. Balance is key...

Brioche French Toast, Applewood Smoked Bacon

...and yesterday called for company. Bhavneet had just returned from Greece the day before, and we made plans for breakfast, because the morning is worth savouring. We left the office on a whim, and with no particular location in mind we ended at the front doors of Balthazar, relatively quiet before the impending lunch rush. Orders were placed, one sweet entree and another savoury - both to be shared. With cappuccinos on the table, and a blackberry in the hand of one girl and a black planner and red pen in the hand of the other girl, we got down to catching up over the last two weeks.

Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon, Hollandaise, English Muffin

It is surprising how much happens over the course of two weeks, both things you expect and others that never once crossed your mind. But you figure, it's all for the better even though it may not seem so at the moment. And, as terribly clich� as it sounds (and believe me, it is :), Bhavneet noted that there's something to be said for fate: if it's meant to be, it will be so in the end. And so, with job changes, relationship changes, a stubbed toe, new apartment, tattoo and broken bag between the two of us, everything matters a lot less the moment hot brioche French toast is set at the table, topped with a duo of applewood smoked bacon. The bacon, while on the floppy side, satisfied nonetheless. And for the brioche?

Now that was a call for many, many smiles. Challah French toast is one thing, but brioche is a completely different world. Whisper light and sheltered between a thin, crisp exterior, bare dabbles of maple syrup brings the meal full circle. You can almost hear the slight crackle, crunch, cut, as you slice away a corner of the brioche, revealing a buttery interior, more plush and luxurious than anticipated. We split and silently alternated the toast with bites of Eggs Norwegian, toasted English muffins hidden beneath smoked salmon and delicately poached eggs. I punctured a single egg, and soaked up the slow ooze of yolk with roasted potatoes and declared it a wonderful day.

Balthazar
80 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 965-1414