Unlike dinner, I don't mind eating brunch by myself. It gives me a chance to go through my stack of GQs and work on the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. It does force me, unfortunately, to eavesdrop. Sure, we're all voyeurs. But can't we peek in on lives a bit more interesting? Luckily Megan Fox kept me company.
I arrived at Bonfire this past Sunday for what was my second solo brunch here and was seated at the exact same table as I sat the first time. Bonfire at brunch is loud and lively. Music plays and people enjoy themselves (even the boring ones). The first time I was here, I ordered the Salmon Benedict, an eggs Benedict with salmon instead of bacon, served with sauteed potatoes and onions. Not bad. Not at the same level as the eggs Benedict with filet mignon I got at Q, but pretty good. I ordered a coffee and the meal came with a complimentary screwdriver, which I needed to calm my stomach after nearly drowning myself in Ri 1 at a Brooklyn whiskey bar the night before. On visit two, I ordered the Uptown Pancakes with Chocolate Chips, three or four wide pancakes, dusted with sugar and served with berries. I also asked for a (complimentary) grapefruit juice and a coffee. These, while not bad, were somewhat disappointing. They were chewier than they were fluffy. It would be an exaggeration to describe it as somewhat like cutting into a rubbery yoga mat, but you get the idea. Next time, I'm sticking with Bonfire's Benedict options.
Both of my visits cost the same, with tax and tip: $19.
I've been to Bonfire and found it to be pretty bad. Its just a watering hole for morons.
ReplyDeleteHow eloquent. That last sentence was unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteMy apologies Jon. Your site is wonderful and should never be besmirched.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so this is sort of off-topic and perhaps a bit personal, but I notice you eat/drink in BK a lot. As do I, and I find my commute home nearly always sucks unless I take the LIRR to Jamaica. Even then, the wait for an E to get to Fo-Hi can be pretty long. Do you drive there typically?
ReplyDeleteCatty, feel free to email me whenever you want at my normal gmail address: eateryrow@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteTo answer you question, I have driven to Brooklyn, but the streets and the traffic there is worse than in Boston. I avoid driving there if at all possible. I normally take the F to Park Slope and Dumbo or the G (or E-G before 9pm) to Williamsburg. Other locations get other routes, but that's where I find myself most often.
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ReplyDeleteI gave up on Bonfire after poor to mediocre service the 3 or 4 times I ate there.
ReplyDeleteJon, if you haven't done so yet, check out the brunch at Tuscan Hills. Full disclosure - I'm a huge fan of this restaurant and have already eaten there a half-dozen times (and going again tomorrow). I find the food to be excellent (the brick oven pizza in my opinion is by far the best FoHi has to offer) and the service warm and welcoming (they remembered my name from my first visit and I always receive a warm greeting, by name, when I come in).
I gave the brunch shot two weeks ago and thought it very good ... ordered poached eggs on sauteed spinach, which came with 3 eggs. It also comes with a complimentary cocktail, but I just stuck to the coffee -- which was freshly brewed and perfect.
Hey Susan, Tuscan Hills is on the list, not only for brunch but also for dinner. As for Bonfire's service, uh, it's slow, I'll grant you that.
ReplyDeleteActually ended up having brunch today at Q. While I'm glad I went I can honestly say that I will NOT be going back.
ReplyDeleteGot there right at 12 noon when the restaurant opened. My friend and I both had eggs Benedict with the filet (he had the hollandaise sauce, which I passed on). Even though we were the only customers in the restaurant, by the time we got our eggs, they weren't even warm and as for the filet mignon - we both thought it had a "funky" taste.
Had to ask the waitress 3x to bring ground pepper to the table (she was busy making herself a cup of tea and talking to the cook) and never was asked if we wanted a refill on our coffee (which I really did -- the coffee at least was excellent).
I think for now I will stick with Tuscan Hills and the Forest Hills Diner for future brunches. Hopeful that with all the vacancies on Austin Street more options may open up!
Susuan,
ReplyDeleteIt's to bad you didbn't put htat comment in the Q Brunch section. But still, that sucks. I really liked their eggs benedict with the filet mignon. Sorry the BF didn't like it.I feel somewhat bad for recommending it, but when I had it, it was really good.
Original Bon Fire was on 108th St.
ReplyDeleteand 63 dr. near the Hamburger Train.