Schiller's Liquor Bar

> Location : 131 Rivington St., New York, N.Y. 10002, U.S.A.
> Cuisine : American
> Tel. # : (1) (212) 260-4555
> Website : http://www.schillersny.com/
> Price Range: $$

We went on a Sunday afternoon for brunch. We arrived at 1-ish and the wait was 45 minutes. We ended up waiting for about 30. The decor was really fun, full of odds and ends. The staff's t-shirts had the NY state choking hazard posters on the back - hilarious.

I had a Blood Orange Mimosa, which was excellent, while my friend had a Chocolate Egg Cream (NY thing, with club soda, milk, and chocolate). They also served water in a little flask. We ordered a myriad of items, which included an order of the Sour Cream and Hazelnut Waffles with mixed berries and bourbon maple syrup, Eggs Hussard, which were poached with ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, Borderlaise, and Hollandaise sauce, classic Steak & Eggs (over medium), with breakfast potatoes, and a Seared Tuna Salad.

The Sour Cream and Hazelnut Waffles were pretty good, but not anything overwhelming. The maple syrup's bourbon was very strong and played well with the mixed berries. The waffle itself was pretty moist due to the sour cream; however, I did not really taste or smell the hazelnut.

Kathleen's Eggs Hussard was excellent. The Borderlaise sauce was nutty and flavorful. Her poached eggs were also perfectly perched on top of her fried toast. The presentation was also beautiful. Not much to say except that it was really good.

The steak and eggs were just okay. My eggs did not come over medium. One was easy and the other was medium. Oh well, can't win them all. I understand that usually steak and eggs comes with either a flank steak or a new york strip. Well, I'm not sure what kind of cut it was, but whatever it was, it was very chewy. The potatoes were really good. They had plenty of sauteed onions over them with great seasoning.

I did not taste the tuna salad, unfortunately, but the vegetables seemed fresh and colorful. I'm not sure if it was ahi tuna or what, but the color of the tuna (inside) was not very red.

Overall, I would say stick to the breakfast foods and you'll be fine. I noticed a few table got their pastry basket which looked very appetizing, especially the fresh sticky bun. By looking around, it seemed that the poached eggs were the best bet at Schiller's. Either the Hussard or the classic Benedict would do you right. A funny thing about the restaurant is the bathroom; it was a little confusing as when you entered, you ended up in a small lounge area with the washing basin that led further to two separate doors. Just be clear on which door you're entering!

< 3 out of 5 >

(but if you get strictly breakfast, probably a 4!)

Eatery

> Location : 798 Ninth Ave (at 53rd St), New York, N.Y., U.S.A.
> Cuisine : American
> Tel. # : (1) (212) 765-7080
> Website : http://www.eaterynyc.com/
> Price Range: $

We decided to try out Eatery's brunch. Though it was sprinkling outside, we decided to brave the cold and rain in lieu of waiting for an hour for a table inside. Once seated, we were served some sort of coffee cake that was delicious. The best way I could describe it is as some sort of spice cake. Whatever it was, it was yummy.

I opted for a Roast Chicken Soup, with Sweet Corn Dumplings. The broth was clear and sweet. The ingredients tasted very fresh and there was plenty of chicken. The soup was a tiny bit bland, but it was okay.

After the soup, I had a special salad of the day, which was a Chopped Chicken Salad with fresh beets, broccoli, cheese, lettuce, and a vinaigrette. There was plenty of chicken and the vegetables were perfectly crisp and fresh. The dressing was also perfect.

My friend Myra had the Sante Fe Sweet Potato Pancake, with scrambled egg whites and mango guacamole. I was assured the guac was good, but I didn't try since I am allergic. However, I did taste the rest of it and it was excellent. It's difficult to mess up eggs though.

From what I can tell, most of the food at this place is excellent. For the amount and price, it was a pretty good deal. Also, the decor was really cute and the wait staff was pretty good. If I weren't in the mood for veggies, the Pulled Pork Tostada with Fried Eggs, Monterey Jack and Poblano Relish was really calling my name.

< 4 out of 5 >