Vanilla Bourbon Battered Toast? Oh yeah, Harding’s got that
After running this site for the past year and a half and talking about so many different hotspots that Manhattan has to offer, something that went completely over my head was where the best brunches were! I mean, millions of Manhattanites freaked the F out a couple of months ago when there was going to be an apparent ban on the endless brunches that many restaurants have to offer, so I knew this was something that Manhattan Digest had to offer. Now that the summer is over (kind of but not really) and we are bracing ourselves for the crisp & chilly fall weather, many of us are searching for that one place to get together with loved ones on the weekend and dish about the night before and the week ahead. So where to go to enjoy all of this?
In Manhattan Digest’s latest series, “Best Of Manhattan Brunch”, our first stop is Harding’s NYC located in the heart of the flatiron district. I have had friends go there in the past to rave reviews so when the idea to do a brunch series came up, I knew this was one of the stops I had to make. Yesterday, me and a friend stopped by there to see what all the fuss was about, and got a good vibe as to why we should include Harding’s on the list.
Harding’s itself may look small from the outside, but it iis quite different upon arrival. It has a very large seating area, with a spacious bar in case you are a table of one or just looking to grab a Bloody Mary with your buddies. The wood finishing and the varieties of browns throughout scream fall in many ways, and the overall setting was quite pleasant and fun to enjoy. There is also quite the American history feel to it, as we sat beneath an oversized, century-old American Flag and exposed brick wall which made the whole rustic feel to it that much more intensified. As delicious as the food can be, the service is also a big part of the overall experience and if bad can make the entire trip not worth going. The service, from the waitstaff to the management was impeccable and they were eager and helpful throughout the process which made it that much more wonderful.
Of course we have to discuss the food as this is brunch! A brunch just wouldn’t be a brunch without an alcoholic beverage of sorts. If you want a Bloody Mary they have three different types available at your disposal- the classic, the Balsamic (with balsamic-vinegar tomato juice as opposed to the regular) and the Dill Bloody Mary (with pickle juice added in). They also have the classic Mimosa as well as one with Grapefruit Juice, both quite yummy. As for the brunch itself, I would highly recommend the two options that me and my friend tried out yesterday. The actual Harding’s omelette- comes complete with fresh vegetables like corn, broccoli and roasted tomatoes and filled with cheddar cheese. The mixture of all of them combined into one hearty omelette worked really well together and was quite tasty. On top of that, the four words I am about to write do exist and are spectacular- VANILLA BOURBON BATTERED TOAST. Das right, Harding’s did quite the stellar job with this dish which is totally delectable with the challah bread, whipped orange pecan butter and of course the Vermont Maple Syrup dolloped on top. For the first dish I would recommend getting a side dish of fruit salad to couteract with the heaviness of the home fries and omelette, and for the toast I would recommend a side of their country bacon. Why? Because its bacon, it needs no explanation.
So I would highly recommend Harding’s as your next go to place for Brunch. You will find yourself in a quite aromatic and pleasant setting, and leave full and satisfied. Check out their official website for more information.
Harding’s
32 East 21st Street (Between Broadway and Park Avenue)
212-600-2105