Brunch @ Cookshop in Chelsea

As I have mentioned before, one of my favorite programs on the weekends in New York is to go out for brunch.
Cookshop had been on my list of places to go for a while. It has a very good reputation about being one of the best brunches in town. Besides, it is very close to my work and flat.
Boy, I am glad we went!!!! The food was delicious, so fresh, so beautiful!!!! The cocktails are to die for as well.
Apparently, it is supposed to be a celebrity hot spot. Emma Stone was there with Andrew Garfield last month. Anyways, does not make a lot of difference to me... Just curiosities about Manhattan's life lol
Hope you enjoy!!!! I had a beautiful French Toast and hubby the Huevos Rancheros!!!! Yummy!!!!
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Is brunch in New York our afternoon tea in London? :)

Brunch is one of the things I love the most about our life in New York :):):) I knew it was popular here before we moved from London, but I had no idea it was this popular!!!!! Nearly every single place has a different menu just for brunch -  I absolutely love it!!!!! I miss my afternoon tea with lovely scones and clotted cream, but I love my french toast and eggs Benedict :) Breakfast has always been my favorite meal - believe it or not!!!! I would rather go exploring new brunch spots than restaurants to have dinner.
As I always say, if we lived here all our lives, we would not be able to visit all the restaurants and brunch spots in New York. Lucky us!!!!! :)
Yelp and tips from friends have been particularly helpful in our quest for great brunch spots!!! I will try to keep track of the places I have been to since November 2011. Oh dear, we have been to a few!!!!! I will start my list following my own ratings based on price, food and atmosphere ;-) I am sure this list will grow quickly lol
Would love to get tips from you as well :) Hope you find it helpful!

1. Eatery: 798 9th Avenue  New York, NY  - Beautiful food and very fair price!!! The french toast I had there was the best so far. It was stuffed with Chocolate-Banana Cream Cheese Filling, Vermont Maple Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream. My hubby went for the Pulled Pork Tostada. Yummy!!!!
2. The Bluebell Cafe:The Bluebell Cafe 293 3rd Avenue  New York, NY - I felt like a local. Not touristy at all. If you would like to have a genuine New York experience, I would definitely recommend this place. The prices are very reasonable as well. You might have to queue up as they do not take bookings. We were lucky and just had to wait for 5 minutes ;-). 
3. Cafe Gitane @ the Jane Hotel: 113 Jane Street New York, NY - There is another Cafe Gitane on Mott Street (Nolita). When you walk in, it seems you are in Morocco. There is a beautiful  crowd (very stylish people) and the prices are great for West Village. The cappuccino was divine and the bread selection very fresh and delicious ;-)
4. Pastis: 9 9th Avenue  New York, NY - I was a bit unsure to go to Pastis because it is so famous and everyone talks about it! lol However, in spite of the price we have had a great experience there, mainly because of the lovely bread basket produced at Balthazar. So nice!!!!!  I guess it is one of those places you have to check as people talk so much about it. It is a great place to do some people watching!!! the crowd is very fashionable and after you can wander around the Meatpacking District.
5. Jane Restaurant: 100 W Houston St  New York, NY - Jane is a great choice if you are exploring Soho, Nolita, Noho or Greenwich Village. The food was great and the service excellent! It is not that cheaper either...
6. The Mercer Kitchen: 147 Mercer St  New York, NY 10012 - The Mercer Kitchen is located inside the Mercer Hotel in Soho and in front of the amazing Prada store :) I liked the vibe of the place and I think it offers a great New York experience. Would definitely take friends who are visiting to this place. The staff was lovely and the food great!!!! 
7. Madison Diner: 965 1st Avenue  New York, NY at 53rd Street - We discovered this diner when we were living in Midtown East, as soon as we arrived in New York. The portions are huge!!!! It is very fair priced for what you get as well. It is a truly American experience. I quite like diner actually!! Most of the time they do not have the best food, but have a great atmosphere.