NYC — Spring 2012: Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen

If the massive line-up outside the door of Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen five minutes before opening on Sunday morning is any indication, New Yorkers take their Sunday brunch seriously. For the last morning on our New York trip, my brother decided to take us out for brunch — a last get-together before we headed to the airport. He didn't have a set place in mind, but we walked a few blocks to West Village (because there's apparently a ton of brunch places in the area), and settled upon Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen because, as my brother said, "There's a long line-up for a reason." My dad just said, "It must be nice to be the owner of a restaurant that has a packed house within a minute of opening."

Fresh baked bread from Blue Ribbon Bakery Market

Poached eggs with spinach, mushrooms, bacon, and hollandaise sauce

Blue Benedict: Poached eggs, cotto ham, Jarlsberg cheese, and tomato on challah bread with hollandaise sauce

You know, I don't often think, "Where can I get perfect poached eggs?" But if you asked me that now, I would tell you, at Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen. They have mastered the poached egg — perfectly formed, and will literally explode beautiful silky yolk all over your food at the touch of a fork. My brother and I shared two dishes with poached eggs (you will have noticed that we like to share dishes to try more food). The one with spinach, mushrooms, and bacon is more rustic but the lovely chunks of fatty bacon make it positively glorious. The Blue Benedict was a delightful twist on Eggs Benedict — the tomato gives a sweet-tangy contrast to the buttery, nutty flavour of the Jarlsberg and the salty ham. The challah offers a softer, cushier base and a slightly sweeter flavour than an English muffin.

Chorizo hash to share

Fresh fruit plate served with Greek yogurt and honey to finish

The chorizo hash is offered as a side dish, and proved to be ridiculously addictive with the soft browned chunks of potato, perfectly smoky chorizo sausage, and sweet caramelized onions. It's filling, so it's perfect for sharing. We ordered the fruit in an effort to feel healthier, given the fat- and calorie-laden dishes we ordered, but it made for a perfect ending to a wonderful first meal of the day. Service, while hurried, was polite, efficient, and attentive. The interior is simple and down-to-earth, but ultimately cheerful with large glass windows bringing in lots of light. Great for big groups, small groups, families, and dates. I will have to make multiple visits here next time, because I've heard their dinner menu is good, too.

There was still a line-up outside the door by the time we left.

Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen

35 Downing Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 337-0404