I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the culinary creations of Chef April Bloomfield. I absolutely adored The Spotted Pig, her first solo effort after years under Batali, but John Dory, her second restaurant closed before I even got a chance to sample what was supposedly the best fries in New York. I love how she learned to work protein and fat under the croc-wearing Iron Chef, but I still cannot forgive him for my food poisoning experience from Del Posto.
So when I heard about the Breslin Bar and Dining Room, I was initially quite skeptical, especially coming only months after the premature death of John Dory. Then upon further inspection, the new restaurant seems to be following the Michelin star winning formula of The Spotted Pig, and has a meat focused gastro-pub menu instead of upscale seafood. Even the reservation system, or rather lack thereof, is a carbon copy of The Spotted Pig. I was intrigued, and off I went.
Situated on 29th Street between 5th and Broadway, the restaurant is located inside the “Ace Hotel”, another boutique hipster hotel. Walking into the lobby, decorated to look like a library lounge, you will find the staple of hipster hotels: way too many people using Macbooks.
Behind the glass wall, is good food.
On the left, through artfully decorated glass windows, is the Breslin. The interior design is very much like the spotted pig, a collection of bizarre items line the walls and ledges. Wood furniture and trim pieces give this place a distinct bar/gastro-pub feel. Again, this reminds me of The Spotted Pig, I guess if it ain’t broke, copy it and multiply.
A very bar like atmosphere.
The menu is very meat-heavy, and since we were there for brunch, very British, right up my alley. We had a great chat with a very friendly waitress, and enjoyed a view of Chef Bloomfield working in her kitchen. Soon the food came out of the kitchen for expediting, and I noticed Chef Bloomfield paid particular attention to my grapefruit, I felt loved.
Bloody Mary. Not my thing, probably never will be.
A big, fat, sweet, breakfast grapefruit with mint and ginger sugar.
Then came the main course and sides. We got smoked salmon with some greens, which tasted absolutely delightful. And the pork belly special, which deserved a spot right on the menu. Heck, put it on the dinner menu, holiday menu, dessert menu for all I care, it was that good. Sides of sausage was interesting, but the fries, fried with onions, were epic.
Smoked salmon, perhaps the lightest item on the menu.
Rolled pork belly, over corn meal. VERY greasy, VERY good.
The legendary fries, looking different from what I've seen, but amazing.
Dessert was various puddings. If you have room for dessert, I’m not sure how you managed.
All together, I’d put this experience right up there with The Spotted Pig. If the dinner is equally impressive, perhaps this place will soon be star-bound. Go try it out, I think you’ll enjoy it.
CS
Rating: 
20 West 29th Street
Between 5th and Broadway
No Dress Code, No Reservations
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