I struggled long and hard to find some type of acceptable Llama pun eventually but came up short.

You’re welcome.

The Llama group of restaurants (Llama Inn in Brooklyn, Llamita in the West Village and now Llama San) have really etched themselves onto the NYC landscape as Peruvian restaurants to be taken seriously.

Or whatever.

Llama San is Japanese Peruvian but I think more of the Japanese food elements come through at brunch…or maybe just through the items we ordered.

The space is really pretty and incorporates the new trend of skylights surrounded by hanging greenery (which I’m totally here for) and the vibe is just pretentious enough to impress.

While the prices may be a tough steep (why do I even continue to mention the high prices when I live in NYC, what do I expect??) I found the portion sizes to be equivalent and the taste and quality of the food was outstanding.

The non-alcoholic beverage situation was a bit confusing, they really only offer elaborate Peruvian french press. Sugar and creamers were not offered.

It did appear that 1 in 3 diners were ordering the Pork Katsu Sandwich. It’s just a nicely seasoned and breaded pork cutlet inside some simple bread and drizzled with yummy sauces. You can’t go wrong.

Another impressive dish we ordered was the duck leg confit with egg. Not a ton of food but it was a gorgeously presented dish.

I think perhaps Llama San might be a better option for dinner but if you’re not in the mood to drink and just want a tasty fried pork sammie for breakfast, feel free to casually make a reservation a month in advance and hope you still are craving that in 30 days at 8 am or whenever time slot is actually available on Resy.

https://llamasannyc.com/

There aren’t a ton of high-end brunch options in FiDi.

There aren’t a ton of low-end brunch options either.

There aren’t a ton of appealing dining options in general here in the land of finance bros and no-sun.

However, Crown Shy’s appeal has apparently brought me all the way from sunny Chelsea to cold and dreary FiDi on this particular Saturday morning.

Crown Shy, brought to you by a former Eleven Madison Park chef, is located on the ground floor of the stunning Art Deco building at 70 Pine.

The restaurant interior is understated but still lovely; the entire place gives off hotel restaurant vibes. Pretty and Pricey.

We ordered the Skirt Steak and Egg and Biscuit situation, however, the star of the show was the Honey Glazed Bacon Bread with Ricotta.

Both unique and simple, this hefty slice of cake coated in a perfect layer of tiny crispy bacon bits was pure heaven. And then they go and give you a dollop of Ricotta and it’s game over.

ORDER IT!!

While their biscuit could have used some work (and definitely about $5 too expensive) the skirt steak was delicious, gorgeously displayed and you get plenty of it. An anomaly.

https://www.crownshy.nyc/

So, what do you do when your pictures look simultaneously like a 1950’s Betty Crocker cookbook and pure pink vomit?

You post them anyway, unapologetically!

That being said, The Turk’s Inn is the embodiment of a 1950’s cookbook.

Originally a supper club from Wisconsin opened in 1934, Turk’s Inn was eventually brought to, appropriately, Brooklyn.

Retro Arabian nights vibes mixed with creative takes on midwest versions of Middle Eastern cuisine help create a really unique and festive atmosphere.

The Jeweled Pilaf (featured below with the Pepto-Bismol colored beet yogurt on top) and the Lamb Meatballs are highly recommended.

NOTE: the lighting inside is quite red….

Home

Wayan is the new restaurant from the son of the famed chef, Jean-Georges Vonsomethingorother.

Could I have Googled that and spelled his last name correctly? Yes. Yes, I could.

The theme is upscale French-Indonesian and while I could bitch and moan about the prices, we’re in Nolita. Not the best neighborhood for bargain hunting.

But is it worth it, you ask?

Yes! (mostly).

I think the satays (reasonably priced, around $20) are the best bang for your buck. Very tasty, unique and satisfying.

The Lobster Noodles seemed a bit too trendy, tired and expensive.

The Instagram friendly corn fritters are enormous and gorgeous and had a great texture, but perhaps could have benefited from some bolder flavors. Still, worth ordering.

I like going to fancy places for brunch. You end up getting to experience everything while spending a great deal less than you would have at dinner.

As much as I go out, I gotta watch those pennies. Sorry, it’s NYC, gotta watch those $100’s.

Corn Fritters

Pork Satay

Yellow Chicken

Lobster Noodles