Cantaloupe Mimosas

Jack’s Wife Freda is a sophisticatedly casual Soho brunch spot that’s perfect for when you’re with a small group of people. Let me explain.

First of all, you’ll be waiting just a spell (hour average) for your table (no ressies taken for groups under 6) so, if you’re with a group, you’ll have someone to talk to.

Second, the portions of food are on the smaller side. Now, when I say “small”, I really mean “the perfect meal size” and just not the “Cheesecake Factory sized portions” we’ve become used to.

When I had remembered the size of the Green Shakshuka via the picture I had seen on Yelp, I decided I needed to order some kind of side dish.

The Matzo Ball soup was very tasty but it had an odd, brownish hue. Perhaps they used beef stock instead of chicken, but regardless, it still worked.

The Green Shakshuka was definitely on the smaller side, even when considering the average human stomach, so after consuming both dishes, I was perfectly full and not overly stuffed.

Shakshuka is a middle eastern baked egg dish, usually in a sauce consisting of tomatoes, onions, peppers and cumin. In this case, it was a very mild tomatillo sauce. Still quite nice, but not as much of a bite or kick to it as with a traditional ‘Shuka.

The skirt steak in Jack’s Breakfast was perfectly seasoned and cooked and altogether yummy. Definitely something to order if you’re on the hungrier side.

The Madame Freda was a delicate, subtle take on the Croque Madame (grilled ham and cheese with egg on top).

I’m a fan of a mimosa on occasion, but they’re often a case of acid reflux central. First, you’re provided with the cheapest sparkling malt beverage known to man. Calling it “Sparkling Wine” makes it seem too elegant for what you’re usually given. Top it off with some orange juice from concentrate and you’ve got yourself a Zantac commercial.

But these cantaloupe mimosas were absolutely delicious. They didn’t burn going down, they were served in classy, old-fashioned cocktail glasses and the cantaloupe nicely balanced the acid of whatever sparkling booze we were given. A creative and much needed twist on a heartburn inducing favorite.

Jack’s Wife Freda also has a location in the West Village, so depending on what part of town you happen to be in, I think either choice is a worthy brunch option. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll probably have enough time to wait for your table to walk to the other location and still have some time to kill with that small group of friends I told you to bring.

224 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10012
b/t Kenmare St & Cleveland Pl in SoHo
(212) 510-8550
jackswifefreda.com

There is a hefty wait for tables on weekends.

FREDA’S MATZO BALL SOUP $7

Green Shakshuka 12 —
2 baked eggs in a green shakshuka served with challah toast

Madame Freda 14 —
Pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar béchamel,
gruyere & a sunny side up egg

Jack’s Breakfast 19 —
2 eggs (any style), grilled skirt steak, grilled tomato, pickled red onions
and sourdough toast