The New American Bistro

By Hillary Latos

One of the great NYC weekend pastimes is the lingering boozy brunch where carbs and calories don't seem to matter. The airy midtown eatery Lexington Brass is the quintessential bistro that combines European casual elegance with a contemporary American menu created by the dynamic NYC hospitality group EMM. Conveniently located near Grand Central Station, it's the perfect start to the weekend with its relaxed atmosphere enhanced by their gleaming floor to ceiling windows, sumptuous cognac leather banquettes, and delicious take on classicbistro comfort fare.

After a hard night of partying one of the tried and true remedies is the 'bloody your way' where you can choose from a myriad of seasonal and fresh savory ingredients and make it your own. Start with your elixir of choice- vodka, tequila or gin, add in your level of heat and flavor enhancers like cornichons, basil, prawns, or maple glazed bacon to freshly juiced heirloom tomatoes to create the perfect Bloody Mary.

One of the guilty pleasures of brunch is creating a meal out of decadently sweet andsavory specialties. If your taste buds are vacillating between the two flavor palettes opt for the Chef's Tasting Menu available on Sundays for $55 for two or $90 for four which includes a four course selection of generously portioned shareable sweet and savory dishes along with a bottle of Cavaand freshly squeezed mixers for custom mimosas or bellinis. As the chef's menu changes weekly, options can range from the eggs benedict royale with caviar and salmon or other specialties that reflect seasonal flavors.

A fall favorite is the gluten free pumpkin waffles with bruleed bananas, brass ale beer waffles, brioche French toast with ginger syrup, as well as the comfort food staple- fried chicken and waffles with a delicious twist of honey butter and syrup. Tantalizing egg dishes include the tasty steak and chorizo burrito, the sizzling baked egg, blue crab and avocado, or other indulgent takes on brunch classics such as maple glazed bacon, parmesan truffle fries, a spicy croquemonsieur, or a hanger steak topped with eggs. Or start with the extensive raw bar selection of East and West coast oysters, littlenecks or prawns.

Perfect for tourists and locals alike, Lexington Brass is a perfect stop anytime of the day from breakfast to dinner attracting power brokers and moguls forming major deals during the week or foreign tourists taking a break from their shopping trips on Fifth Avenue, where there is something for everyone here with plenty of reasons to return.

Lexington Brass
517 Lexington Avenue
NY, NY 10017
212.392.5976
emmgrp.com/restaurants/lexington-brass