webgrl01 "Good food is good love!"

I recently had the pleasure of finally dining at Mindy Segal’s acclaimed restaurant Hot Chocolate. I didn’t go for dinner or the late night bar scene, instead I went for there Saturday afternoon brunch after an intense workout.

There was lots of yummy choices to opt for, but I chose to do the Lox and Bagel plate and my partner chose the Market Scramble.

We both ordered coffee, which was nice and tasty and came in individual french press carafes. Other drinks that seemed to be popular that morning were the Grey Goose Bloody Mary, as well a mimosa made with Champagne and Pear Liqueur in lieu of orange juice.

The place was plenty crowed with friends catching up on a Saturday afternoon and the atmosphere was loud but you could still hear your dining companion at a decent level. We had to wait about 1/2 and hour to be seated, but looking at the various beautiful people surrounding us, and having nice conversation of our own and checking out the interesting wall artwork, the time passed rather quickly.

The brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 A.M – 2 P.M. I highly recommend trying the selections, but stay away from the Hot Chocolate drink, as I was told by my partner who had dined there in the past, it wasn’t very good or very “hot”.

I am a sucker for a perfect bagel! I mean there is nothing better than biting into a well made crispy toasted bagel and NYC Bagel on North Avenue has got to be the best in town.

My partner and I went there on our weekly bagel crave and despite having to circle the block in our car about four times before finding parking, we found bagel heaven when we stepped inside.

I like that the menu is VERY straight foward without a ton of bagel selections. The bagel choice purely basic, with choices of plain, onion, everything, pumpernickel, cinnamon raisin, garlic, egg, and sesame. At the deli counter they carry an extensive collection of fine deli meats and cheeses from Boars Head meats.

NYC Bagel also carries a small smoked fish selection in addition to traditional Lox, like Smoked Whitefish Spread and Whole Smoked Chubs. And what bagel shop worth it’s salt wouldn’t have cream cheese in the fridge? With choices from strawberry to chive and interesting ones like Artichoke Parmesan, one would be hard pressed not to find SOMETHING to like to spread on your perfect bagel.

In a rush, or need something special for a meeting or event? NYC also delivers to your home or office for your convenience and best of all, you can place your order online or via telephone.