Famished Girl
Brown & Orange, Lower East Side
Poor Dorothy once lamented: There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home! However, after sampling a savory carrot muffin at the fab organic bakery, Babycakes, and then enjoying a sumptuous late breakfast at nearby Brown, I think Dorothy would think twice before clinking those ruby shoes. Brown, an all-organic cafe, is reminiscent of outdoor Parisian sidewalk cafes - no pesky waiters turning tables and food that is fresh, delicious and simply made. Brown doesn’t try so hard to be inviting and “natural”, it achieves it with ease by evoking a decor with savoir fare touches; from its cafeteria-style hardwood tables and benches, to potted blooming orchids, the Hester Street eatery is a space decked in sunlight run by a staff who is courteous, friendly and fast.
I was giddy over my breakfast of baked eggs served with serrano ham and mixed greens, naturally, with a side order of toasted walnut raisin bread dressed in sweet butter and preserves. Eggs served up in a miniature cast-iron skillet, bread toasted to perfection, the presentation lacked the obsessive fanfare that has swarmed downtown dining. Basking in the mid-morning sunshine, I sipped my tea, which arrived at my table in a pebbled, iron teapot - piping hot - while reading the paper. Amazing salads and sandwiches are also served for afternoon/evening patrons.
Intrigued about the ingredients of your organic meal? Check out the charming specialty shop & epicerie, Orange, whose walls teem with imported, hard-to-find olive oils, homemade aioli and preserves, organic heirloom tomatoes in vibrant shades of purple, red and a deep blue, and a striking selection of sweet and rich cheeses.
Pssst! I hear through the grapevine that a new sister shop, Pink, is set to open soon! Seriously, what more can a healthy gal ask for?
Brown & Orange
61 Hester Street
New York City
212-254-9825
Subway: F/J/Z to Delancey
