•  Cuisine: New American
• Atmosphere: bright, happy, laid-back
  
• Attire: casual to business-casual
  
• Ideal for: brunch, 1x1, small groups, informal gathering, outdoor dining
• Price: most brunch entrees under $22, with some exceptions 
• Reservations: via phone or www.opentable.com
• Phone: (212) 255-0300
• Website: www.10downingnyc.com
• Location: 10 Downing Street (at 6th Avenue)

*All photos from my meal can be found on Flickr

Prior to my 1pm arrival at 10 Downing for Sunday brunch, I wasn't sure whether or not the restaurant would be packing a full-house.  As I entered the space, I found myself among a handful of others waiting their turn in front of an empty hostess stand.  The dining room was abuzz with folks of all ages chatting between bites of fluffy eggs and syrup-drenched French toast.  I couldn't help but admire the restaurant's bright open space enclosed by floor to ceiling windows that allowed for every ounce of sunlight to flood the hardwood-floors and creamy-colored walls with its warmth.

The dining room at 10 Downing Food & WineWithin approximately ten-minutes of waiting our turn to be seated, Anjie and I were whisked to our table pour deux.  From my vantage point, I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant view of 6th Avenue.  My only complaint, however, was the restaurant's deafening acoustics; practically requiring that patrons shout at one another in order to hear/be heard.  

Le menuAnjie and I chose to order our own entrees, having decided that splitting our meals would pose a problem, as neither of us could come to a mutual agreement on one dish: Anjie chose the Cinnamon French Toast and I ordered the savory Farmer's Market Omelette.  While the assorted baked goods looked tempting, Anjie and I decided to forgo an appetizer in the hopes that we'd receive a complimentary basket of bread and butter shortly after placing our entree orders.  And as luck would have it, the only additional items we received were a couple of refills of water.  Fortunately, we didn't have to wait too long to be presented with our entrees.  Wilted collard greens, caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese were folded in to the center of a fluffy, three-egg masterpiece that was accompanied by a simple radicchio salad lightly tossed in a mild vinaigrette. 

Farmer's Omelette: collard greens, caramelized onions, cheddar cheeseIn conclusion: Anjie and I each spent under $20 for brunch, which is a pretty good deal in Manhattan.  We both thoroughly enjoyed our entrees and, despite the noise level, hope to return in the near future.  Best advice to those who are interested in dining at 10 Downing for brunch: make a free reservation at www.opentable.com.  This is one hot spot!

FYI: 10 Downing is small-pet-friendly...as long as Fido is confined, that is!  Check out my adorable neighbor, Teddy, who peaked his little head out so that I could give him a kiss: