Review: Reunited and it feels so good - brunch at Bobo

Restaurant: Bobo
Cuisine: French, New American, Cocktails
Location: 181 W. 10th St. (at 7th Avenue S.), Manhattan

It had literally been four years since I last dined at Bobo.  And, to be honest, I was perfectly content never returning.  It's not that I didn't love the space; actually, I can still picture that incredibly charming, 2nd floor dining room in my head.  And, come to think of it, the service we received was just fine.  But it was the actual menu and its food that I found to be lacking.  And completely random.  Randumb?

Noah Sheldon for New York MagazineSince I will be away for D's baby shower - taking place this coming weekend (coincidentally, at Bobo) - we decided to meet up for brunch this past Sunday.  Bobo was chosen so that D could get an idea of what the space would look and feel like during her brunch event. 

Having arrived a few minutes prior to D, I chose to use my time wisely.  I ponied up to the bar and ordered a "Breakfast Margarita":  Milagro Tequila, Combier (orange liqueur), and orange marmalade were vigorously shaken together, then poured in to a grapefruit salt-rimmed glass over perfect ice cubes.  Between delicious sips, I noted that, while perusing the brunch offerings, the menu appeared drastically and positively different from my last visit...

Since D had made the reservation under her name - and she's hosting her baby shower there next weekend - we were greeted akin to Hollywood royalty by Bobo's adorable manager, who promptly showed us to our two-top on the exposed 2nd floor terrace. 

After we sat down, our water glasses were filled and we received brunch menus.  "D, this is stunning.  Are you having the shower al-fresco?"  She nodded.  "Wow!  Well, indoor or out, you cannot go wrong.  I'm so bummed to be away next weekend."

With a plethora of sweet and savory items to choose from, D and I ultimately decided to split two plates:   French Toast Soldiers, and the English Cheddar Farm Omelette. 

French Toast Soldiers

Brioche French toast "fingers" were topped with crumbly oatmeal streusel and accompanied by fresh strawberries, blueberries, and warm maple syrup.

A buttery, slightly crisp exterior gave way to a moist, almost creamy interior.  The streusel crumble added a delightful texture to what was already the perfect French toast.

D and I loved Bobo's fun, unique, and easily-sharable spin on this breakfast classic! 

English Cheddar Farm Omelette

Although the menu described this particular omelette as having "roasted tomatoes, basil, and English Cheddar," what we actually received could not have been more different.  There was not a trace of cheddar cheese, and the "basil," it turns out, was pesto.  Undressed field greens (yawn) and two thin slices of naked baguette (untoasted, not buttered) accompanied.  

OK, so I get that the above description sounds negative, boring, and misleading but, trust me, this omelette could not have been more delightful!  The egg portion, itself, was creamy and soft, not overcooked and tough.  The interior, composed of fragrant pesto and melted tomatoes, packed a powerful punch that was full of robust flavor.  Upon first glance, I was disappointed that we only received two thin slices of baguette.  Had the server not walked away so quickly, I would have asked for more.  However, the portion was actually sufficient, because it would have been a shame for bread to act as anything other than an edible utensil to push the eggs atop my fork.  To mask the the flavor and perfect texture of this omelette would have been a sin.  Seriously.  

Bobo, it turns out, was an absolute delight.  And so much different from my previous meal, 4-years ago.  From the outstanding "Breakfast Margarita," service, charming interior and exterior spaces...to our lovely meal...I look forward to returning.  Very soon (...though, unfortunately, not for D's baby shower).

Oh, but wait!  Here's some cool information for any of you out there who are looking to host an event:  Bobo has a $35 prix-fixe brunch that is extended to large parties!  D informed me that this is the route she's going for her shower this weekend.  With most restaurants in Manhattan charging upwards of $60+ per guest, brunch at Bobo is a steal!  And a delicious one, at that.

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Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle