A few months late but today we celebrated my girlfriend's Leslie's birthday which was in September. But as we all know, better late than never.
Friend of a Farmer was listed as one of the top ten NYC brunch places and although they don't take reservations for brunch, we decided to meet there.
It was a particularly chilly day and as I passed the place in my car, I saw quite a few people already on line. I quickly parked and stood behind about 15 people. Following the crowd, I learned that was the process. You wait out on line, the hostess comes by, asking the number in your party and depending on what was available, she seats you. Tables for 2 were much faster to seat but most were parties of 4 or more. They don't want to seat you if your entire party is not present. I just had a feeling that would be the case. Leslie was across town and I estimated her arrival. After 2 ladies behind me were whisked away, I waited until the hostess came out again asking for a party of 2. I raised 2 fingers and she motioned to follow her. Once inside, she literally freaked out when she saw I was alone. I assured her my friend was parking the car. She was skeptical, claiming she would be in big trouble if she didn't show soon and as I got to my table, I called and sure enough, Leslie was around the corner.
I love the concept of the place. Very quaint farm-like decor. Fresh produce and ingredients. Wait staff was attentive and the first thing I ordered was their French Press coffee and Leslie requested tea: English Breakfast. When my pot of coffee came and I took a sip, I was in heaven. It was so aromatic, strong and delicious. Unfortuantely, for me, that was the last time I felt that way.
I ordered the Boomer Special: Scrambled eggs, french toast, buttermilk or pumpkin pancakes, bacon, ham or sausage and home fries. I opted for the pumpkin pancakes and sausage.
Leslie ordered the "Healthy Farmers Omelette": egg whites, feta cheese, spinach & tomato although she declined the feta cheese.
Leslie liked her dish. Both arrived beautifully presented. But I am not sure whether my plate had been waiting too long before it was served since the place was so busy because the pancakes were hard and everything was luke-warm. Or was it because I was chatting and let my dish go cold. Not sure but in the end, I was disappointed. I was looking forward to fluffy pancakes a la IHOP. I guess I'll stick to IHOP for my pancakes.
