If you know me, you know I love all things glam. The more glamourous I feel the better. This was basically the deciding factor on choosing the perfect restaurant for my birthday brunch back in September (well that and how quickly brunch spots in the city fill up). I had Beauty and Essex on a NYC bucket list since I made the decision to move to the city last year, and I decided it was the perfect location to ring in my mid-twenties.
When my roommate and I arrived at Beauty and Essex, located in Manhattan's lower east side, we were greeted by a pawn shop full of beautiful antiques. To enter the restaurant, you have to go through the pawn shop, making the restaurant itself a true hidden gem. Walking into the restaurant felt like entering another, more high fashion world. There was a spiral staircase with a beautiful chandelier on our right, and the downstairs dining area was full of stylish booths. When we looked overhead, we noticed that there was a view of a rooftop garden. We hadn't even ordered yet, and I was already pleased with my restaurant selection.
When it came time to order I had first decided on ordering a mimosa because it's not brunch without one. They made the mimosa just how I like it, champagne with a hint of orange juice. I also ordered the free range scrambled eggs which are scrambled eggs on toast with smoked salmon, boursin cheese, and chives. They tasted amazing and I loved how they were an upscale twist on a breakfast classic. My roommate and I decided to spilt a side of BBQ fries which might have been the best fries I've ever tasted. They were crispy with the perfect amount of BBQ seasoning.
After becoming to stuffed to function, we headed down to the insta-worthy bathroom for a photoshoot. With beautiful antique perfume bottles, a bar (yes a bar), and a lounge area, this bathroom was designed with photo sessions in mind. In #extra fashion, I, of course, had poses planned before I even got there. After getting the perfect Instagram pic, we decided to go, so we could enter into our food commas and binge Bachelor in Paradise.
Overall, I loved Beauty and Essex. It provided a glamourous escape and made for an amazing birthday. While we were there, we discovered they do a Champagne Brunch upstairs on Sunday's, so I will be going back for that, hopefully in the near future.
XOXO,
Kristin
Comments