Good morning, sweets!
Today I’m bringing not one, but two restaurant reviews from this past weekend. Starting with…
brunch at Extra Virgin.
I had received a ton of brunch recommendations after professing my love for the midday meal, and Extra Virgin seemed to come in at the top of the list. So, when BFF Amanda and I spent the day together on Saturday, that was our first destination.
everyone say “HI AMANDA!”
Extra Virgin is an understated trendy spot tucked away in the West Village. You might not even notice it if it wasn’t always crowded with (what seemed like mostly local) visitors. With cozy indoor and outdoor seating and an impressive menu, I instantly understood why it’s a popular choice.
There were a ton of great menu options, but I went with the Basque Scramble – pepperonata, creamy polenta, salsa verde, avocado puree, chorizo.
Let’s just say the ambiance is definitely not the sole reason for Extra Virgin’s popularity. First of all, I was more than pleased with the size of the meal. No rinky-dink portion sizes here. Secondly, the flavors going on were out of control – definitely unlike any other egg dish I’ve had before (served with polenta and avocado puree? yes please). I’ve definitely found a new favorite in chorizo, which tasted almost like a cinnamon-y bacon.
My meal clocked in at about $13, which I considered a steal considering the quality and quantity. All in all, Extra Virgin did live up to its numerous recommendations, so you can consider this my “plus one” to that.
Next up…
a visit to Max Brenner.
I didn’t realize that Max Brenner actually had a menu full of “real” food as well, which some of my friends ordered. It all looked really great! Me, though? I think you know which direction I took.
It wasn’t an easy decision since the menu was loaded with delicious dessert options (everything from crepes to s’mores to dessert pizza), but I’m very happy with the one I made.
That would be The Euphoria Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Sundae - deep chocolate peanut butter ice cream, dulce de leche ice cream, caramelized toffee bananas, pure chocolate chunks, milk chocolate sauce & warm peanut butter sauce and crunchy hazelnut bits - and it was every bit as delicious as it looks.
I almost finished the whole thing, but the first half gallon of ice cream and cup of peanut butter sort of did me in 😛
You’re probably not surprised that I give Max Brenner two peanut-butter-and-chocolate-covered thumbs up!
So, as you can see, I’m definitely not starving here in NYC 😉 And I’d definitely recommend both of these restaurants if you’re ever visiting the city. Til next time…
xoxo G
What’s your *dream* ice cream sundae?
Holy cow! The Euphoria Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Sundae, looks like a dream-need to visit ASAP!
Yay you went to Extra Virgin! It’s so good, I should go there this weekend.
I love Max Brenner, even the simple hot chocolate is heavenly.
I went to Otto this weekend after remembering you had posted about it a while back. It definitely did not disappoint! Their menu is similar to the pasta/pizza restaurant at Eataly. And the bread, oh the bread is so, so good 🙂
Yes - love Otto!! I’ve actually been wanting to go back there soon…I pretty much dream about their pasta 😛
Max Brenner is amazing! I just went to the one in Philly about a month ago and have already gone back twice since. Apparently the nutella pizza is the best thing on the menu, but I haven’t tried it yet. Their milkshakes are to die for though!
How did I not know there was one in my hometown of Philly?!
mmm looks yummy! my dream sundae would have to be something with chocolate and mint…mint choc chip ice cream with andes choc pieces or thin mint cookies. 🙂
I love love love Max Brenner! There is a location in Philadelphia, and I have been there a couple times. Sadly, the last time I was there, my boyfriend and I didn’t have time for dessert, so no chocolate for me 🙁 but thetime before that, I got one of their drinkable chocolates-it was so rich it made me nauseous! haha, but still worth it.
my dream sundae: mint chocolate chip ice cream, oreos, dripping with hot fudge and whipped cream. OR everything chocolate!
By the amazing looks of that dessert, I def. could not successfully pass on dessert if we had a Max Brenner here. YUM! Cute picture by the way.
wow my mouth is watering! btw the links do not work 🙁
Meaghan says
That smore sunday sounds amazing! And your peanut butter one looks so good! And HUGE! I am so adding this place to my list of restaurants to try on my next trip
Oh dear me…I’m in heaven.
My dream sundae would have tons of whip, a super creamy french vanilla base, warm butterscotch fudge, and maybe some cookie dough bites.
Your dream sundae is my idea of perfection. Actually, I forgot to mention in this post that I got extra whipped cream on the side, haha!
Omg look at that baby! I am drooling! Sundaes are my gave dessert! Vanilla ice cream with juts, peanut butter, steawberries and a chocolate chip cookie! Yummm
Oh my, that sundae looks divine!!! It’s as big as your head, if not bigger! 🙂
oooh, that looks SO delicious! This is when I wish I wasn’t lactose intolerant…
Oh my gosh… the dessert looks like heaven.
Max Brenner’s is rediculous! I ate there like a year ago or something and the desserts were all insanely good. Like, absurdely large and gluttonous, but AMAZING. Love the reviews! I’ve been meaning to try Extra Virgin. You should try Otto and Centro Vinoteca!
LOVE Otto, looking up Centro Vinoteca now!!
That sundae seriously looks AMAZING! This definitely goes on my list of must visit places in NYC. Do you think Max Brenner is worth visiting more than Serendipity?
I’m not sure, haven’t been to Serendipity yet! Guess I’ll have to go soon and let ya know 😉
Holy cow — that dessert looks delish! I am obsessed with the combination of peanut butter and chocolate…and bananas are my favorite fruit, so…I DEFINITELY need to get one of these this summer! I’m so excited to be out in NYC for the summer and be able to try all these restaurants out 🙂
Max Brenner sounds so familiar to me. I feel like I’ve read abotu it somewhere else. Anyway, it looks like such an awesome place! Extra Virgin, too!
I love Extra Virgin! My sister lives in the city and whenever I visit her, we head there for brunch with her boyfriend. EV was actually featured on food network last night, their spaghetti & meatballs is the best thing Anne Burrel ever ate!
No way! Guess I’ll have to go there for dinner soon then 🙂
Max Brenner just opened here in Boston and I can’t wait to go! That sundae looks delish!
Ashley @ Healthy Heroine says
The dessert pizza from Max Brenner was one of the picks on Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate and I’ve had it on the brain ever since. That sundae looks insane! YUM!
Yesss I *almost* got that but was craving ice cream in a very bad way (clearly, haha) 😉
That is one helluva sundae! My dream sundae would have french vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, banana, dark chocolate chips, and raspberries. 😀
oh, my, gosh. I’m so jealous of that sundae right now. Like, seriously jealous.
My dream sundae would be, 1 generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and one scoop of peanut butter ice cream, topped with caramel sauce, peanut butter sauce, chocolate sauce, pb cups, whipped cream, and mixed salted nuts.
No cherry please. I’m watching my weight.
“No cherry please. I’m watching my weight.” <— LOL!!
LOVE love Max Brenner - especially the crepes! I’ve only been to the Tel Aviv location but I need to make my way to one of their stateside restaurants ASAP!
I’ve been dying to try Max Brenner’s since Megan @ oatmeal diaries highlighted the one in Sydney. Holy mouthgasm. I feel like I wouldn’t be able to contain myself in that little niche of heaven. The expression on your fact should be in the dictionary under “elated”
Hahaha yes, I was in a very good place to say the least 😛
Oh my gosh, Max Brenner sounds AMAZING! Next time I’m in New York I’ll definitely have to try it out! 🙂
Anything pb and chocolate is my dream sundae haha So glad you enjoyed that! Also your meal from EXTRA VIRGIN looks divine!
That ice cream looks so delicious! My favorite sundae is a warm brownie (or blondie) with vanilla ice cream, nuts, caramel sauce and whipped cream!
Kelsey says
Chocolate bar? Oh my goodness, I’m dying!! I wish I had known that existed when I visited over spring break.
HOLY YUM! That ice cream sundae looks delicious! I love peanut butter and chocolate! 😀
Ahhhh I’M GOING TO MAX BRENNER TODAY!!! I’ve had the praline crepes before and lovedd them but I’m not sure what to get this time. Maybe that sundae! 🙂
O my goodness that looks too good for words!! My dream sundae would probably consist of one scoop of chocolate icecream and one of coffee with chocolate chip cookie pieces, coconut, maybe a little warm fudge, and a smile 😉
Stormy says
That sundae looks amazing. And my dream sundae would be pretty much that substituting cake batter ice cream for the dulce de leche ice cream with dark chocolate sauce. That thing is huge!
Yuuum! Did you see the pizza dessert at max brenner? It was featured on “best thing I ever ate”.
I never really liked ice cream sundays. The classic kind I guess.
But here goes my own creation:
Vanilla ice cream
graham cracker crust
chopped peanuts
brownie chunks
salted caramel poored all over
wow. i wish i could make that appear right infront of me right now.
I have never been to Max Brenner! I am dying to go. In my dream world I would have some sort of red velvet ice cream with marshmallow fluff and a million other toppings!
Ohh I love Max Brenner! Everything on the menu looks amazing and heavenly 🙂
My perfect sundae would include coffee ice cream, thick hot fudge, pecans, and whipped cream…droooool!
Wow so much good stuff! That Extra Virgin restaurant looks awesome! I’m not normally a big egg fan, but with polenta and avocado? I think I’d be down with that 😉
My perfect sunday would have chocolate, coffee and coconut all involved… YUM!
Ohhh my goodness, I’ll finish that sundae off for you?!
I actually haven’t had a sundae in ages… Mine would have berries, caramel and strawberry sauce, peanut butter, toffee bits, nerds (Pizza Hut buffet used to have soft serve and offered nerds as a topping…I loved them!)… I’d better stop there before I convince myself to run out and buy a sundae right now.
I LOVE Extra Virgin! It was my favorite spot when I lived in the city! I never did brunch there tho… next time I am visiting there I will have to try it!!
Have you had a sunday at Dylans yet?? If not goooo!!!
My perfect sunday includes cookies n cream ice cream, hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, and cookie dough!
Marika says
Oh my, that looks incredible. I’d say that’s pretty close to my dream sundae, maybe subtract the bananas and add on some brownie or cookie dough chunks :).
you looks so happy
Evan says
Oh, Max Brenner…I used to live right around the corner from the one on 11th and 4th ave during my freshman year, and spend waaay too much time there. I OD’ed on their waffles!
So glad you’re loving New York. I’ll be back there in the near future, and but until then, reading about your adventures as a resident makes me so happy!
christine thompson says
mmmm brownies, cant beat them haha,blonde ones are the best, what you reckon?:)