Still Reeling

I know it’s already Wednesday, but I am still basking in the glory of this past weekend. Z and I went nowhere…except, well, out to brunch on Sunday, but more about that in a second. 

After months filled with busy, travel-heavy weekends, we vowed to go nowhere and do nothing this weekend. Of course, being our antsy selves, we ended up painting parts of the exterior of our house that got replaced during the construction (which happened a year ago, mind you), and we also did a ton of yard work, as well as some interior house cleaning. Said yard work even resulted in Z finally ripping up the weed he’s been dying to get rid of since summer began.

Although Saturday was busy, it was rewarding and still relaxing. However, when we woke up Sunday morning, we were both a little anxious to leave the house for brunch. We originally wanted to try Neighborhood Restaurant in Union Square, but once we saw the massive line outside, we decided to walk over to The Independent – our first time dining there.

I started with a Hot Bloody Maria ($8), which was made with habanero-infused tequila. It was spicy enough to wake me up, but mild enough to avoid going down like liquid fire. Perfect combo, in my book.

For his cocktail, Z went with the Grapefruit Gimlet ($8), which was made with vodka, fresh citrus and St. Germain. I only had one sip, but it was delightfully refreshing and slightly sweet.

I was in the mood for something light that morning (I knew we’d be eating and drinking during the football game shortly thereafter), so I went with the Quinoa Patty ($9), which was topped with a poached egg and sliced tomato, and served over mixed greens that were dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

On the side, I ordered a toasted English muffin ($2) (The Independent also serves Iggy’s Bread, if you prefer toast).

Although the English muffin was a little too toasted for my liking, the meal as a whole was just what I was in the mood for. The crispy quinoa patty combined with the slightly runny egg and the lemony greens was a fabulous flavor combination.

Z went with the pancakes ($6) and the grilled grapefruit with honey drizzle ($3) for his meal, and both were excellent. I had a bite of the pancakes, and they were perfectly fluffy and possessed an intriguing vanilla flavor.

Overall, we plan to return to The Independent for brunch again, and I’d also love to check them out for dinner some evening soon.

What restaurants have you been loving lately?

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