What I loved and/or really stood out last week in food & drink  (4/21 - 4/28)

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I cannot tell you the last time I walked in to a McDonalds.  Other than to use the facilities during a road trip.  And I'm not talking about the occasional 'Value Meal breakfast' I indulge in (from the chain's airport kiosk) whenever I have an early morning flight.  

Having completely worn out my beloved brown sugar oatmeal from Jamba Juice, I was craving something savory.  I had read or seen somewhere that McDonalds had recently come out with an egg white-version of their famous McMuffin.  And, obviously, I had to try it...

Sandwiched between a toasted whole wheat English muffin sits, what appears like, approximately two pan-fried egg whites.  I say "what appears like" because the shape of the eggs in this particular Egg White Delight McMuffin aren't cut in to that perfect, yet mysterious, "egg sphere"...

McDonalds new Egg White McMuffinNow, don't get me wrong - I love me some American cheese.  But on this McMuffin?  Why, dahling, only white cheddar will do!  McDonalds is classing it up, y'all. 

**I should also mention that the Egg White Delight McMuffin also includes Canadian bacon, but ain't nobody got time for that!**

McDonalds new Egg White McMuffinSo, if you're looking for a delicious way to replenish for under 250-calories in the a.m., I highly recommend McDonalds new Egg White Delight McMuffin.

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For brunch on Saturday, Nicole, Pam, and I headed to Murray's Cheese Bar, the famous fromagerie's first restaurant.  Located a few store fronts over from the shop, Murray's Cheese Bar offers guests a comfortable interior space that's centered around - what else - a cheese bar.  Retractable front doors/windows create an al-fresco dining experience in warmer weather.

With our backs to the open air, we had the best seat in the house!  Not to mention that our table was perfectly dressed for spring...

Murray's Cheese BarBlood orange mimosa  

Murray's Cheese Bar: Blood orange mimosaInstead of each ordering separate items, the three of us decided to share multiple plates:

"The New Yorker" cheese platter

Murray's Cheese Bar: "The New Yorker" cheese platterAlpine Eggs

Toasted English muffin halves topped with ham, mushrooms, and perfectly-poached eggs - kissed with a warm three-cheese fondue.  Accompanied by fork-split potatoes.

Murray's Cheese Bar: Alpine Eggs"Sticky Bun" French Toast

Two slices of thick-cut pullman bread are soaked in a brûlée custard and pan fried before sandwiching a thick schmear of cream cheese.  Toasted pecans and drown-it-yourself cinnamon/toffee syrup complete this decadent dish.

Murray's Cheese Bar: "Sticky Bun" French ToastCheddar Grits

Murray's Cheese Bar: Cheddar GritsMy friends and I loved Murray's Cheese Bar and agreed that we could have stayed there and lingered all afternoon.  I cannot WAIT to return!

Murray's Cheese Bar - Cheese-centric/small plates - 264 Bleeker Street - NYC 10014

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I am totally obsessed with my family.  They're all so smart and sophisticated and 'with it.'  Especially, my uncle Steve and aunt Susan.  Since they only spend half of the year in Manhattan, I don't get to see them but a few times per year.  But on those occasions, it's always great to catch up with them over a lovely meal.

We met at Park Avenue Spring for their fabulous $35 prix-fixe brunch.  Definitely one of my favorite weekend meals in town, that's most certainly worth traveling to the UES.  Although a beverage isn't included in the $35 price tag, I knew that I had to sample the "Park Avenue Punch":  A hearty blend of Rum, hibiscus, framboise, and allspice. 

Park Avenue Spring: Park Avenue PunchAfter the table orders, you can expect a bountiful assortment of freshly-baked sweet rolls and pastries to arrive, served with strawberry spread and cinnamon butter. 

Park Avenue Spring: Pastries for the tableFor my first course, I chose the 'Roasted Baby Beets,' which sat atop pistachio pesto and crumbled Danish blue (cheese).

Park Avenue Spring: Roasted Baby BeetsThe asparagus, ramps (a fancy spring onion), and goat cheese omelette sounded particularly interesting, as we are/were currently in the midst of ramp season.

Park Avenue Spring: Asparagus, ramps, and goat cheese omeletteFrom the cherry blossom-adorned dining room and spectacular service, to the excellent food and drink, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal - and company - at Park Avenue Spring. 

Park Avenue Spring - American seasonal cuisine - 100 E. 63rd St. - NYC 10021

 

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Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle