harefield road

Nancy's Take:

Atmosphere: * * * * 1/2

I love the atmosphere at Harefield. It's got the welcoming feel of a friendly neighborhood pub, with rustic wooden tables and benches. They also have outdoor seating in the back, with umbrellas to help shade from the sun. The owner himself

works the brunch hour, helping to seat people and greeting everyone. I've been coming there for so many years that the owner often asks where I've been if I haven't stopped by in awhile. The service is friendly and the food comes fast.

The wait for a table may be 25-30 minutes tops during the busiest time of day. This means they're great with turning tables fast, but it also means you may not

get offered that second drink you wanted. I say ask for it anyway, even if the check is on the table. I've never been turned down - even if it's reluctant.

Food: * * * * *

I am a creature of habit when it comes to Harefield. I always order the Harefield Eggs, which are eggs benedict with smoked salmon, served with breakfast potato

es and fresh fruit. I figure, if I've found something I love that much, why bother ordering anything else? My friends order a variety of other items from the menu and have raved about them afterward. Great food that shows up fast, what more could you ask for?

Drinks: * * * *

Bloody Mary - 1st included with meal

Taste: yummm....this is my second favorite Bloody Mary in all of Brooklyn.

Size: Tall slim glass

Garnishes: 2 olives, allspice-lined rim

Becca’s Take:

Atmosphere: * * * *

Harefield has become a place for me that is all about comfort. No matter when I go, I always feel like I belong there. There’s a great bar to plant at in the evenings, the back and outdoor areas are great for socializing during the day, while the front is choice for Metropolitan Avenue people watching, day or night.

Food: * * * *

Harefield is one of my favorite brunches because it is all-inclusive and delicious. I am never upset with my omelette – the eggs are cooked juuuuust right every time. I’ve also had the cheese and onion pannini in the evenings, which sounds a little funky, but it was actually some of the best bar-side snacking I’ve had in W’burg. And it's no secret that I am a fan of the carbohydrate, and Harefield’s potatoes are seasoned and crispy in a way that helps me wash away even the gnarliest of hangovers.

Drinks: * * * *

You can always count on Harefield for a stand-up mimosa. It’s classic, simple, tasty and, above all, alcoholic. Harefield also has a great tap beer selection, which I’ve dabbled with on more than one occasion.

Stats:

Harefield Road

769 Metropolitan Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 388-6870

Brunch Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 4pm

Menu item + Coffee or Tea + Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $12

Blackbird Parlour

Nancy's Take:

Atmosphere: * * 1/2

Since we were given free reign over table choices, our first instinct was straight to the back to be a little secluded. Unfortunately the back tables were dark and abysmal, so we opted for front and center. The center tables were tightly squeezed together, which would be my biggest complaint about the atmosphere. I felt like the couples on either side of us were going to join in our conversation. Becca tried to cross her legs and accidentally kicked the guy next to us. Then he and his girlfriend switched tables. Sheesh, she said she was sorry! Maybe he just didn't like our conversation topics....

Food: * * *

If you are a breakfast food kind of brunch-eater like me, you will be a little bummed about the lack of options. I was, admittedly, eyeballing the Grilled cheese sandwich (with truffle oil, fontina & manouri cheese) and the Rustic macaroni & cheese (with sundried tomato and caramelized onion).
Being a breakfast brunch girl, I ended up ordering an egg frittata wrap, with the option to add bacon inside and a sundried tomato chutney. When our food came, mine had home fries and bacon on the side, while Becca's did not. We scratched our heads for a second and I could see the sad look in Becca's eyes. A nearby server noticed our concern and asked to help. Apparently, you have to specify that you want the sides, and it costs extra. This added confusion, because I HADN'T actually specified. Regardless, the server immediately brought some potatoes for Becca. Once we got the check, we noticed Becca's potatoes were charged but I was only charged for the wrap. Go figure! Sounds like a big mix-up in the kitchen. I will say that the wrap, potatoes, and bacon were all delicious.

Drinks: * * * * *

2-for-1 Mimosas
Taste: tasty and strong. I was pleased that they didn't water down the drinks for the 2-for-1 special. And the deal applies every time, so we went for a second round!
Size: Champagne flute.
Garnishes: none

Becca’s Take:

Atmosphere: * * *

I like the look of Blackbird because it’s kitschy and old-timey. All the chairs are funky and mis-matched, and the entire back wall is a large bookcase filled with old classics that all have brilliant 60’s/70’s-era cover designs. The tables are a little tight, but hell, this is New York. Our waitress was really sweet – probably an aspiring actress – and passed no judgment of the 8 mimosas that eventually made it to our small table for 2.

Food * * *

As Nancy explained, the breakfast menu is very limited. Honestly, if it weren’t for the chalkboard sign outside the door reading “2 For 1 Mimosas,” which stopped me dead in my tracks, we would not have even thought to brunch here. (We were on our way to Egg – stay tuned!) I was disappointed that I didn’t have many options, and, too, was thinking about getting some baked mac’n’cheese instead of a breakfast item, but refused to break the chain. I got the vegetarian egg frittata wrap, also with sundried tomato chutney, and it was heavenly - eggs puffy and cheese melted on the inside, wrap crisp and flavorful on the outside. The portion looks so small on the plate, but it was surprisingly filling. And that chutney has a bold flavor, so weak palates beware!

Drinks: * * * * *

Make ‘em strong and keep ‘em coming. Just the way I like it.

Stats:

Blackbird Parlour
197 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211-2903
(718) 599-2707
Breakfast - Served all day.
Open Weekdays 8am-2am; Weekends 10am-3am
www.blackbirdbrooklyn.com