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