The NoMad (for brunch)
Since it opened last year, I’ve loved The NoMad for dinner (see prior post: http://photo-hungry.com/post/21274114610/the-nomad) and for cocktails and bar snacks. But I only recently discovered that I also really love The NoMad for brunch. While the space is dark and hip and sexy by night, it’s nice and bright and happy by day. I kinda prefer the latter. The vibe is definitely slower and more relaxed - I felt like I could sit back (the big cushy chairs are super comfy), take a deep breath, do my own thing and enjoy the wonderful food and drink coming my way. New favorite brunch spot? Perhaps.
If you’re feeling too hungover to “hair-of-the-dog” it, start with one of their non-alcoholic “soft cocktails.” They are delicious! Above is my Orange Julius, which is apparently a real thing and not just a made-up word in a Modest Mouse lyric to fit the rhythm of the song, as I had previously believed. Orange juice with cream -what a smart and tasty idea - and of course The Nomad had to one-up it with orange blossom water as well!
Basil-fennel soda with lemon and sparkling mineral water. It’s like drinking a refreshing and invigorating hike. Ahhhhh…..
We all went for the “lunch” portion of the brunch menu (i.e., the non eggs and pancakes). Above is TC’s scallops seared with acorn squash, brown butter and sage. “Ohhh, a fall harvest!” he exclaimed as he gulped it all down. We sure do love The NoMad’s scallops… always cooked to perfection.
ATO ordered the duck roasted with cranberries, celery and orange. Definitely reminiscent of a Thanksgiving feast. The duck was expertly cooked to medium rare - I’m totally drooling again just looking at that pretty blushing pink hue!
I went for the ultimate gut bomb: the chicken sandwich on brioche with black truffles and foie gras. The NoMad is known for the chicken for two on their dinner menu, and this is their lunch version. It’s like all of the most decadent flavors in life, piled high onto one naughty, indulgent sandwich. It’s almost too much…. almost. Both JC and I ordered this dish. She finished about 1/4th of her sandwich (granted she was hungover), but I finish my whole thing with minimal assistance from ATO. Food coma can be so sweet…
The chicken sandwich also comes with a little crunch and freshness on the side: a beautiful and bright raddichio salad with crispy crackly chicken skin. Totally great side to balance the rich chicken sandwich.
Oh and of course we ordered a side of shoe string fries! After all, brunch is not brunch without some form of fried potatoes. These were particularly delightful: garnished and elevated with fried herbs and lemon rind. Zesty!
