09/01/09

Good Morning
The Hot List: Breakfast Menu Items

Breakfast is somewhat of a moving target in this town: some days it's an afterthought, a coffee on the way to the boardroom. Other days—the ones that follow a night chasing down cocktails and dreams in the wee hours—it's survival in its most primal, life-affirming form. Here then, our list of the most savory, soul-saving breakfast items around for the days when you need them most. Rise and shine.

The Double Belly

The Pork and Egg Bun

Why: Because it's an excuse to consume a Momo pork bun in the morning. With a poached egg. That also happens to be deep-fried. And then placed delicately on top of hoisin- and scallion-slathered pork belly.

411:: Momofuku Milk Bar, 207 2nd Ave (at 13th St), East Village

The Samurai

Breakfast Sushi

Why: Because eggs and cheddar cheese wrapped in maple bacon and sliced into bite size pieces of "sushi" are the kind of whimsical nuggets that you wish you had thought of.

411:: Destination Bar, 211 Ave A (at 13th St), East Village, 212-388-9844

The French Toast Surprise

Ham and Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Why: In a temple to breakfast anytime, one dish stands out as the total package: savory ham and cheese, sweet French toast. Mix. Repeat.

411:: Permanent Brunch, 95 First Ave (between 5th and 6th), East Village

The French French Toast

Foie Gras Brioche French Toast

Why: Because everything is better with foie gras. Or at least French toast is.

411:: Norma's, 118 W. 57th St (between 6th and 7th Ave), Midtown, 212-245-5000

The Pancake Explosion

The Tasty II

Why: Because sometimes you require the services of a plateful of Wonka-esque delights: six pancakes (two mac-and-cheese cakes, two s'mores cakes, two butterscotch cakes), piled high, awaiting your silent conquest.