Travel Special - The Oyster Bar

Since graduating from university and getting an 'adult' job, I've been fortunate enough to do some traveling. I will be the first to admit that I have a travel bug - and if I had the means to travel more often, I would be writing a travel blog as well.

Recently, I made my first voyage to New York City - I'm totally hooked on the magic and wonder of that city, and I will be going back again! It was magical, it was Christmastime, it was exciting, it was all-consuming! I could spend this entire post discussing just things that I seen, and boy did I see everything you possibly could in a 6-day vacation, instead I will talk about Eggs Benedict in New York City.

On my last day in the Big Apple, my group headed to Grand Central Station to check out the wonders that is trains - there are no trains in Newfoundland, and that makes me very sad. For a girl who loves architecture, history, and the Mad Men era, Grand Central Station was mind blowing! 

After exploring Grand Central, getting a black and white cookie ("look to the cookie"), taking a short subway ride, and then exploring somemore, my travel buddies and I were pretty hungry, so naturally, we had to check out the Oyster Bar Restaurant in Grand Central.

Let me just say, the only way I could have been happier dining here, is if I was dressed up and Don Draper would have asked if he could join me for a cocktail - seriously! We were seated really quickly, and inside is just as beautiful as the outside! You could really feel the charm and excitement of Grand Central Station, but you wouldn't even know you were in a train station if you didn't see commuters buzzing past the big glass windows. I remember our waiter was so nice, we definitely looked ridiculous, underdressed, and wet (it was actually pouring that day in NYC), but he was really nice. We each got a round of drinks and placed our order. Now, if you're in a hurry to see your next attraction, I would not recommend dining here. The entire time I was in New York City, everywhere we dined (restaurant and fast food) was super speedy, but here, you sit back and take in the moment. I didn't mind, I was at the Oyster Bar!! 

Eventually, the order arrived. It was no short of stunning. Oh what did I order, you ask? Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. I should have also mentioned that if you're not a seafood lover, then the menu is limited - but if you're an eggs benny lover, you won't be disappointed. 

Smothered in hollandaise, you will find a perfectly poached egg, and delicious, smokey, salmon, with a side of asparagus - I was in heaven. The English muffin was nicely toasted, but that smoked salmon was the main attraction. I practically inhaled the first half, and slowed down to enjoy the flavour a bit more with the second. It was the perfect end to a perfect Christmastime trip to Manhattan! What was the price? I don't know! I want to say $18.00 USD, but the bill came out, and everyone was on the same bill, I threw some cash in the middle of the table, I didn't even look. Who cares? I'm at the Oyster Bar! In New York City! 

I can't give this delicious meal a rating, but I will encourage you to check out the Oyster Bar Restaurant, and I will be on the hunt for smoked salmon eggs benny in St. John's! 

The Bagel Cafe

Well, needless to say, it's been a crazy fall, and i haven't had much time for eating eggs benny, let alone blogging! But, its a new year, and I'm going to try to promise more frequent blogging! 

Whats the first review of 2015? Why, it's everyone's favorite breakfast joint, The Bagel Cafe. Located on Duckworth Street in St. John's, the Bagel Cafe is (now, with the closing of Cora's and Smitty's) the only place to get eggs benny all day long in the downtown core! That's right, two of the chains that I reviewed in 2014 are now closed, lets hope that has everything to do with the development of local businesses and nothing to do with my blog! 

So, The Bagel Cafe. This is a great spot. It's a pretty unique place, and I ask everyone who visits to take a few moments to check out their funky wall decals, because they're pretty awesome. They're a fun blend of Newfoundland, hippie, jungle and general foolishness. I mean, really, where else can you get a jam jam in the fruit bowl? I arrived with a few friends, and they were super busy, but that's okay, we didn't have to wait long in the freezing cold. One thing I hate about the Bagel Cafe is their size. The porch is super small, and there are literally tables everywhere, so there isn't much room for waiting, or paying your bill. But space is limited in a downtown business. 

When we were seated, we received our coffee fairly quickly, and our waitress took our orders. Of course, I went for the traditional eggs benny, but they have so many options, including smoked salmon, spinach, and more! The cost of eggs benny is a bit steep at The Bagel Cafe, ranging from $15.99 to $16.99 (I don't think there's one more expensive than that). But, you literally get a mound of food. I've eaten at Bagel Cafe numerous times before, as it has been a frequented location by a few girlfriends and I after a night on the town. 

The plate is heaping. One thing I enjoy is that all their eggs benny come on your choice of bagel, I ordered multigrain. The ham is thickly cut, topped with perfectly poached eggs and covered in a layer of hollandaise, then to top it off, bacon slices! Really! Bacon! With eggs benny! You can't top that! Sometimes the bagel can become a bit soggy, but that's a trade off for the bacon! For the price, you also get a mountain of hashbrowns. Now, they are deep fried, and a bit greasy, but everything can;t be perfect. Overall, it's pretty good. The hollandaise, I suspect, is homemade. It's very rich with a good consistency, so I can't complain about that. They often tend to pile the hollandaise on, so you don't often need to request an extra side.  

Overall, the Bagel Cafe has a great eggs benny. It is on the expensive side for deep fried hashbrowns, but the portion is massive. While the atmosphere is fun, I always hate that I'm basically sitting with a stranger while eating, as the tables are so close together. I often hit at least three people with my bags or coat while I'm trying to pay at the counter too, but again, when you're that busy, who needs a hallway when you can fit more tables? As for the food, I must say, the eggs benny is very good! I can't complain, as I keep going back! Bagel Cafe, here's a 4.5/5!