Rather than jostle with the evening crowds, a weekday breakfast at Balthazar is a great way to experience this Soho institution.
The breakfast here is not overly pricey, and both the food and the company are worthy of note – Balthazar in the morning has become an unofficial meeting and deal-making spot for writers, editors, and new media tycoons who work nearby – The Huffington Post’s New York headquarters are around the corner, as is the head office of Gawker.com. Balthazar bakery is next door, so the bread basket is a heavenly assortment of freshly baked rolls, raisin bread, and slices of fresh whole wheat and rye, ideal for dipping in soft-boiled eggs cooked to perfection. Or, dig into fresh croissants, eggs benedict, or a creamy quiche.
For more celebrity-spotting, or to feel like one yourself, enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea in the Christian Liagre-designed lounge of the nearby Mercer Hotel. It’s really only meant for guests, but if you’re well-dressed and discreet, no one will mind you sitting a while on one of the leather banquettes or inviting armchairs and soaking up the sophisticated library-like atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled for high-profile models, directors and actors who stay here, and are often interviewed in the lounge.
