I actually went to Josie’s for brunch this summer so my bad for the crazy delay. But I’m certainly glad I didn’t go in the winter because this place is perfect in warm weather for some al fresco dining. In fact, the decor—not to mention the healthy menu—give the place an L.A. vibe, so it was only fitting that we went in flip-flop weather.
Josie’s owner and executive chef Louis Lanza is big on health without losing flavor, which he implements using organic products and free-range meats. Lanza, who’s also big on dairy-free foods, created a menu that’s fresh, natural and satisfying, though a tad unseasoned. Vegans, you can rejoice with plenty of options.
What’s in it for you: organic smoothies (can be made dairy-free); veggie omelette with portobella, fennel, asparagus and cheddar; organic brioche and almond-crusted French toast; organic oatmeal; seared Asian-marinated organic tofu salad; three-grain soy cheese veggie burger
What’s in it for them: BLT omelette with avocado; smoked salmon eggs Benedict; crab cakes; warm macadamia-crusted natural chicken breast salad; grilled Brandt natural skirt steak fajita; seared yellowfin tuna burger
Much like bread in an Italian restaurant, the waiter first came around with gratis raisin bread and apple dipping sauce, which tasted as good as anything from Amy’s Bread. Well done, Louis.
Bread and apple sauce
We went for the breakfast burrito, an organic flour tortilla filled with free-range scrambled eggs, organic pinto beans,
chipotle salsa and cheddar (I got it without the chicken sausage):
Breakfast burrito with guacamole and side of fresh fruit
And we also got the natural feta cheese omelette:
Feta omelette with roasted potatoes
To wash it all down we got this amazing hibiscus tea drink that happened to be the special that day:
Hibiscus tea
Overall the food was good but not great. I think it falls into that category of “food that’s healthy that tastes healthy” meaning it’s not as flavorful. A touch of rosemary, a kick of crushed pepper—something. It could’ve used an extra oopmh. That being said, it’s a great place if you want to feel like you’re in L.A.—healthy eating and all.
Josie’s East
565 3rd Ave. (at 37th St.)
212.490.1558
6 to 33rd St.
Josie’s West
300 Amsterdam Ave. (at 74th St.)
212.769.1212
1, 2, 3 to 72nd St.