posted by Archana on American, Breakfast, Bronx, Brunch, Vegging Out

1 comment

Sometimes I worry about spreading the news about such amazing things, for fear of creating crowds, but I just have to about one of the best-kept secrets in New York City: the Sunday breakfast buffet at Wave Hill in the Bronx.

I know what you’re thinking: “The Bronx??” Well, un-furrow that brow and let me tell you a little about this 28-acre public garden and cultural center. Once a country home in the 1800s, it’s situated in the ritzy section of the Bronx, known as Riverdale (like the Archie comics!).

It takes about an hour to get there (via the 1 subway and a free shuttle provided by Wave Hill), and once you step into this oasis, Manhattan feels about 1,000 miles away. There are awe-inspiring views of the Hudson Valleys, grassy hills, flower gardens and beautiful architecture.

Every Sunday, Wave Hill offers a prix fixe ($22/person) breakfast buffet in their ballroom named after Mark Twain, who leased the estate in the early 1900s.

Being a lover of breakfasts and buffets, I jumped at the chance to try their Sunday tradition and when better than on my birthday. Happy birthday to me, indeed!

All of the food is local, hailing from Katchkie Farm in nearby Kinderhook, N.Y. and the spread goes a little something like this: croissants, muffins, bagels, quiche, bacon, scrambled eggs, cooked veggies, salad, fruit salad, French toast and sausage.

I was like a kid in the candy store, and on my first go at the buffet, here’s what my plate shaped up to be:

Yes, yes, I know the danger of buffets: You eat way more than necessary. Well 1.) It was my birthday and 2.) breakfast + buffet = magic. I hit the table twice after that first round and ended with a cup of earl grey tea. While not everything rocked my socks (i.e. the French toast), the veggies and fruit stood out for being extremely fresh. Those were the best indicators that this was just-picked food.

The primary reason to go isn’t for the food per se, but for the whole experience. I was shocked to see that such natural beauty was just a subway (and free shuttle) ride away.

With the amount of food I ate at brunch, I could’ve fed approximately 192 people. Therefore, I took the advantage of the beautiful scenery to walk off my meal, stroll trough the garden … and roll down some hills (after I properly digested my food, of course).

Wave Hill
W. 249th St. and Independence Ave. (front gate)
718.549.3200 x395 or email wavehillcafe@greatperformances.com by 4pm Friday for reservations
1 to W. 242 St.