One can't come to New York and visit Sarabeth's, at least that's what I've heard. Craving some fine eggs Benedict or a hefty breakfast, this is the place of choice.
Located on 381 Park Avenue is a large place with blue tents and a white logo that can't be missed. Inside is a beautifully decorated space made of light colored materials, lots of wood, white tiles and marble covered walls.
As you enter, you're greeted by the hostess who hands you to the waitress to seat you. The first hall is occupied by the bar while the dining area is down in a separate room.
A high ceiling with lanterns hanging from it, two blackboards showing the wines and specials, designer chairs made of straps, light wooden squares and round tables, a bench with colorful textures follows the large glass facades in a restaurant created of intimate spaces separated by wooden walls.
The hostess doesn't smile, neither do the waiters, you're asked if you want coffee with speed and taking the order was done rudely and in a quick way to make you eat and leave. The service is ridiculously unprofessional.
I was invited to be seated, coffee was poured and I waited. 10 long minutes until the waiter approached me rudely asking for the order. I said, eggs Benedict... Trying to continue, he grabbed the menu and was preparing to leave. Shouting, I ordered the waffles.
A fully loaded place on a Wednesday morning where everyone had come for food and fun, some businessmen having a meeting, a woman with her daughter and a few couples. Plates landed on tables filled with huge portions making my mouth water. Excitement arose...
Deceiving!
I was expecting to be amazed, but surely wasn't. Two very think English muffins that chew like they were produced yesterday, topped with a round poached egg over cooked on the sides, topped with too little hollandaise sauce on a thick slice of chewy Canadian bacon -ham would have been better- creating an unpleasant texture in the mouth. For me, real eggs Benedict are smooth, light, juicy and topped with hollandaise sauce, but these were watery eggs in a thick English muffin with hard sides, that wasn't airy but chewy.
The waffles were fine, but not exceptional. A bit chewy for my taste despite the beautiful presentation and great flavors. I loved the maple syrup, enjoyed the cream, adored the jam and it's firm fruit bits as well as the coconut boost. They're good, not great.
It took them five long minutes to get the bill.
A huge logo, a large place, the talk of town... I was expecting better from their service, and it the food was average quality for such prices. Not recommended.
