Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, I was not obliged to post and the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!
Canto on the Upper West Side
Canto, a popular eatery in the West Village, just opened an outpost on the Upper West Side and I was invited to try their brunch in the new space. There, I briefly met with Chef and owner Djamel Omari who crafted an original menu that combines American brunch classics with Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Chef Djamel Omari at Canto on the Upper West Side
Here is what I tried:
To start, Jodi got a tea, while I chose their martini espresso, hesitating a bit to try their frozen version, but it was too cold that day for that. I admit that I was relieved when I saw that they did not serve it in a martini glass as I hate those…The martini, made with vodka (you can ask for tequila as well) was good, smooth and well balanced as I like it, the chocolate shavings enhancing a bit more the flavor of the coffee.
Tea at Canto on the Upper West Side
Espresso martini at Canto on the Upper West Side
Espresso martini at Canto on the Upper West Side
Then, I tried their burger a cheval that looked beautiful with the melted Swiss cheese running down the sides of the thick beef patty that was squeezed between a delicious brioche bun with tomato, pickled onions, lettuce, and a dijonnaise sauce (made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard) that gave a little French touch to a dish that represents Americana. The burger was pretty good, packed in flavors, with the patty being perfectly cooked medium and juicy. So, this was a regular burger as “a cheval” means that is top with a fried egg, that was a supplement for $1.50, but, considering what we wanted to try, I decided not to add more to an already big burger. I should mention the fries that were just ok for me, preferring thinner and crispier ones.
Burger at Canto on the Upper West Side
Burger at Canto on the Upper West Side
Jodi got the shakshuka, a mediterranean dish, made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, served with two poached eggs and some goat cheese. I simply loved it: comforting, eaten with or without the grilled slices of bread that came with the dish, it had a nice hint of cumin.
Shakshuka at Canto on the Upper West Side
Shakshuka at Canto on the Upper West Side
Last, we finished our meal with their waffle all Lombarda that was served with mixed berries, whipped cream, creme patissiere and maple syrup. First, I should mention that they give you a nice amount of cream or syrup, when, usually, we need to ask for more. The creme patissiere was more like a creme anglaise as quite liquid, and balanced well with the sweetness of the syrup. But let’s go back to the waffle: this is a great one: crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, it is one of the best I had in a long time!
Waffle at Canto on the Upper West Side
Waffle at Canto on the Upper West Side
So, overall, we had a great meal at Canto, and the walk we had after was needed! I’ll have to go back to try their dinner menu that is all Italian, besides the burger, and try that time their desserts as their limoncello cheesecake or basil creme brulee sound interesting!
Enjoy (I did)!
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Canto - 2014 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
