Early Morning Brooklyn Breakfast in Two Parts

Perch, where the coffee's strong and the people are smiley.

I landed at JFK at 7-something a.m.  By the time I reached Park Slope, I knew I needed a quick breakfast before the 11:00 wedding I was there to attend.  I asked a young couple, out for a stroll with their baby, where I might catch a good cup of coffee and something to go with it.  I asked the right people.

First, they sent me over to a French-style patisserie called Colson, where the pastries were so fresh I could smell them from outside.  It was tempting, no doubt.  But if I was going to make it until 11, I would need something more substantial.  I indulged in a fresh, iced apricot tea, read some of my book, and walked on.

Back on 5th, I found Perch Cafe.  I always appreciate it when no one rushes you into a decision; maybe because it was Memorial Day weekend, or maybe it was the heat rising (it was already a muggy 87 degrees), or the music that was on, but these very friendly folks allowed me to linger over the menu, and after finishing my food, to linger over my coffee for a while.  (I am trying to prepare to go back to teaching in September, and need to get through The Odyssey before then.  I read two chapters, made notes, and then edited some writing--work I'd never be able to do in peace at home!)

The best food is often the most simple, and I'm not sure this breakfast qualifies as simple: it seemed that there was a lot going on, and I loved all of it.  Rosemary foccacia, smoked salmon, leeks, and a bit of cream on it.  Maybe it was just deceptive--rosemary can do that to me.  Not too heavy (though it sounds so), fresh tasting stuff.

Thanks, Colson and Perch, for starting my very long day off just right.