LOCATION: 466 Hudson Street Manhattan, NY
MY EXPERIENCE: Starting your day in Manhattan can be stressful. Throw in the fact that there are millions of places to eat at, millions of people rushing around, and millions of cuss words going through your head... sometimes it is just nice to have a nice little calm place to sit, have a good cappuccino and a nice breakfast to catch your breath and plan your day.
After barely fitting on the PATH (train for those non-northeasterners) in Jersey City early on a Monday morning (hellooooo rush hour) - my friend Kelly and I decided that we did not care where the first stop was, we were getting off.
Lucky for us, we did!
After pushing our way through the gobs of people on the train we found ourself at the Christopher Street Station. Once we made it to ground level, we pulled up our phones to see where we could find a small café for a light breakfast, and a place for us to plan our day.
After looking for 2 cafés that were closed, we stumbled upon PETITE ABEILLE.
Irony of this is, Kelly thought she had been there before.
We find a small table outside. Before we had situated ourselves a smiling gent came to the table with the menus with a bright smile and a cheerful voice. (Were we still in NYC?)
The breakfast menu was simple, and very inviting.
I decided on the Petite Abeille Egg Sandwich. For $5.95 how bad could it be? Kelly ordered the Yoghurt with fruit.
We both ordered a cappuccino, and he graciously brought us out water (without having to ask for it).
The server (who introduced himself as Neil or Neal - whichever is spelled right) was just as pleasant as the food.
After we sat around flapping our gums for a while planning our day, Kelly and I decided that this was going to be "our" spot for mornings. Even after we paid, our water glasses were always as filled as we wanted them to be, we never felt rushed.
For 4 days we ate here. Every morning the same exact service. Neil/Neal even remembered how we wanted our cappuccinos (and it is not like we were the only people that were there).
I ordered the same thing everyday but the last. (I tend to stick to something I like when I find it) The last day I ordered one of the waffles. WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS EARLIER!!
Perfectly crisp on the outside, and nice and light on the inside. The sauce was made up of fresh strawberries and it was topped with whipped cream. Not too sweet, but just sweet enough to make you smile!
I cannot speak for any other meals here, but I can for breakfast. For anyone in the New York area... GO!!!
If I lived in NYC, I would have to budget in for breakfast here everyday!
THE RATING:
PEOPLE: I should change this one to "person" because every time I was there I dealt with only one person - and it was incredible. His interaction, wit and humor with every customer was just as heart warming. One day we were there a gentleman in a wheelchair was there with his aid and while the aid was feeding him, Neil/Neal spent his time telling the older gentleman stories. It truly was heart-warming to see the interaction! Our food was delivered promptly, we never had to ask for water, and we never felt rushed or unwanted.
FOOD: For me to repeat a place everyday should say enough. I honestly was not expecting the quality of the food I got for $5.95. The bread was so delicious I could have eaten it by itself. The eggs were perfectly cooked/seasoned with just enough spinach and cheese to balance all the flavors and textures. The cappuccino was piping hot with the perfect amount of milk. The best part about this place is I can say that I did not just "luck-out" being there at the right time. The quality and flavor of the food was consistent. I had the same sandwich 3 days in a row, and each day was as good as the one before. The uniqueness of serving the sandwich on a board was even better. Loved it !!!
ATMOSPHERE: This place is small with a big heart. Don't expect fancy-look-down-your-nose style tables. Do expect high class service with warm welcoming cozy little tables. The tables outside were all 2 tops, but if more people come (one day we had a third) - simply put 2 tables together. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. The location is really easy to get to - so there is no excuse to not go if you are in the NYC area!
This place gets a 3 FORK YEAHs!!!
Did I enjoy my experience - FORK yeah!
Would I eat there again - FORK yeah!
Would I recommend this place to others - FORK yeah!
Sitting in a small café, sipping a fresh coffee and people watching has always been a favorite past time of mine. Friendly and warm service is something I sadly do not get everywhere I go. At PETITE ABEILLE - I have the luck of both: Non-rushed, friendly warm service - all while sitting and enjoying my life. So while the little bee (petite abeille) is busy, I enjoy the honey!
No comments:
Post a Comment