Brunch at Icon, 7/20/08

Quietly tucked away on picturesque tree-lined East 39th Street is Icon, the haute New American located within the W New York - The Court Hotel. Step inside to a dim oasis of grand space, chic design and modern flare. Pending lovely weather, make sure to grab an after-meal cocktail on Icon's gorgeous Miami-esque back terrace.

These days, more and more restaurants are jumping on the "green" bandwagon for the sake of a healthier lifestyle. Recently, my editors at Naturally Savvy informed me that Icon began serving a "Green Brunch" on Saturdays and Sundays from 10a.m.-1p.m. Intrigued, I knew that I had to run, not walk, to the restaurant and check it out for myself. I invited my darling friend, Teddi, to join me and see what all the fuss was about.

We arrived at Icon promptly at 11a.m. and were seated immediately. Teddi and I were handed both regular brunch/lunch menus and the special "Green Brunch" menus. Knowing exactly what we were going to do, we pushed the regular menus aside, and began perusing the "green" dishes. For $35 prix-fixe, you get your choice of: appetizer, entree, dessert and homemade organic and natural flavored soda or flavored bottled water.

It was a tough decision, but I chose to start with the Heirloom Tomato Tart (e.v.o.o, balsamic glaze, fleur de sel, petit greens and nicoise olive puree); then for my entree, I went with the Baked Spanish Eggs (chorizo, purple Peruvian potatoes, manchego and lime); and for dessert, the Icon Chipwich (chocolate chip ice cream and cookies with chocolate sauce). There were numerous flavors of sodas and waters, but what caught my eye was the vanilla-pineapple and the natural blackberry. Being the obnoxious diner that I am, I asked if the two flavors could be combined, and our lovely waiter gladly told me that my request would not be a problem.

Icon's "Green Brunch" is a wonderful and naturally delicious way to soothe your weekend craving for a meal that goes beyond eggs and pancakes. You can't beat the service, atmosphere and price (for the quality and amount of food that you get).