Jaimee M.
Yelp
Waking a morning after too cold of rain, we wanted to get out and play in the world. Boy did we not know what good we were in for. Suckers for an Eater NY list, this spot came up on their "21 West Village places to try". About seven places in so far, when debating sunday brunch we decided to stroll by #18, Oscars Place.
Chilly in fall coats, we checked out the street side menu. BAM! Kos eyes light up. Listed, a Vegetarian Croque. The Croque and more-so the Croque madame was always a jealous-sandwich the non-meat eater wanted. Oh the feelings of being left out of the party, someone who loves cheese and bread and eggs. Hurt like a seventh grader that didn't eat at the popular lunch table. Hurt no more.
Oscars Place was going to serve Kos a Croque with spinach, tomato, gruyere and an egg on top, Madame. Total buy-in on the street.
We ordered a pot of tea and Tello debated a sweet vs savory start to the morning. Back and forth he'd say "waffles or wake up eggs?" "Oatmeal or omelette?" Decided on the oatmeal with honey and a purist waffle, when the waiter squeezed over to our tiny corner he said "eggs Benedict with the daily mash."
Well ok.
As we waited we noticed the small space and tight corners. Pots and pans hanging above our heads. Cases of beer stacked by the door. Open kitchen. So small, Kos used the bathroom and they had to close the dishwasher to let her through. No back room. So small Tello overheard a city adolescent rue between sister and brother. "God, I hate you." Brother said, instead of helping his father decide where they would spend a likely privileged spring break.
The food arrives and we are mostly quiet between our exchanges of "that looks good." "This is so good." "Have some of my fries." "What's in that mash?"
The eggs cut just like they should. The bread was Amy's we think. Bread crusty and soft just as it should be. Both came with a salad that was simply dressed. No complaints. So happy to have this place in our rotation, in our neighborhood, in our memory.
Who knows what was in that daily mash potato... But after that meal, who cares. Thank you for an unexpected start to a Sunday, Oscars Place!
Also they had a cool beer menu, but it was too early - even for us.