a brunch at Candela Candela

We wandered into the East Village in search of a cocktail and a little brunch. Stopping at a few doors to peruse menues, a charmingly accented man peered outside of Candela Candela to greet us. We took a few seats at the bar and asked for a few menues. The friendly bartender offered,

"Bloody Mary?"

"I've already had one."

"Was it good?"

"It was."

"Ours is good too."

"Drink menu?"

"Well, we are a Mojito bar..."

"Mojito then."

And it was absolutely stunning. We nibbled complimentary toasted bread dipped in garlic infused oil.

For our shared plates, we had the grilled calamari and avocado Benedict. We took in a few other tables while eating- forty-somethings drinking beer, and a mother slugging back martinis (she had three in the forty five minutes that we ate our dishes- aggressive!) The calamari was simple in its preparation and out of this world in flavor and texture. The benny was equality fantastic with buttery hollandaise that allowed us to ignore the out-of-season tomatoes and quasi-ripe avocado. Served with homefries and dressed greens: pitch perfect.

Notable: live jazz Fridays from 7pm-10pm, as well happy hour is buy 1, get 1 Mojitos!