Welcome to The Johnson's

Before settling into brunch, I decided to head in to the Lower East Side early, to take photos.

Attempting to convince myself that my headache (uncured my Advil+pancakes + bacon) wasn't really bothering me and that I really wasn't that hungover- I happened upon The Johnson's.


A chalkboard outside the bar claimed to have the "best Bloody Mary, really!" I decided to give in. I had fifteen or twenty until I had to meet my company. Clad in dark wood and family photos, the spot has the key elements for the 1970's rec/den room. The bar was also: completely empty. Never mind as the bar keep was quite charming, from Maine and currently hating on New York (plans to high tale it to San Francisco soon). That's cool. New York's only the greatest city on- but not everyone's flavor.

I watched him pour no-name vodka, loads of pepper, Worcester, juice and Guinness (yes the beer) among other secrets into a pint glass. "This is the only fancy drink we have. Eight dollars." I pulled out a twenty and reached for the glass garnished with a little pickle and took it in.

Confirmed. This. Is. The. Best. Bloody. Mary. Ever.

brunch at Waterstone Grill

I feel as though I've been neglecting my affection for weekend brunches, ergo I trailed down Pearl Street to check out a spot I haven't explored yet. A chalkboard outside of the Waterstone Grill offered $10 unlimited cocktails (Bloody Mary/Screw Driver/ Mimosa/Champagne) with brunch.

After being directed to a seat, I waited about five minutes while four servers pained over a computer, seemingly working something out. It takes four? I opened my magazine and considered leaving. Be patient. A few minutes later, one of the flip-flop wearing girls came over as she called back to the others, "Should have added gratuity to table nine!" and placed a menu before me. I requested a Bloody Mary.

When she returned with my cocktail, I immediately regretted it. The olives were tiny, appearing to be poor grade, as well it looked like a red snow globe of horseradish. I mulled over a few choices, leaning towards the omelet with lobster and blue crab- only to be lead by the waitress towards the Huevos Quesadilla. The plate, as described on the menu: tortilla filled with shredded cheddar Jack cheese and jalapeños, topped with 2 fried eggs, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, with fresh fruit and baby greens.

The fruit and mesculin greens were a nice contrast to the heavy cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Although the dish was marked as a "Waterstone Specialty," I didn't identify anything particularly fantastic about it. Per my request, the medium cooked eggs added a nice moisture to the crispy quesadilla, but there weren't any spectacular flavors present. I was pleased that another server picked up the slack of my server (and I sincerely hope that she got to keep the tip!)

side bar

Before embarking on the Saturday Trader Joe's shopping hassle, I popped into Side Bar with Alvarez. He promised that the spot made the best Bloody Mary in town. We settled into a few wooden stools at the bar. The ceilings are high, the floors are a wood suited for a country home. The British bartender donned Diesel jeans just a little too small. I grew to like her as she offered a smile and prompt service.

We had no choice but to request a few Bloodies.The good word from the chef is that most bartenders fail on the Bloody Mary front because they focus on the alcohol, getting through that hangover. The secret is to treat it like food. His mix is appropriately described as Gazpacho.

The vegetables and tomatoes are pureed into a refreshing chunky mix. I found myself wrapped in a deeply satisfying state. The flavor is pure, simple. We decided to order a few things on the menu to soak up last night's mess. We shared the Mescalin Greens Salad with White Balsamic and Tomatoes. It appeared to be a bit oily, but I enjoyed the basic elements and found it to be a good choice with the Sliders. We ordered four total to share. Side Bar offers three different versions- available to mix and match on your platter. We tried them all. Among the choices: Goat Cheese Stuffed Lamb Burger with Mint Ketchup, Smoked Burger with Guacamole and Chipotle Ketchup and Cheddar Burger. The sliders are some of the largest I've seen. The patties are thick and probably about the size of what the average burger should be.

The beef and lamb were of excellent quality, although I would have liked the beef to have been cooked a little longer. They were definitely leaning towards medium-rare. In the center of the platter a wonderful little Cole Slaw dressed up the spread. Although it was only a side dish, I found it be be quite tasty- a hint of vinegar and excitement from pickled red peppers. Certainly a great way to dress up a common salad.


15th St at Irving.

cheap eats brooklyn: brazen head

It must have been a few Winters ago: that I discovered Brazen Head. The Downtown Brooklyn bar has fifteen beers on tap, a garden and cozy seating with cheap pillows and low tables. The crowd is made of of twenty-something quasi hipsters (slightly chubby girls with plaid over sized shirts, skinny jeans and pixie hair cuts) and middle aged men. The Sunday afternoon offering is what cajoles me through the doors: five dollar bloody mary's and free bagels with cream cheese. Today they did it traditional: lox and scallion cream cheese with sliced tomatoes and onions. The detour was certainly worthwhile during our errands. Also! They'll let you sit in the garden with your dog. Worth the trek to Brooklyn...you can pick up cheap supplies at Target while you're there!

Closing: The Island

Enjoying one of the best Bloody Mary's around: Public Harbour House.

Perspective. Eagle Harbour from the deck at the Pub. Seattle at Wing Point in the Distance.

The band comes together. Bruce on Guitar, Keisha on the drums, Papa E on the bass argues, "This is ridiculous! It doesn't measure your skill!" Come now, it's about coordination and timing.