Breakfast at Pastis

famous Meatpacking vista

When I dined at Pastis for a breakfast meeting yesterday morning, I was reminded why it’s the perfect place for this type of encounter. Within seconds of sitting down, the waitress kindly offered me a drink and croissant while waiting for my guest, and throughout the meal she remained to be at my beck and call. Despite the continuous competitiveness to get into this place on the weekends, the servers are always friendly,  unpretentious, and focused on doing their job right. Quite refreshing in this city.

front dining area

I wouldn’t say there’s necessarily anything astounding or exciting about the weekday breakfast offerings at Pastis, but I give them credit for covering and executing beautifully all of the essentials. Considering it was 8:30am when I placed my order, I went for a simpler choice of fresh grapefruit, homemade yogurt and granola, and mint tea. I wouldn’t normally blog about such a straight forward choice, but when I chomped into the largest, juiciest section of grapefruit I’ve ever eaten, it felt like the summer Gods were signing and I knew then and there I needed to report. Rind free and bitter-less, this fruit was so delectable it tasted sinful.

luscious grapefruit

Sadly this gorgeous citrus trumped my granola and yogurt for most of the meal, but the granola itself was a great temporary distraction. Roasted with dried figs, it tasted similar to my favorite granola at Google’s cafeteria.

yogurt, granola, fresh fruit

With such an uncreative breakfast, I tended to be impressed by the simple things, like the fact that my tea was served just as I would have requested: with tea bag, in a large pot, next to a larger tea cup on the side. One of my pet peeves is receiving a straight up mug with a tea bag, because a) it ends up getting cold and b) you have to remove your tea bag out in order to drink it. I wouldn’t write off a place because of it, but I can definitely give Pastis props for keeping these things in mind (or for coincidentally doing this).

damage

I’ve been to Pastis on the weekends and for dinner as well, but I prefer it as a location for an early morning breakfast meeting – especially on a corporate budget – their items definitely add up. But hey, I can’t complain about starting my work day with doing my favorite thing on earth – dining out!

Grade: A

Location: 9 9th Avenue @ Little West 12th

Website: http://www.pastisny.com