As a city famed for its burgers, dogs and (epic) one dollar pizza slices, New York's smoked salmon scene has slipped under the radar of many a foodie visitor. Fortunately, upon my year's inhabitance of the city, (guided by my smoked salmon obsession) I have explored the city one slice of smoked salmon at a time. From Soho to Midtown, Nolita to the Meatpacking I have procured a guide to the city à la smoked salmon...
SOHO
1. Buvette's Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs
Nestled down a Soho side-street brunches at Buvette have emanated from a petite French brasserie across Instagram and New York, and the queues can certainly attest to this. This smoked salmon treat is certainly worth the hype!
Fluffy scrambled eggs and a layer of rich smoked salmon adorn freshly baked sourdough, topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and two giant capers. This scrumptious ensemble makes an unmissable and luxurious weekend delight.
MEATPACKING
2. Chalait's Smoked Salmon Benedict
On the doorstep of Christopher Street station and a stone's throw from the cobblestone-cool of New York's Meatpacking District, Chalait is a minimalistic haven of health foods and matcha latte.
A creamy ricotta base is spread over crispy wholegrain toast, a slice of gravadlax salmon sits under a perfectly poached egg and is finished with a drizzle of poppy seed vinaigrette and pea shoots.
MIDTOWN(ish)
3. Maison Kayser's Saumon Fumé & Deux Oeufs au Choix
Served in a quaint cast-iron casserole dish just footsteps from the iconic Flat Iron, this smoked salmon is perfect to cosy-up with on a rainy weekend morning.
For those who like their eggs on the softer side the scrambled eggs are a real winner. The salmon is layered over the eggs with a scattering of capers and shaved red onions, complete with a side of toasty wholegrain loaf- perfect for dipping in your creamy eggy casserole beneath- undeniably delicious at any hour of the day!
NOLITA
4. Ruby's Cafe
In the heart of NoLita this not-so-secret spot is a favourite among Aussie residents. The burgers alone are worth a visit but the smoked salmon and butternut squash salad makes for a truly refreshing meal to restore the depletion of nutrients caused by one too many late nights (and drinks!)
Served on a bed of spinach, loaded with butternut squash, pumpkin seeds and topped with a crumbling of feta this smoked salmon dish is not only loaded with nutrients but comes with a side of top-class Aussie service.
THE WEST VILLAGE
5. Markt's Les oeufs Norvégienne
Located just blocks from the bustling Flat Iron area this Belgian brasserie is home to a myriad of Belgian delicacies. The waffles, fries, mussels and beer are all a must but, of course, the dish that stole my heart is not traditionally Belgian at all!
Their Norwegian salmon is folded under two poached eggs with a dollop of hollandaise sauce on lightly toasted English muffins, finished with a bed of crunchy salad leaves, chopped tomatoes and shaved onions