Prune

You don't hear about Prune much. And that's a shame, because it's such a reliable option for a multitude of occasions/palettes. Can you take your mom here? Yes. Can you go here with that friend from college who just moved to the city and you reluctantly are obligated to "grab dinner" with? Also yes.

The food is simple, but decadent. The menu borders on French, with maybe 4 options for an entree ( I haven't been for brunch though, which I hear is the real draw). Do you like vegetables? No? What if they were deep fried and served with blue cheese? Now I have your attention.

The best thing about Prune though, is the atmosphere. Go during the warmer months and the front is wide open to the sidewalk. Though I've never lived in the east village, Prune makes you feel like a local (probably because everyone else there is a local).

We came for brunch after hearing about the 11 different kinds of Bloody Mary's and I have to say I was a little disappointed. I asked for bacon in my drink since they have it on the menu and I was told that wasn't possible, but they could do beef jerky instead so I did that, but it wasn't what I wanted - in fact it was totally gross I immediately took it out and didn't touch it again. Maybe the brunch menu was too small for our tastes? The huevos rancheros was good but really the only thing on the menu that looked good (beyond like pancakes and ricotta). My boyfriend got the "egg en cocotte" and it was very strange. I'd be down to try it again, maybe for dinner but I'm conflicted as it wasn't a cheap brunch.