Shoo Shoo

Nolita

The first spring day in NYC... ahhh... birds are chirping, the air is a fresh 75 degrees—what bliss. And If you're mentally prepared to run into everyone living in the tristate area, the only option is to get outside.

So that's what I did. After running into my brother's ex and a work colleague, I decided to hide in Nolita, where the hungover children don't roam, and I was able to head straight to brunch.

We chose Shoo Shoo, an Israeli-Mediterranean spot. They’re open from lunch to dinner and offer some spectacular food. We sat at their outdoor corner seat, perfectly situated in the shade, looking right at the four-way cross of Mott and Broome streets—ideal for some spectacular people-watching. Still hungover from Friday, I stuck to coffee, but the cocktails looked light enough for a Sunday brunch (meaning you can have two and not be tempted into a full-on Sunday Funday).

I've developed this new thing where I'm allergic to chickpeas, but I still love Mediterranean food. So, sadly, we didn't get the hummus. But if you're not an allergy kid like me, it looked like a must-order. However, my personal necessities for a perfect brunch here would be the Shoo Shoo Schnitzel and the breakfast platter.

The Schnitzel is pounded flat, like your grandma's chicken cutlets flat. You basically rip it apart with your fingers, dip it into one of their delicious vinegar sauces, and enjoy your plate of fried yumminess. The breakfast comes with two eggs (I would get them soft-boiled), served with lox and other little sides, and a “Turkish bagel,” aka a simit.

The vibes at this place are good enough to bring you back to life after a 2-day bender, and the food seems like it comes from non-GMO infused products to cure one's stomach. This is becoming a new regular Sunday summer spot for me, so my only recommendation is for it to become one for you too.