Balthazar: Perfection From Start to Finish

Sour Cream Hazelnut Waffles

If you live in New York City, you’ve likely heard of the Soho institution Balthazar. Since its opening in 1997, the restaurant has consistently been ranked as one of New York’s finest eateries for every meal from breakfast, lunch, dinner, to even dessert. Frequented by celebrities and top chefs alike, Balthazar exudes an air of exclusiveness and glamour. Its Old World opulence paired with a touch a French romanticism enhance this posh vibe and give the restaurant a distinct European charm. As soon as I stepped off the Soho streets and into the charming dining room, I was transported to a Parisian cafe with its distressed, gold wallpaper and Art Deco, red leather booths with brass accents. With mirrors on nearly every wall, golden light bounced throughout the space and magnified the retro beauty. The bustling, noisy atmosphere also matched the energy I would expect of a popular European dining hotspot. Seemingly every table and booth were filled by stylish New Yorkers and eager tourists discussing amongst themselves during the brunch hour. Luckily, my friends and I came prepared with a reservation which we surprisingly were able to secure just a few days before. Overhearing the hostess disappoint hungry customers without reservations by telling the wait was at least 90 minutes, I was extremely thankful we had planned ahead. However, if you are unable to obtain a reservation, don’t worry. Situated in the heart of Soho’s upscale shopping district, there will be no shortage of ways to spend your time anxiously awaiting your delicious Parisian meal at Balthazar.

Whether you were seated immediately with a reservation or spent your afternoon awaiting an open table, you are sure to be impressed by Balthazar’s diverse brunch menu. From egg specials like the Ratatouille Omelette, classic fish options like Trout and Salmon, and sweet breakfast treats like French Toast and Waffles, Balthazar has something for you no matter your taste preferences, . Personally, I love anything sweet so I was tempted by the Brioche French Toast, Sour Cream Hazelnut Waffles, and Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. After much stressful debate, I finally decided on the waffles. I’d never heard of Hazelnut Waffles and was intrigued by the warm berry compote on the side so I was excited to try a new dish. A few minutes after we ordered, the waiter brought over a large basket of a variety of warm bread. Since Balthazar’s bread is renowned as having the best bread in New York, I hoped I would be able to sample it and was eager to put the bread to the test when it arrived at the table. At first bite, I was immediately impressed by the crunchy, thick dark crust of the ciabatta and the tangy yet slightly sweet sourdough. While nibbling on the bread basket, I had become so impressed with the splendor of the appetizer that I temporarily forgot about my actual meal that was on the way.

However, I was quickly reminded when my colorful plate of waffles and mixed berries arrived as we finished up the bread basket. I couldn’t help but take a picture of the sugar-coated waffles and the sea of pink berry compote that sat beneath them. I generously doused the waffles with maple syrup and finally dug in. Dipping my first bite into the warm berry mixture, my taste buds were mesmerized by the flavor combination. The waffles featured a hint of nuttiness perfectly complemented by the sweet, flavorful berry compote. Texture wise, the waffles were cooked impeccably with a crunchy, sugar-coated outside and a light, fluffy inside. I truly did not want the meal to end, however, I had to save room for Balthazar’s lengthy dessert menu. With its roots in the bakery business, the eatery has long been known for its unbeatable selection of baked goods and pastries, so I was even more excited for dessert than for my actual meal. With classic French delicacies like Pavlova, Profiteroles, and Creme Brûlée, it seemed impossible to choose just one dessert to end my Balthazar experience, however, I finally decided to sample the classic French dish Profiteroles. When the waiter brought over my order, I was a bit confused at first. From the pictures I had seen online, the Profiteroles were covered in a thick chocolate sauce, yet mine were plain. My confusion didn’t last long, though, as the waiter came equipped with a pitcher full of chocolate ganache and drenched the mini ice cream sandwiches. I knew the dessert was going to be amazing as soon as my fork dug into the flaky puff pastry. This slightly sweet dough sandwiched a scoop of creamy, buttery vanilla ice cream. Even if the waiter hadn’t generously topped the Profiteroles with chocolate syrup, I would have been impressed, but the addition of this cocoa topping put the dish on another level. The syrup was extremely rich and chocolatey and truly was the perfect addition to the less sweet puff pastry. Although they were filling, I can undoubtedly say that these Profiteroles were one of the best desserts I have ever tasted.

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From the moment I walked through the golden brass door and into Balthazar’s glamorous, airy dining room, I felt like a celebrity. With customers dressed to the nines, white table-clothes, and extremely attentive waiters, Balthazar gave me a brunch experience I will never forget. The glitzy, Parisian vibe and vintage decor only added to the luxury of the meal and were the perfect backdrop to the actual tasting options. From the hearty selection of bread as an appetizer, unique flavor combination of the sweet waffle main course, and the unbeatable French dessert options, Balthazar impressed me more with every bite I took. When New Yorkers talk about Balthazar as one of the finest dining experiences in the city, I now know what they are talking about. Balthazar is iconic for a reason. It truly is perfection from start to finish.

What to Order: Sour Cream Hazelnut Waffles
Location: 80 Spring St
Transportation: B, D F, M to Broadway-Lafayette St, 4, 6 to Spring St, N, Q, R, W, J, Z to Canal St
Website: www.balthazarny.com
Instagram: @balthazarny