Real NYC bagels with fine smoked salmon
In the city for one night meant just one opportunity for breakfast: a real New York bagel was the holy grail. Russ and Daughters Cafe, located at 127 Orchard Street on the lower east side of Manhattan, came highly recommended by foodie friends. Even Travel + Leisure rates Russ and Daughters Cafe one of the Best Breakfast Restaurants in the U.S.
This place was great, from the simple, yet sensational food to the sleek design that looked modern and turn-of-the-century. We both ordered The Classic: a toasted bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers. $16 seemed a little pricey but it was worth every penny. The bagel was perfect: dense and chewy inside, a bit crispy on the outside. The salmon was thin and delicate, a little smokey, a little salty, with nice salmon flavor. Even the cream cheese was outstanding. And the tomato, it tasted as if it had been picked from the garden that morning.
The final criteria for a great breakfast, “How was the coffee?” Very nice, indeed.
Only after we ate our meal did we realize that around the corner, just two blocks from the café, is the historic and impressive Russ and Daughters store, which opened in 1914! Run by the fourth generation of the Russ family, they specialize in high-quality smoked fish, caviar and specialty foods.
Visit the Russ and Daughters Cafe website.