Saturday in NYC Jonathan, my boyfriend, and I went on a brunch date in the lower upper west side, right where Broadway swings across 10th/Amsterdam Ave on its way up and around central park. The place was called Andanada, a small but light and airy spot just below ground level. I liked it right away because there was only one person working as the host, server, and bartender, apparently he was primarily the bar tender but had been called in this Saturday. It was a slow lunch shift so one person was enough, and it made the place feel quiet and peaceful. An open patio at the end of the room, which was low ceilinged, allowed the space to be lit just with muted sunlight. A very wonderful and inoffensive effect considering we may have been a bit hung over.
For brunch we ordered a bloody Mary and margarita to start with, you know, to counteract the drinks from the night before, and then decided on two excellent cures for a throbbing head and unsettled stomach: the Huevos Iberico Beneditos and the Burger. Both were excellent. The Huevos came with two poached eggs on a bed of crispy, diced potatoes and chorizo with a slice of bread and tomato, and of course the hollandaise over the top. Using the bread and tomato as a scoop I piled some potatoes and chorizo, and an egg on top to get all the flavors at once. It was the perfect savory, salty, and a tad spicy combo I needed to start a new day. Jonathan’s burger was equally glorious, maybe even more so. It was a veal patty topped with slightly melted manchego and thinly sliced Iberico ham/prosciutto in a ciabbatta bun with a tomato spread on the bottom. It was paired with two simple sides of wedge fries and leafy greens. It was wonderful. Topping a burger with cheese, prosciutto and tomato spread is just a notch above bacon, cheese, and tomatoes. Slight gourmet variations that make just that much better. The prosciutto was an excellent salty substitute for fatty bacon being lighter and cleaner. Don’t get me wrong, I love bacon on my burger, but this might be a new favorite.
Andanada is definitely a new favorite spot as well. I know the west side can be trek if it’s not your neighborhood, but it’s good to get out and explore, and this is a great out of the way spot.
Andanada
141 W 69th St
New York, NY 10023
Hours
Monday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm
Thursday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm
Friday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm
Dinkel Dines 