Saturday morning breakfast in New York City can be a bit tricky, as the selection of choices is both enormous and incredibly diverse. From charming cafés and specialty niche spots to the city's classic diners, there is no shortage of places to begin the day. Today, however, I was in the mood for something light and wanted to start my morning on a healthy note.
While walking along Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side, I came across a local gem tucked away on the corner of 70th Street. Bel Ami Café is the quintessential neighborhood café, serving all the familiar favorites in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The aroma of freshly baked pastries and steaming espresso was all the invitation I needed to step through its doors. I ordered my usual matcha latte along with a couple of mini viennoiseries that would make any French baker proud. The pain au chocolat and croissant were exactly what I needed to start the day. Their flaky, buttery layers paired perfectly with the warmth of my matcha, creating a simple yet satisfying breakfast experience.
As our meeting began, conversation flowed effortlessly throughout the café, filling the room with bright ideas and positive energy on this beautiful sunny morning. A little later, I realized I was still slightly hungry, so I returned to the counter for a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and an assorted fruit cup. The refreshing combination was exactly what I needed to complete my breakfast.
Now fully fueled and energized, I was ready to tackle the rest of the day. Before leaving, I couldn't resist taking home a box of colorful macarons to share with my colleagues—a sweet reminder of a delightful morning spent at one of New York City's charming neighborhood cafés.
Chef Jappy Afzelius
IG @republikakulinarya
www.republikakulinarya.com
Bel Ami Cafe
960 Lexington Avenue New York
IG @belamicafe