We’ve made reference a few times now to our favorite French toast in the city; it’s probably our favorite place for brunch, in fact: Frankies 17. We ambled over one day a few years ago, fed up with the line down the street at Clinton Street Baking Company, and have never looked back.
The two Franks who make up Frankies opened up shop in Carroll Gardens first; Frankies on Court Street is equally beautiful–it’s larger, actually, with a gorgeous garden–and it offers a full bar, but it doesn’t serve our other favorite brunch dish (first or second to the French toast depending on which I happen to be eating when you ask), the egg sandwich. Smoky, salty bacon; eggs and aged provolone; all served on the best pizza bianca from Grandaisy bakery in Tribeca. Be still my heart.
Aron and I have a little routine when we go in–and the very sweet waiter, Ellie, with her gentle voice, always remembers: we first split the egg sandwich with an extra egg, and then, for dessert, split the french toast. Sometimes Bellinis, but always a Stumptown latte or cappuccino. As if the best french toast and best egg sandwich in town weren’t enough, they serve Stumptown coffee! I would choose this meal over just about any (and we have, in fact, for the past two years on New Year’s day).
They also serve dinner–they have relationships with some fantastic, local vendors (Fleischers meats, Saxelby cheese mongers, etc.)–and bring back wonderful, spicy, green olive oil from their trees in Sicily ever year… lots to love.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
ARON!!
haha wow, yes i am so happy to meet another aron! we do have a very rare and special name. hahah i think i have maybe only met 2 other Arons.
great blog you have. i loved reading the little biography on the side of your story with your wife. so beautiful.
thanks for visiting my blog!
take care
I just found your blog via Pret-a-Voyager and I love you guys. Can't wait to read more about your adventures! Definately following!
XXX
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
i can always count on you guys to make me hungry and long for none british things
great photos!!!
I love your blog! It's so inspiring. I have printed out so many of your tips for our week in NY in middle of May! For one night we are going to Montauk and stay at the Albatross Motel
/Åsa from Sweden
this place looks awesome! i think i would love to sit and sip a coffee here… i imagine that i would relax and people watch. {sigh}
Sounds absolutely amazing! Next time I'm out there I will surely insist on going!
your outfit is so adorable! and these photos are gorgeous. xo
I love French toast so will enjoy checking this place out when I visit in August…
This place sounds wonderful. Thank you for bringing us into your morning. I feel like I was a fly on the wall…a very jealous fly!
I have a feeling that if I lived near a place like that I'd make it a tradition, too. I recently heard about Fleishers meat on some PBS special, maybe Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie?? Beautiful pictures!
I'm hungry for breakfast! Great photos!
that looks like the loveliest of mornings!
i tried to tell kiwi that brunch was one of my favorite hobbies… he told me that brunch couldn't be a hobby. i beg to differ!
i love your striped shirt! xoxox
Thanks, everyone! So nice to hear. Gabby–thanks for stopping by, nice to meet you!
Jo and Abbey–thank you. So funny, I started to feel self-conscious by the end of the day: so many young ladies in striped shirts out and about that day!
iheartkiwi–definitely a hobby, especially _comparing_ brunch menus, right? Try that.
Åsa–I'm so excited to hear all about your trip! May should be beautiful (you'll have to go to the roof garden at the Met). Please share the details. The Albatross definitely was well-located, but not five-star; I hope you, eek, find it okay. Are you renting a car? Let me know if any other questions come up that I might be able to answer.
perhaps the most handsome toast and mimosas I have seen in a while! must. visit.
Åsa–I'm so excited to hear all about your trip! May should be beautiful (you'll have to go to the roof garden at the Met). Please share the details. The Albatross definitely was well-located, but not five-star; I hope you, eek, find it okay. Are you renting a car? Let me know if any other questions come up that I might be able to answer.
I have been to NY two times before but just for work, first time for my boyfriend! The roof garden at the Met looks amazing. Reg the Albatross – we're not looking for something fancy 
Hi Ashley!
WE are soo excited
We are planning to rent a car, do you think it's the best way? We're only going to Montauk/Long Island for one night, do you think it's ok?
Do you have any favourite Italian and favourite Chinese restaurants? Thanks a lot!
You'll be fine with a day–more is lovely, one–enjoy the drive, stop for market stands, put your toes in the water… it's great. And a car gives you flexibility for lots of detours. Sounds great. It's funny: Italian and Chinese are not my strong suits. Maybe Inoteca on the LES or in Murray Hill for some fun Italian. Al di la if you're going to Park Slope. Try to reserve at Sfoglia (no luck for me, yet). Or just eat pizza for your Italian fix–my new favorite is Motorino's margherita. Chinese–Dim Sum? That's my only Chinese food advice. Check chowhound or Yelp for suggestions–I'm still on the hunt for a favorite. Hope that helps!
Thanks a lot Ashley! Dim sum is what I'm looking for
I hope this crazy volcano on Iceland will calm down…. We're leaving in three weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!
Have a great weekend!
Just tried brunch at Frankie's this morning on your recommendation. French toast heaven. And no wait!! My boyfriend lives on Clinton Street, could be dangerous!
I love that first photograph! So glad to have found your blog!