brunch at prune and the monte cristo

The Monte Cristo sandwich, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup, just might be the perfect way to start a weekend morning. It’s a killer combination of sweet and savory with layers of ham, turkey, and cheddar wedged between battered dipped challah bread, griddled up french-toast style.

My introduction to the Monte Cristo was at brunch a couple of weekends ago at Prune (NYC), a cozy, casual chef-owned restaurant in the East Village. Prune’s brunch menu ranges from unique European inspired offerings such as an “appetizing plate” of smoked fish and garnishes and a “youth hostel breakfast” of sliced liverwurst, fish pastes, and german bread, to more traditional brunch items like eggs benedict and huevos rancheros. It’s the kind of brunch menu that satisfies both the food adventurists who like to try new things and the more traditional egg and toast types.