Review: BURKE & WILLS Brunch with an Australian Flair on the UWS of NYC

If you haven't been to Burke and Wills on the Upper West Side of New York City for their weekend brunch, you should. This modern Australian bistro offers a delectable selection of foods with a perfect balance of menu choices. Whether you are in the mood for something sweet or savory, breakfast or lunch choices, you will be absolutely pleased.

Burke and Wills is a relaxing spot with a stylish dining room highlighted with deep, comfortable seating areas and great airy skylights. Friends visiting New York City from Australia will like that the restaurant that will make them feel completely at home with a welcoming "Down-Under" ambiance.

Burke and Wills brunch is true to the restaurant's Aussie-style, but also features delightful surprises. Chef Rodrigo Nogueira has created a menu that takes weekend offerings to a new level. We visited just as the mealtime started at 11:00 am on a Saturday, so we were in the mood for breakfast foods. We started with fresh brewed coffee and tea along with their complimentary pastry service. Making a pastry selection was difficult, but we chose the light, flaky almond and chocolate croissants.

The menu is divided into Start and Share, Eggs, Sandwiches, Lunch, Sweets and Sides. For a starter, we enjoyed their Avocado Smash with tomato, frisse, pickled onions and feta cheese. As a main course, the Swagman's Breakfast was served with 2 eggs cooked to perfection, tender hanger steak, pork belly, roasted mushrooms and potatoes complemented by a light, fresh salad.

For those who have a breakfast sweet tooth, we highly recommend their French Toast with Nutella and candied walnuts or their light, tasty buttermilk pancakes with berries and foie gras butter.

Luncheon style choices include their Salad with the Lot with rotisserie chicken, kale, carrots, feta cheese olives beets and egg. There's also Coopers Beer Battered Fish and Chips, Cavatelli with rainbow carrots, bacon and a fried egg and Grilled Cheese with truffle pecorino, morney and caramelized onions.

Burke and Wills is renowned for a fabulous beverage program that extends to the bar area and their Manhattan Cricket Club on premises. They have drink specialties on the brunch menu like their "Build a Bloody Mary" which is customized with your choice of rims, liquors, mixes and garnishes. Beer and wine are available along with classic cocktails made with fresh squeezed juice. We enjoyed one of their Brunch Punches, the "Bitter and Twisted" a refreshing mix made with Aperol, Grapefruit Bitters, Willowglen Sparkling Brut and Brooklyn Seltzer. We suggest you order a carafe of punch for table sharing.

Treat yourself on the weekend to a fabulous brunch. Burke & Wills is conveniently located just ½ block from the #1 Subway stop at 79th Street. It's a perfect place to visit when you are in the neighborhood at the Natural History Museum or one of the local theaters.

Burke & Wills is located at 226 W 79th Street, New York, NY 10024. Call them at 646-823-9251 or visit their web site at www.burkeandwillsny.com. They are open seven days a week. They serve lunch Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, dinner, cocktails, late night and weekend brunch. For more information, on private parties and special events, please contact Matilda Boland at matilda@burkeandwillsny.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Burke & Wills