Hip, simple, underground, and amazing; four traits that sum up The Smile. When you think brunch, I’m sure you think pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and of course, bread. Yes these classics are served here, but The Smile might be the first restaurant I’ve been to where the MOST popular dishes are 100% gluten free! The Smile uses local ingredients, free-range and horomone-free eggs, and they make a conscious effort to cater to those with dietary restrictions. My kind of restaurant!…
At brunch, I was completely torn between the bibb lettuce salad, the baked eggs with avocado nocheese, steak and fried eggs on top of sweet potato hash, scrambled eggs, and the poached eggs on quinoa mixed with zucchini and summer squash. Ultimately I went with the steak and eggs and I was amazed. My friend and I ACTUALLY stopped speaking so that we could enjoy our meals. I do my best to avoid red meat, so any restaurant that has me craving steak deserves 5 stars. Second, the sweet potato hash browns need to be ordered as a side to any entree. I have sweet potato ANY time it is offered, and it is safe to say the sweet potato hash at The Smile is some of the best in the city.
Following my incredible brunch experience, I checked out the dinner menu and knew I had to come back to experience it. Roasted root vegetables including butternut squash and cauliflower are two of my favorite foods, and several of the entrees center around or include these veggies. The saffron roasted cauliflower (nocrostini), kale salad, roasted butternut squash & cranberry beans, and balsamic chicken were screaming my name. I went with the roasted butternut squash, and I can’t wait to come back and try more.
After going for both brunch and dinner, I have to say I prefer the brunch. Great food, a nobread knowledgable staff, and a cozy atmosphere; The Smile has definitely been added to my rotation of NoHo go-to restaurant’s!