Sunday Brunch at Peacock Alley: a Culinary Journey

By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director

The great Miguel de Cervantes was quoted saying, "All sorrows are less with bread." If this is the case, the delectable brunch at Peacock Alley within the renowned Waldorf Astoria New York will transport you to a time when the mind, heart, and soul only knew and embraced joy, grace, satisfaction, and elegance. The Peacock Alley, which hosts one of the most superb brunches in all of New York City (and beyond), boasts a feast that blends the classic with modern sophistication.

As you step into the halls of the historic Waldorf Astoria, you can't help but feel the hospitality of the handsome staff and l'air d'etre of one of New York City's most dignified spaces. Peacock Alley, which serves brunch on Sundays from 10am until 2pm (final seating), boasts a heritage of culinary excellence that exceeds expectations.

Guests are graciously seated and select an elixir of their choice before engaging in the gastronomic experience. The coffee is bold and flavorful, the jus d'orange is freshly squeezed and divine, but the real experience takes other forms. The Bloody Mary, which is an iconic brunch favorite, takes an entire new level of delicious at Peacock Alley. Generously infused with the right amount of vodka and graced with the freshest tomato juice, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce, this Bloody Mary serves as a "Hello, Good Morning!" to what will become a true culinary journey.

The brunch delivers a divine raw bar with caviar, clams, oysters, lobster and shrimp, which is only enhanced by the smoked fish (we encourage the diverse offerings of salmon) and the meat carving stations. Our personal favorites were the clams, caviar, and plump shrimp, which were some of the freshest we've tasted in New York City.

If the raw bar or savory variety of seasoned meats were not at the top of a guest's list, one of Peacock Alley's charming cuisiners was ready to prepare an omelet of one's choice, full of fresh and palatable ingredients. Additionally, the best of traditional fare americain, which included buttermilk pancakes and lobster bisque, were also popular among guests.

In between savoring the seasoned meats and indulging in the raw bar, we needed to take a moment to observe and truly embrace the ambiance and joie d'etre of the experience. The crowd, which reflected a diverse-array of upwardly-mobile individuals, appeared quite content, perhaps attributed to the fine selection of gourmet desserts.

As we were getting ready to indulge in some of sweet delights, a fine gentleman insisted on a second Bloody Mary. With such hospitality (and flavor), we simply couldn't afford to negate the possibility of a second brunch cocktail. This time, the mimosa was the elixir of choice. Attributing the qualities of the mimosa to very fresh oranges and premium champagne, my palate was completely refreshed and ready for both dessert and additional sips.

With over 100 gourmet delights to satisfy even the pickiest of dessert connoisseurs, this brunch experience would not be complete with such delicacies.

While walking past the chocolate fondue fountain, we overheard an elderly woman describe the desserts on her plate in detail to one of her gal friends. "Everything I've tried (at the dessert bar) is delicious...these little chocolate cakes are some of the best I've tried outside of Paris."

Dessert, mimosas, and a beautiful crowd adorned our experience at Peacock Alley. An added charm to brunch was the gorgeous voice of a young painist/chanseur that enchanted guests with her talent. The live performance added an extra dose of appeal that was only heightened by the hospitality of those working diligently to make brunch at the Waldorf Astoria a moment to remember.

When in New York, the brunch at Peacock Alley is highly-recommended and PdM-approved.  Reservations are a must as this culinary soiree is popular with both locals and visitors wishing to treat themselves to an experience like no other.

For additional images from Prestige du Monde's brunch experience at Peacock Alley, find us on Facebook and Twitter. xo