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Last weekend, a friend invited me to brunch at bld, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they have several vegan items on their menu. I was torn between the vegan benedict and the egg-less egg sandwich, but eventually decided on the vegan benedict. Here is the way bld describes it:
"house smoked tofu bacon, veggie patty, wilted arugula, diary free hollandaise, (and) choice of potatoes"
Yeah, I know, not very descriptive! Happily, I can report that the lackluster text does little to convey the deliciousness of this dish. This is not simply a veganized version of the traditional brunch staple. First, the veggie patty resembles a crumbly, grainy croquette rather than a firm, Boca burger-like patty; It is savory and tender. Second, the hollandaise sauce is smokey and spicy! Admittedly, I have no idea what spices are used in this sauce, other than chili powder. If I had to guess, I would say that this is their Creole interpretation of a benedict, but I'm not sure. Dubious regional influences aside, the added spices inject much needed life into what tends to be a bland, tired-old sauce. So, yes, this dish is all about the sauce, people!
I have no idea whether this benedict out-performs the other benedicts around town. However, I can say that I prefer this version to the one served by Madeleine Bistro. The most compelling reasons, though, to dine at bld are the omnivorous, high-end menu and the booze.
Finally, a place where omnivores and vegans can dine together in harmony in a hip and trendy atmosphere! Finally, a place where hedonistic, Chowhound-reading omnivores can break bread with righteous vegans, without either group feeling deprived! Oh yeah, and did I mention the booze?
bld has a full bar and offers several specialty brunch cocktails, including 4 different Bloody Mary's and various champagne cocktails. I can't remember the name of the one that I ordered, but it did include vodka, grapefruit juice and fresh thyme. It was okay, but I much preferred the "Granny Mary" that my friend ordered--a mild version of the "morning-after" classic.
So, overall, I had a wonderful experience. And, once my wallet recovers from the holidays, I fully intend on going back (with or without an omnivore).
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