NYC Eats: While We Were Young

As if the name of this New York City restaurant doesn’t already appeal to this English major elder millennial. That’s me, by the way.

While We Were Young’s restaurant name is based off a Walt Whitman poem: ONCE I PASS’D THROUGH A POPULOUS CITY.

ONCE I pass’d through a populous city imprinting my brain for 
future use with its shows, architecture, customs, traditions,
Yet now of all that city I remember only a woman I casually met 
there who detain’d me for love of me,
Day by day and night by night we were together—all else has 
long been forgotten by me,
I remember I say only that woman who passionately clung to me,
Again we wander, we love, we separate again,
Again she holds me by the hand, I must not go,
I see her close beside me with silent lips sad and tremulous.

Walt Whitman, “Leaves of Grass”

The tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the poem, in short: “We were together. I forgot the rest.”

I mean, same.

Truthfully, I came to spend time getting to know the other girls with the NYC Brunch Squad and for those fabulous brunch photos at While We Were Young. But I stayed for the food and drinks. Because, wow! The Instagram-friendly restaurant did not disappoint the taste buds.

The sophisticated decor and poetic vibe for brunch on a relaxing Sunday made for a perfect combo. And the bonus of comfortable seating.

While the restaurant from the outside does look like a casual hole-in-the-wall, once inside, it’s intimate and cozy. You’ll definitely get to know your neighbors in here, and as this spot continues to gain popularity, be prepared for a filled restaurant.

We all came ready to eat, while still dressed up for the fancy get-together. I thought the ladies all looked pretty dazzling.

And the photographers (Allyse Francis, Ashley Bravick, and Saad Saeed Khan) at the event did a great job capturing some of the candid and not-so-candid moments of us ladies getting to know each other over some stories, food, and laughter. You can tell from their snapshots, we had a really great time.

As expected, brunch began with drinks — a solid selection of craft cocktails, with a lot of flair.

Their cocktail menu rotates with the months and the seasons. The actual cocktail glasses are as unique as their concoctions. And our bartender, Darrow, did not disappoint.

Some of the featured cocktails:

• While We Were Young: Vodka / Vanilla Bean / Butterfly Peaflower / Sparkling Wine
• It Takes Two To Make A Thing Go Right: Mezcal / Tequila / Rosemary / Orange Bitters
• Something Fruity With Gin: Gin / Hibiscus / Peach Tea / Lillet
• If You’re a Bird, I’m a Bird: Grey Goose La Poire / Honey / Lavender / Pear Juice / Lemon
• D.T.F: Dewars / Orange / Cassis / Chocolate Rim
• Mile High Club: Rum / Falernum / Lemon & Orange Bitters / Blue Curacao

Cocktails start at $15

Mine that morning, a stiff order of “A One Night Stand” — Tequila, Watermelon, Chili Agave, Lime.

I liked getting that pop of summer admist the cold!

Cue more poetry, this a quote capturing the New York City weather:

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.

And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”

Albert Camus

Something stronger this winter, is perhaps these cocktails.

Once the drinks were ordered, we dug into the menu, which also boasted of unique, unexpected ingrediants. Including kale.

The orders between the ladies I sat with at the bar counter:

• Chicken and Waffles (mine): Fried Chicken | Kale Waffles | House Made Hot Sauce | Maple Syrup
• Eggs Benedict Florentine: Kale | Potato Hash | Bacon | Tomato Hollandaise
• Omelet: Roasted Red Peppers | Potatoes | RicottaHerbs

Brunch plates run from about $17 – $25

When the plates were dropped in front of us, we all snapped some quick photos of the kale creations, but then, it went silent.. because we were all too busy eating to look up and talk. That good.

The NYC Brunch Squad took over the restaurant, so it was a bunch of orders all at once. But the food was worth the wait. The fun photos, added bonus.

It’s interesting to think photogenic food would be so delicious to eat. But these were solid food choices and a solid spot.

While We Were Young is a New York City restaurant, easily accessible off the 1 train at Christopher station at 183 W 10th St. There are more nearby options for public transportation as well.

Although the NYC Brunch Squad went for brunch, they do still serve dinner.