Table for Two #24: Jack's Wife Freda

Rachel of Hello, Chelly and I have teamed up to bring you a collaboration that involves two of my favorite things: New York City & food. Welcome to Table for Two, where we will be highlighting restaurants and dessert spots in New York City. Today, I'll be sharing my thoughts on Jack's Wife Freda, while Rachel features the Dominique Ansel Bakery.

I've got to give credit where credit is due here - it was my friend Lili who first brought me to Jack's Wife Freda. I'd vaguely heard of this place before that initial visit, but it was everything I wanted it to be and more and I was instantly a fan. I've since been back to visit a couple of times, and I thought it was definitely one spot that warranted inclusion in this monthly feature! Thankfully, we were finally able to pick out a Saturday to have brunch and visit Jack's Wife Freda (specifically, the branch that's on Carmine St., which is the only one I've gone to).

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I quite enjoy the cozy, bright aesthetic this restaurant has. There's a homey vibe to the place, where visitors will instantly feel welcome as soon as they step in. There's a bar to one side, a long communal table in the center, booths along the edges of the restaurant and a smattering of smaller tables scattered all throughout. Everything is bright, with a muted pastel color palette and a heavy inclusion of white and marble, and I love it dearly because it matches my personal aesthetic so well. I will say that it can get really crowded (and slightly claustrophobic and noisy as a result) real quick, so I'd recommend going as early as possible if you do get to visit!

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I've only ever had brunch at Jack's Wife Freda, and because I love it so much, it's constantly what I'm convincing people to go experience on their first visit. Sadly, they no longer have my favorite dish (the "pink" Eggs Benny) available, but they do still have a couple of other things I love. This time around, we had a variety of dishes: green shakshuka (2 baked eggs in a green tomatillo sauce served with challah bread), grilled haloumi, rosewater waffle and Madame Freda (pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere and a sunny side up egg). Everything was definitely delicious!

Jack's Wife Freda is definitely one of my staple brunch spot recommendations in the city. They currently have three branches: 224 Lafayette Street, 116 8th Avenue and (my personal favorite) 50 Carmine Street. Definitely let me know if you decide to go and visit!