Park Slope Brunch Beat: Kiwiana
With so many places in the neighborhood to grab a mimosa and a plate of eggs on the weekend, how can you decide which is the best spot to take your visiting in-laws or where you’ll want to sit quietly for a couple hours with the hair of the dog? The Park Slope Brunch Beat aims to guide you through the choices — we’ll break down the basics, share some special tips, and provide a quick scorecard to help you pick the best place for what you need next Saturday and Sunday.
Looking for a taste of Down Under with your brunch? Kiwiana has been serving up up fresh Kiwi-inspired dishes since 2011. Kiwiana’s chef, New Zealand native Mark Simmons, was born and raised on a sheep farm and tries to bring the flavors from his home to American standards. The space is tight but cozy and lined with hanging green plants.
If it’s not too hot, grab a seat outside. The picnic tables are great for larger groups that might find the inside seating too cramped.
To start off, grab the homemade scones with rhubarb jam and butter for $2 each. Or if you are looking for something a bit more savory, try the pulled pork sliders ($3).
Looking for an interesting take on a classic brunch dish? The Eggs Benedict ($13), made with pork belly and served on a brioche bun instead of an English muffin is a delicious treat. Or if you are vegetarian, try the Eggs Florentine ($12), which is made with beets.
If you love a traditional English breakfast, try The Fry Up ($14). It comes with eggs any way you like, sausage, bacon, toast, a roasted tomato and hash browns, which are crunchy — almost french fry-like — work surprisingly well.
Want something a bit sweeter? The Chai-spiced French Toast ($12) comes with whipped cream and berries and is highly recommended.
And of course you’ll need something to wash down those eggs. Try the Kiwi Mimosa, a fresh take on the traditional brunch cocktail that we like almost better than the original.
All of the dishes are well-portioned and leave diners full without being stuffed, so it is definitely worth taking advantage of some of the starters. And the menu changes with the season so there are always new additions. But be warned, Brunch is cash only.
Park Slope Brunch Beat Rundown: Kiwiana
Where: 847 Union Street near 7th Avenue
Phone: 718-230-3682
Brunch Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-3:30pm
Reservations: Yes.
Outdoor Seating: Yes, has limited sidewalk seating under a big awning.
Who To Bring: The small, intimate space is good for couples and small groups.
Best Time To Visit: Getting there early is always a good plan as it is a pretty tight space that can fill up pretty quickly.
Best Bites: Start off with some scones ($2 each), and grab the Chai-spiced French Toast ($12) or The Fry Up ($14) for the main course. Looking for a tasty cocktail? Try the Kiwi Mimosa.
