Rating: 
Were the interior of Nougatine at Jean-Georges a musical composition, it might be called The Gracious Living Symphony. Designer Adam Tihany has waved a magic baton with blonde woods, ceiling-height windows, space around the tables – (and being as this is New York, let us repeat that) – space around the tables, and a terrazzo tile and white marble hand-laid floor with a nougat-like appearance that inspired the café’s name. When the weather cooperates, brunch is also served on the Mistral Terrace, which has unforgettably scrumptious “We are here and you are not” views of Central Park.
All appetizers are on the lunch side of brunch and worthy of your palate, even if you feel like breakfast. The Peekytoe Crab Cake with Sugar Snap Pea Remoulade ($16) is, as they say, to die for. The Champagne Mango and Goat Cheese Salad with Black Olive and Thai Basil, ($10) meanwhile, is to live for.
Nougatine’s wine list, with bottles and glasses at varying prices, helps to elevate this brunch into the realm of the sublime. Non-alcoholic beverage selections include delightful fresh fruit and herbal sodas ($6), among them, black cherry yuzu, and chili lime.
As for the the main courses, French Toast with Roasted Apple ($15) and Buttermilk Pancakes with Bananas, Berries and Maple Syrup ($17) sing out their harmonious breakfast appeal. Both dishes are characterized by elegant melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The Slowly-Cooked Salmon with Sautéed Potatoes, black olive and passion fruit ($22) is delicately-flavored with a heavenly texture. If you are in the mood for something more sumptuous, you might order the Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Spinach and Gruyere Crepe. ($29)
Within The Gracious Living Symphony that is Nougatine at Jean-Georges, the service never misses a beat. This is an incontestable masterpiece among New York City Brunches.
Brunch at Nougatine at Jean-Georges
1 Central Park West (at Columbus Circle)
New York, NY 10 023
Hours: Sunday 12 – 3p.m.
Subway : lines A, B, C, D, 1 at 59th St/Columbus Circle
