Shaded Sundays Savored in Serene Style

Place: Savann

Cuisine: Experimental French/Eclectic

Transportation: 15 minutes from campus by 1/9 subway to 79th.

Occasion: A convenient spot for brunch. near school for a small group. The outside seating area opens out to the sunny side of the street on a spring morning.

Budget: Brunch ranges from $6.25 for eggs, potatoes, and mixed greens, to $14.75 for vegetable strudel (stuffed with portobello mushrooms, leeks, carrots, and spinach, and served with roasted ginger beets vinaigrette), although most of the menu lies around $7.00 to $9.00 for brioche French toast to omelets.

Atmosphere: A cozy, warm spot in the midst of the 80s. We came upon this place while strolling the 70s and 80s after a run in the park and expecting to settle down for Good Enough to Eat or maybe Sarabeth’s for a classic and casual Sunday brunch. Since this was the first warm weekend this year and most outdoor breakfast spaces in the neighborhood were on the shady side of the street, our only thought was to blow off breakfast and have bagels in the sun in the park. Until we stumbled upon Savann. Situated diagonally across the street from Sarabeth’s, Savann is a spot of sunshine on the Upper West Side. While Sunday brunches are often avoided because of the long lines for a table which dampen the whole morning, Savann’s brunch scene is perfectly calm; there are no lines, no wait—a friendly staff greets you at the door.

Until we were served, I couldn’t stop thinking how wonderful this hidden treasure was— but the brioche French toast ($7.25) and the steak and eggs ($11.50) were unfortunately no match for the décor. The brioche was a bit burned and not soaked completely through (although French toast is one of those things that I’m really particular about) , and the steak was bordering on the kiddie-sized and chopped up for easier chewing (it almost looked like owl pellets, regurgitated and reprocessed). Many locals seemed to order the omelets (asparagus and goat cheese, salmon and scallion, roasted pepper and Asiago, spinach and mushroom).

Highlights: The general experience was a very enjoyable one, very recommended for a lazy Sunday morning when you just want to roll out of bed and enjoy the sun—Savann served a very good cup of coffee—as well as a basket of muffins and breads as you watch strollers, joggers, late risers, and crazy cabs go by.

Low Points: The brunch wasn’t as expected—our waitress also rounded up her check and gave us change only in large bills.