It was too hot and humid to take a long walk in Hudson River Park one weekday. Instead, we headed to Cookshop for lunch, arriving as they were opening. I smiled as I saw the empty restaurant realizing that the popular brunch place would be packed if this were a weekend.

My friends each ordered the gem lettuce salad with chunks of Persian cucumber and sliced cherry tomatoes topped with large roasted chicken breast ($23).

I would have ordered a burger had I not just devoured one at JG Melon’s earlier that week. Instead, I decided to on their salad Niçoise sandwich. The Pan Bagnat ($19) contained chunks of olive oil poached tuna, crushed olives, Beefsteak tomato and a sliced egg, all piled in a sesame seed bun. I had to deconstruct to eat.

I prefer Cookshop for brunch.

The Cookshop
Chelsea
156 10th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
212.924.4440
cookshopny.com/