Consistently in the “best breakfast places in New York” lists, Norma’s in Le Parker Meridien promised to be a lot of fun based on the reservation confirmation I received. This was even after the fact I had already fallen in love with the interesting and hilarious menu

The reservation read like this:

“Done. You’ve booked and you’re ready to go, almost… In preparation for your meal at NORMA’S, this is what the doctor, oops Chef, prescribes:
• 24 hrs to go – print out the menu
• 24-12 hrs to go – show off the menu and seek advice on what to order (yeah, they’re all jealous!)
• 18 hrs to go – aerobic exercise and strength training (preferably the Quickie)
• Lunch the day before – remember, you’re in training, so have a protein shake
• Dinner the day before – no eating after 7pm – only bread and water allowed
• Night before – dream sweet dreams of beautiful food floating through your subconscious
• Morning of – do a full yoga session with Swami Ramdev Ji
• Arrive on time and tell me that the “Swami sent you”
• You’ve made it, now time to eat!
See you soon, Sandra Berger, Guardian of the Tables”

Ha!

Service started off flyingly with coffee coming quickly and with us even receiving an amuse bouche of a shot of strawberry/mixed fruit juice. Unexpected so very pleasant. Sadly, the service kind of dropped off after that point – but I have to totally blame our disinterested waitress since we saw other tables seemed to have much better wait-staff, who didn’t make them ask for water several times, and who didn’t make them wait nearly 15 minutes for the bill.

On to the food! The menu really is something that’s just a fun read with heading such as “Mom Can’t Make This”, “Eggs Cellent”, “The One That Didn’t Get Away” and even one of my favourite phrases “Etc., Etc….”!

The Irresistible Banana-Macadamia Nut Flap Jacks with Whipped Banana Brown Sugar Butter proved too irresistible to Pat, along with a side of bacon. For me, tempting as the dish that Norma’s dares you to expense the $1,000 The Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata with a super size 10oz Sevruga Caviar (the regular 1oz Sevruga Caviar size will set you back $100) was, Norma’s Eggs Benedict served on Buttermilk Pancake layered with Canadian Bacon and Grilled Asparagus seemed a little more the appropriate breakfast dish!

I’ve never had my Eggs Benedict served with potato but it was a good addition to bulk up the dish (at $22 you’d also hope you get more than just two eggs, bacon and pancake.) It wasn’t the best Eggs Benedict that I’ve had to be honest but at least they were quite generous with the béarnaise sauce which could have come with just a little bit more seasoning.

Dining at Norma’s was certainly an experience … though I must say I think I had more fun reading the reservation email and the menu! I’m very tempted to comeback one day and try the delicious sounding Chunks of Lobster Swimming in Cheesy Macaroni. Yum! I just hope I get a better waiter/waitress! But, I’ve got to save up my pennies cause Norma’s is not cheap …