Eff the Mimosas. We Goin' Straight for the Sangria.



 It was a beautiful sunny Sunday and my girlfriend had some Londoners in town, so we decided to treat these Brits to some real brunch rather than their traditional bangers and mash (while I'm sure it's tasty, something about it doesn't look quite right (Google for your pleasure)).  She wanted us to go to one of her favorite spots on the Upper Westide; a place where we can eat, drink and be Mary (Ellen).  People, welcome to Calle Ocho. 

It's impossible to get a brunch reservation here, but if you can, the food will make you happy. This is as relaxing a spot as any brunch spot in NYC, but then again, the Upper West Side is chill, in general. We got there at 11:30am and, after my girlfriend Debo'd some 72 year-old man for his spot (think "brace yourself, old man"), we occupied the front booth where we could people watch.



Debo - everyone's favorite neighbor"HOOD" bully.  Old man ain't want none of the hungry GF(disclaimer: Overdramatization of GF.  GF bears no resemblance to Debo.)


Calle Ocho runs a great unlimited sangria program, which has some strong work. My friends polished off about 4 rounds of sangria drinks,  but, because of my drunken escapes at a housewarming and at the Stumble Inn the night before, I only had one drink. Peep the set-up they've got goin' on:

My entree, vaca frita, was a tasty dish of fried skirt steak cooked medium (that's how I roll) with Latin fried rice, avocado, and scrambled eggs. Our friends shared an exquisite plate for 2 of Costa Rican soft tacos, scrambled eggs, chorizo, and home fries. 

Overall, I'm a fan of the spot.  Music is chill, environment is chill, and it's a great place to catch up with old friends and reminisce...