Thursday, August 23, 2012

Brunching Rooftop Style: Masa 14

By Claire Goldman
Photos by Lauren DeSantis

There aren't enough great things I could say about Masa 14's Rooftop Brunch Menu and new head chef, Adam Goldman.  Capital Cooking received first class treatment and we were served mini portions of nearly every brunch menu item.  We had to be rolled down the stairs afterwards, but at least we could provide and informed review for our readers! 

First things first, the Rooftop has a separate prix fixe menu that has some similarities to the regular brunch menu but also it's own unique dishes.  Served from 11 AM - 2 PM on the weekends $20 gets you one entree and one dessert.  For $35 per person, you can have the entree, dessert and bottomless brunch drinks.  
Both combinations include a a bread basket and Korean gifts for the table known as the Banchan which includes various salads, our favorite being of the macaroni.
If you haven't yet, you must try all of Masa 14's delicious Mojitos, my personal favorite being the Mojito Modesto.  
We also sampled the Cucumber Margarita and Strawberry Lemonade which made for refreshing brunch time cocktails.  

We can also recommend the Bacon and Rye Bloody Mary for that pitch perfect spice to wake you up after a rough night.
Chef Goldman (no relation to the author) regaled our table with his plans for future menu revamps and told us how much he enjoys all his new responsibilities as head chef, a position which he was promoted to last Wednesday.  
He also entertained our taste buds with all of his favorite rooftop brunch menu items.
The following are the table favorites of all the entrees:  the Oven Roasted Salmon which is cooked in a pizza oven and served over Oaxaca polenta and salsa verde; this was melt in your mouth delicious.  
The Rice Cracker Crusted Monte Cristo sandwich was out of this world.  The bread is covered in tiny Japanese rice cracker orbs and the inside is stuffed with turkey, ham, tart cherry compote and gooey melted Swiss.  The accompanying honey based dipping sauce that really puts this sandwich over the top.  
If you are recovering from a boozy night before, then your best bet is the Oaxaca Cheese Herb Waffle topped with scrambled eggs, country bacon and sausage gravy and Oaxaca cheese and herbs.
The desserts were amazing.  Our favorite was the banana nutella spring rolls dipped in the chocolate pie.
With the temperatures finally cooling off, I would highly recommend soaking up the last few Saturdays and Sundays of summer on Masa 14's rooftop terrace for their cooling cocktails and inspired brunch menu items.  

Special thanks to Mohammad for great service!
Masa 14 on Urbanspoon

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