Vesta's Warm Bankie is More than Bank for Your Buck

It's been quite a while since I've been to Vesta for brunch and last weekend's CSA pick up gave me the opportunity to do just that.  It was a good excuse to have some comforting and locally sourced goodies, provided by no other than the Brooklyn Grange, which is partnering with Vesta for the aforementioned CSA.

After speaking with Farmer Ben and settling up with our veggies, my mom and I headed inside to enjoy a lovely brunch. 

The Warm Bankie - Since I've heard nothing but passionate raves about this dish from Meg, I just had to try it.  And after all, the fact that it incorporated truffle oil just sold me immediately. 

This dish was simply awesome (I know...not very eloquently said but words just don't do this breakfast of champions justice).  It consisted of delicate fried eggs on a luxuriously silky bed of polenta that was flavored with truffle oil.  Garnished with earthy mushrooms and asparagus, the Bankie was pure decadence (and sustenance) from start to finish.  And it reminded me of reBar's polenta egg dish, which was also out of this world.

Farmer Ben's Seasonal Salad - My mom already had breakfast so she was more in the mood for lunch food and went with this fresh salad with mixed greens, radishes, walnuts (instead of crispy bacon) and a light blue cheese dressing.  I say light because it wasn't doused on heavily, creating thick globules. Instead it was just the perfect amount, with a thin coating around the veggies that gave them a delicious, tangy flavor.

Breakfast Potatoes - We received a side of well done, crispy breakfast potatoes (sort of like hash browns) with fresh parsley on top.  They were pretty awesome and a nice way to supplement both of our dishes. Even though I didn't need them with my Bankie, I still dipped these crispy spuds into the creamy truffled polenta.  Let me tell you...it was gooood.

Brunch Cocktails - Although I don't remember the names of our brunch cocktails, they were pretty stellar. I had an OJ, prosecco and mint concoction that was oh so cool and refreshing.  Once I muddled the mint with my straw, its flavor intensified more, producing a pungently delicious combination.

My mom had a fizzy, cranberry cocktail with lime that seemed to be our server's special creation. That too was excellent and I slightly preferred it to mine (but only before I muddled the mint).

Service and Cost:
Our server, David was fantastic - very attentive and on point.  He made sure that we were happy with our dishes and even asked if we needed any adjustments. Everything was great and because it wasn't too crowded, we felt relaxed and happy to linger around and chat.

Costs are gentle on your wallet and include the following:

Brunch entrees: $6 - $14
Pizza: $12 - $14
Entree salads & pasta: $9 - $15
Sides $3 - $4

3 Mmmms

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com