A Classic Brunch at Spoon and Vienna's Renowned Pastries Come to Town

Spoon
Despite an influx of new-wave, “funky modern” brunches in the city, sometimes the classics still prove to be the best. For unbeatable panoramic harbor views and homemade artisanal brunch dishes executed with finesse, spend a relaxing Sunday at Spoon by Alain Ducasse, now offering a $888 brunch inclusive of a glass of champagne, and a selection of wines to pair with the parade of classic brunch dishes.

As you take in the city skyline, you’ll be presented with a warm basket of viennoiseries, plus homemade organic muesli. Munch on a selection of artisanal homemade breads slathered with premium Bordier butter as you peruse the mains, including meat or seafood and an oven-baked “cookpot” of cereal and seasonal veggies. There are more goodies to pack in before the main event arrives, from Iberico ham and pickles to homemade salmon gravlax and eggs prepared any way you want—scrambled, sunny side-up, fried, poached with truffle and herbs… Of course, brunch at this InterCon institution wouldn’t be complete without a selection of fine French cheeses (the smellier the better) and a tempting array of desserts by pastry chef Oliver Lannes: including sugar-free options, if you still happen to be counting calories at the end of the day. 

Clipper Lounge and Café Causette
The latest big-name collaboration from the Mandarin Oriental has our sweet tooth fired up—a partnership with the world-famous Café Central in Vienna to bring over traditional Viennese cakes and pastries, alongside premium coffee from Austrian specialty roaster Julius Meinl. From now until June 20, guests at the Clipper Lounge and Café Causette can savor the best of Café Central’s artisanal pastries, from an almond-filled mohr im hemd cake to the famed sachertorte, guaranteed to induce chocolate-related euphoria. Barista Wolfgang Eisler from Julius Meinl has also brought over a sampling of traditional Viennese coffees (from $68)—giving our customary afternoon “tea” a European twist. Prefer to indulge in private? Order takeaway slices ($48) or whole cakes ($888 for 3lb) from the Mandarin Cake Shop. 

La Paloma
Sai Ying Pun spanish joint La Paloma gets a revamped menu this season. Dig into the Tapeo Variado ($368) tapas platter with six different bites to share, including the Bacon con Queso— bacon-topped air baguettes that explode with cheese. From the resto’s asador oven, we loved the lubina a la espalda roasted whole sea bass ($245), which was brimming with flavor from the garlic, chili and paprika sauce. The rabo de toro braised ox-tail ($220) with confit shallots and potatoes was also ridiculously tender and succulent. The arroz negro squid ink and prawn paella ($348) was beautifully buttery and al dente—there’s no better way to round off the mains at La Paloma than with this spectacle of a dish.