I’ve been ogling blow-ups of Dunkin’ Donuts new waffle breakfast sandwich since they started appearing around town, even though I was certain it was bound to be a let-down. I’m not knocking Dunkin’ out of sheer snack snobbery. After-school sojourns to the drive-thru for creamy-sweet coffees are what got me hooked on caffeine back in high school. But the donuts and breakfast sandwiches always had a slightly stale taste, like dashed expectations thrown in a microwave. This morning though, on day eleven of the cold from hell, my resistance crumbled and I found myself standing in a Dunkin Donuts, ordering a #8 combo–a waffle sandwich with medium coffee ($3.99).

The 410-calorie count made sense as I tore the paper away, revealing a sandwich no bigger than my palm, flattened between two slightly-soggy waffles. On the plus side, the waffles were subtly sweetened with maple, the bacon was actually crispy on the edges, the eggs were not nearly as rubbery as I’ve had in many a fast-food breakfast sandwich, and the American cheese was–well, orange and inoffensive. By the time I was finished I felt a surprisingly satisfied. I have to admit, in a pinch or far from Manhattan, I’d order this again.

Seriouseats.com does a side-by-side comparison of the Dunkin’ waffle sandwich and the McGriddle.

Dunkin Donuts 166 2nd Ave – open 24 hours

Until recently, I didn’t do brunch. Actually, that’s something of an understatement. I used to start my weekend with a large black coffee, a Camel Light, and a quick jaunt to the puppy run. Now that I’ve ditched coffee and cigs I’ve been exploring new indulgences, betraying my inner Spartan by dabbling with things like french toast and morning cocktails.

Braving brunchtime hordes to find decent french toast can be arduous, so it’s rewarding when you find a place that’s gifted with their griddle. Cafe Condesa in the West Village uses what looks like french bread as opposed to the ubiquitous challah in their french toast. It’s relatively light, buttery-crisp on the outside but soft and eggy in the middle, and served with fresh berries ($7.75). My side of scrambled eggs were cooked to fluffy perfection ($2.50) but I could have done without the champagne with muddled strawberries which at $9 doubled the cost of an otherwise reasonably-priced and very satisfying meal.

This austere little cafe only has a few seats so expect a short, awkward wait and if it’s a cold day, beware the table for two by the front door, which doesn’t completely shut.

Cafe Condesa Brunch menu – served Sat and Sun 11am-5pm

Cafe Condesa, 183 West 10th Street at Seventh Avenue