1/11/14 - Piquant in Prospect Heights

I should preface this with the story behind our attempts at drunk brunching. My friend and I were planning on making a pilgrimage through the city, stopping by all of the spots that offer boozy brunches, to pursue their wears. This was back in early November. We were met with nothing but setbacks and delays. First my friend got really sick, and was unable to make it out on Saturdays. Then, a blizzard hit New York. My birthday came next, twice actually, as I prepared for fun parties. Finally, when it seemed like everything was going to fall into place, the oil boiler in my house broke down. So yeah, we began to imagine that drunk brunch would never happen.

But it did. Two of my friends and I chose Piquant based on the proximity to their apartment, and the fact that for $25 you get unlimited bloodies, mimosas and sangria plus an entree. The menu is pretty varied, with mostly a take on Southwestern inspired dishes. A nice selection of both breakfasty and lunchy foods that could cover any appetite.

View of the bar (taken from Piquant website)

Seeing as we got there around 1, we all went the more lunch route. I got a Signature Piquant Burger, which was spice rubbed and came topped with Chihauhua cheese, guac and slightly pan-fried pastrami (!!!). I think I may need to put pastrami on all my burgers now.  My friends both got the chicken sandwich. For drinks I stuck with bloodies, while they each got mimosas. I did try one mimosa, but generally I like a savory day drink.

The burger was really great. Cooked to order (some places go medium well no matter what), the cheese and guac provided a nice balance to the spice on the burger. But the best part was the pastrami. Lightly pan-fried, like bacon, it added a nice salty kick. The fries on the side were nice too, but the highlight here was the burger.

My friends liked their chicken sandwiches as well. One friend noted how he's not a fan of mayonnaise but the chipotle aoili that came on the sandwich was great on it. Nice flavor, good spice, going with the Southwestern theme.

Now having usually made my own Bloody Maries, I tend to go on the spicy side. Piquant's bloody didn't disappoint. A nice kick to it, without being overpowering and balanced with a squirt of citrus from the accompanying lime. It was no wonder I could knock back 4 or 5 of these. The mimosas weren't bad either, descent sparkling wine with a nice amount of dryness to balance the OJ.

What really made the experience great was our server. He was attentive, excited and fun. I don't think my friends mimosas were ever empty. He was friendly the whole time, and knew immediately why we were there: to take advantage of two hours of all you can drink awesomeness.

Overall, the service really knocked it out of the park. The food was good, but with the waiter he elevated the experience to great. I'd give Piquant four out of five Bloody Maries for our first Drunk Brunch experience.