Summer Lunch Series Part 1: Market

Summer Lunch Series commences today! I awoke and was randomly craving french toast, so this meal ended up being brunch! I decided to dine at Market at the W Hotel located in the Theater District.
After running some errands I entered the pristine building on Stuart Street.Yes, they change the rug throughout the day. (I asked the doorman.)

I walked past the exquisite fountains that surround the lounge.

Past reception...

and down the marble stone hallway, where Market greeted me. Don't be fooled by the void of human presence in this shot. It was taken as I was departing. I entered to find mimosas on tables and even a few single diners as well. I fit right in.
The hostess sat me in a cream leather booth in the far corner right by the window. This table was waiting for me. It was fate.
I was very pleased that I ventured in here, thanks in part to the welcoming hostess and kind waitstaff. They smiled. They served. They didn't seem to have any qualms about my incessant picture snapping as they poured my water, and delivered my Coffee ($3), and Grapefruit Juice ($4.50)

Ah, that's where they get you! $4.50 for a Grapefruit juice is way too much. But I really, really wanted it.It was so thirst quenching it was almost worth the price!
I'm obsessed with the salt bowl.

And look, the same jams that I took a picture of at our North 26 brunch. Must be a hotel thing!

I spy pure maple syrup that will go especially well with my......
French Toast with Sauteed Apples and Bacon ($12).

Drool.

The French Toast was completely unique in texture. A layer of cinnamon and powdered sugar goodness crystallized on the paper thin crust. At first bite I tasted a familiar sweetness with an oh so original and delicate crispiness.
The bread itself was warm and dense, soaking up the sweetness of the gold syrup into every egg coated nook. Pure comfort. This is the French Toast I was craving.
Cinnamon-y sweet sauteed apples were a cool juicy contrast to the already incredible bites of toast. It was the crispy bacon that added a salty savory element, rounding out the plate.

I wanted to lick it clean. I can't stress enough how relaxed I felt here. The ambiance at Market is casual with a simple elegance about it. The classic brunch entree of French Toast was anything but. It's so not what you might expect. It was creative, it had flair, and the taste was impeccable.
Summer Lunch (Brunch) Series Part 1 was entirely wonderful. My craving for an out of this world French Toast has been fulfilled. Market has made its mark.

Where should I Lunch (or brunch) next Friday?!
In case you're wondering why I am not working on Fridays.