"The highlight of my recent late breakfast at The Madison was the attentiveness of the staff and the buttermilk pancakes. There's not too much that varies from one scrambled egg to another, so breakfast in Manhattan often must be measured on other factors. The servings are average, and the prices typical of the UES and location. The buttermilk pancakes were fluffier than most I've seen ANYWHERE in the past year and they were easily the size of my face. With whipped butter and a cup of pancake syrup, the three delightful discs were enough for breakfast and lunch together and it was fortunate that I had a pancake to share. Across the table, a plate of blueberry blintzes disappointingly lacked the same quality and flavor. I sampled one of the tiny rolls and was surprised that the same chef could have sent out both breakfasts. I'm used to blintzes (perhaps it's a Montreal thing) that begin with a fresh eggy pan-sized crepe stuffed and folded with fresh blue berries. The key to a great blintz, however, is the finishing saute in hot butter that gives the stuffed crepe a rich warm coating and brings the juice from the berries. Next time I visit The Madison, I'll know to get the buttermilk cakes, but add the blueberries to the pancake and skip the blintz. What I'll really go back for, though, is the friendly attentiveness of the staff...a smile here, a greeting there, and a reheat on the coffee go a long way in a city where cold isn't just the winter weather. Thank you, friends, for making breakfast a welcoming meal!"
