Summer has commenced, which poses some challenges as a Bitch in the City. I have a lot more reluctance to indulge in hearty brunches with weekends spent in bathing suits, and find my free Sundays to schedule said brunches shrinking with every color-coded travel addition to my calendar.

When my friend and fellow photographer Alicia reached out about a get together and we found ourselves frowning at our clashing schedules, I jumped at the opportunity to squeeze in a Friday pre-work breakfast. We started with SoulCycle in the West Village to address the bathing suit issue, and then made plans to brunch at Bluestone Lane a few blocks down the road.

I’ve frequented Bluestone Lane downtown for coffee and have always eyed sit-down diners with envy, so I was eager to give its menu a try. Alicia is 100 percent gluten-free, and I was pleased to find a menu that accommodated her as well.

The staff was super friendly with lovely accents, staying true to the authenticity of the Aussie cafe.

We started with a latte for me and fresh orange juice for Alicia. My latte was so good that I quickly drank it and ordered a second. It was a true Australian-style latte.

The gluten-free banana bread from Sans Bakery was served toasted and topped with toasted pecans, and then drizzled with honey and topped with banana. A huge dollop of ricotta was served on the side, which resembled whipped cream. Not only did this banana bread not suggest a hint of dryness often associated with gluten-free, I would be as bold as to say this is one of the best banana breads I’ve had at a restaurant.

For entrees, Alicia ordered the avocado smash on gluten-free Balthazar toast with tahini, heirloom tomatoes, feta cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Alicia enjoyed that the gluten free bread didn’t taste bland, and we liked how the avo-toast was decorated.

I ordered the gluten-free granola bowl with toasted oats, coconut chips, seeds, and nuts served over Greek yogurt. The yogurt was topped with a tangy citrus curd and seasonal fruit, which added a really interesting flavor to the bite.

I know that a yogurt bowl sounds boring to all you pancake eaters, but for a light, refreshing bite, this was perfect.

I could have sat in our cozy window seat for hours, but alas, it was a work day and I was buzzing from my four shots of espresso.

The Bitches say: A+. For a light week-day breakfast or a healthy weekend brunch with killer espresso drinks, Bluestone Lane is the place for you. There’s a plethora of gluten free options for health-conscious diners who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for health.

Bluestone Lane
30 Carmine Street
(West Village)
New York, NY 10014
(646) 368-1988

Bluestone Lane serves breakfast every day beginning at 8 a.m.