NEW YORK CITY — Avocado toast sounds like merely the sum of two ingredients. But devoted fans say it is so, so much more than that.
The craze of avocado toast has swept the city, with dozens of cafes and restaurants putting their spin, and increasing complexities, on the simple dish. For many, it’s the most popular thing on the menu.
“Our avo toast was so popular that we added a second offering to our menu — an Avocado Toast of the Week,” said Chef Adam Maciejewski, from Blank Slate Coffee and Kitchen in Midtown East. “Each week, we feature a new and innovative interpretation.”
Here are seven avocado toasts to try around the city:
Credit: The Bonnie
The Bonnie, 29-12 23rd Ave., Ditmars
Price: starting at $11
At the Bonnie, the avocado toast has the two key ingredients plus poached eggs, roasted tomatoes and chili salt. “In creating our menu here we wanted a healthy and clean-flavored alternative to the normal heavier brunch fare,” said Chef Shaun Vanalphen. “Crack that poached egg over the top and you have yourself a good start to the weekend.”
Credit: By Chloe
By Chloe, 185 Bleecker St., West Village
Price: $6.95
Avocado toast at By Chloe changes with the season. At the moment it comes topped with asparagus, oven-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. “It's basically a bite of spring,” said executive chef and founder Chloe Coscarelli.
Credit: Two Hands
Two Hands, 251 Church St., TriBeCa
Price: $12
Australian joint Two Hands recently expanded on its Mott Street cafe with a full bar and restaurant in Tribeca. The new spot's avocado toast has also gone up a notch with the addition of charred scallions, jalapeno, cilantro, pepitas and lime. Add a poached egg for $3.
Credit: Blank Slate
Blank Slate at 121 Madison Ave., Midtown East
Price: $7
Blank Slate has a sweeter take on the savory dish, topping their avocado toast with chili honey. “The chili honey adds a spicy sweetness, but the fat in the avocado cuts the heat so it’s not too hot,” said Chef Maciejewski. “The salt adds a nice, smoky finish.”
Credit: Dudleys
Dudleys at 85 Orchard St on the Lower East Side
Price: $8
Like Two Hands, Dudleys has its roots in Australia, which has had its own avocado toast craze. The avocado toast at Dudleys is loaded with cherry tomatoes and salsa verde, and comes on seven grain bread. Add a fried egg for $3.
Credit: Reunion Cafe
Reunion Cafe at 544 Union Ave. in Brooklyn
Price: $12
For Chef Inna Mashiach, Reunion’s avocado toast is the most popular thing on the menu. “The combination of kale pesto spread, fresh avocado mash, chili flakes and poached egg on top create the perfect avocado toast." And you can add feta cheese for $2.
Credit: Le Pain Quotidien
Le Pain Quotidien at various locations
Price: $11.45
At Le Pain Quotidien the avocado toast is zingy and fresh with citrus cumin salt and organic chia seeds drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.
