Sarabeth's, Amsterdam Avenue, New York City

Sarabeth's
Rating ***.5/5

The Upper West Side is a warmer place for it. Sarabeth's is everything you want in a round the corner breakfast place. And more. Even the temperature is managed to perfection. The staff is quick but don't rush you, gentle with young visitors and encouraging. The coffee is good - not astounding. The kind you expect in a homely place. The whole ambiance is like coming to Mama's kitchen. To have exotic coffee with sharp accents would be too much of a statement. The charm of Sarabeth's is that it has no rough edges. Just a smooth welcome.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing mediocre about this place. The lemon ricotta pancakes are outstanding. It's the kind that begs for butter. The scrambled eggs are fluffy and the bread is excellent. They are most well known for their pancakes but I would like to suggest eggs Benedict for your next order.

Sarabeth's 3.5/5
423 Amsterdam avenue, new York city

Recommendations: fresh fruit or lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict
Atmosphere: Warm, comfortable, bustling but not rushed
Service: quick and polite
Decibel: Conversation buzzes around you pleasantly. Occasionally kids change the pitch
Price Range: $50 for 2 people
Hours:  
Reservations
Child friendliness: very, strollers need to be stored though.

Banyan Tree, Fort, Mumbai

The Banyan Tree, Fort
Rating **1/2
It is a lovely feeling to drink coffee, surf on your iPad (yes I show off here) and know you are surrouned by lovely books, progressive art, and creative knick-knacks you can buy. The Banyan Tree at BMB Art Gallery is lovely. Nestled in a lovely lane surrounded by some of the city's oldest schools (Cathedral and John Conan Middle School and JB Petit for girls) the location is a dead ringer. The fresh fruit is inspired and piques your interest and the brownies and muffins make you feel right at home.

Its the entrees that surprise you. It has a satisfying menu that blends coffee house eats with the feel of a deli.  The Spinach Burger was surprising - I don't normally like vegetarian burgers - The Thai Curry was not bad and the muffins are excellent. they also get their coffee bang on - which is most important in a coffee house.

The Banyan Tree Cafe **1/2
Gallery BMB, Fort, Mumbai 400001

Recommendations: Spinach burger, Coffee

Atmosphere: Arty, Contemporary

Service: Efficient

Decibel: Quiet, with random music from the '90s (?)

Price Range: Rs. 1,000 for 2 people

Hours: all day long 
No reservations

Child friendliness: It's more adult, but they would welcome young visitors.