The World of Magic is somehow still mysterious despite all the books and movies that have come our way. One thing we did learn recently, is that wizards love a good brunch. Set at Chelsea Piers, Wizard’s Brunch was a day of fun and food, fit for adults and their younger counterparts alike.
Walking into the venue from the lot at Pier 60, you’re immediately transported, entering a room with decor and interactive displays, with adults and kids in costume, wandering the halls.
Before entering the Great Hall-esque room, you had an opportunity to get involved in some interactive elements. Starting with face-painting, you could be transfigured into creatures from their world. They also had a snake charmer who offered you the chance to hold one of two snakes, though they were much tamer than you might expect. You could also get involved in some magic-by-science, have your palms and tarot cards read, play on a giant wizard chess board.
But you don’t want to read about that, you want to read about the food and drinks. The large room where we were seated was split into four different houses: House Brigit, House Dagda, House Arawn, and House Morrigan. We sat down at tables that truly resembled a Great Hall, underneath hundreds of floating candles and started on the first course: A bowl of salad, Herbed Palmiers, and Cheddar Biscuits. This was easily the best course and the saying “don’t fill up on bread” need not apply.
The next course included roasted chicken, which seemed a bit odd for brunch, but the other option, Chicken and Waffles, was much more appropriate. The dessert was a tasty array of bites, including Raspberry Cheesecake Cups, Triple Chocolate Brownie Bites, Meyer Lemon Shortbread Bites, Salted Caramel Brownie Bites and Dulce de Leche Tarts. I have to admit, for all that went into the decor, the food seemed to lack the same in-depth thematic planning. I was a bit disappointed to not find treacle tarts or chocolate frogs in the mix. They did however have a beverage called Witches Potion and the other, Wizard’s Brew.
There was about an hour between courses during which we were treated to some fun magic featuring a magician, fire eater/breather and sword-swallower. Aside from those main acts, the show and intros were a bit cheesy, but little ones were also present, so they had to cater to that as well. All-in-all, the event was pretty magical, and an afternoon well spent.
