Greg and I are flying down to Florida for the holidays, celebrating Christmas with both of our families under one roof. And if you’re wondering, yes, they all get along (so many people have asked me that when I told them our plans)!

Before getting on a plane and being surrounded by family, Greg and I always like to celebrate Christmas together, just the two of us, in New York City. My favorite of our Christmas dates was two years ago at the NoMad Restaurant. I loved so many things about that experience, mainly the food, and also how you can enjoy a cocktail in the library while sitting by the fire, looking up at the gorgeous Christmas tree that twinkles in the dim lighting.

Last year’s Christmas date wasn’t at the NoMad Restaurant, and was kind of a bust, so this year Greg’s friend suggested a new location that also has a gorgeous Christmas tree in an old-fashioned library.

We put on our most festive outfits and headed off to brunch at Temple Court in the Beekman Hotel!

The hotel has a soaring nine-story glass atrium, with a gorgeous Christmas tree glittering at the bottom.

There are also books and comfy chairs, giving off my desired library vibe, even though we were technically in a bar.

But unlike the NoMad Restaurant, at Temple Court there’s music! Their brunches feature live jazz, adding even more ambiance.

We were sat in a corner couch right by the windows. On an ordinary weekend it would have been a great spot, but during the holidays we felt a little removed from the music and the Christmas tree and the general holiday spirit of the place.

We started with cocktails and they were fabulous!

And then our food arrived.

Greg ordered the steak, and liked it fine.

And I had the Eggs Benedict with smoked white fish cakes, hollandaise sauce, and English muffins. It was… not good. The fishy taste was overpowering, and not exactly what I was looking for in my Eggs Benedict.

The food was such a disappointment, and took away from the festive, beautiful location.

After we ate, we had a few more drinks (after all… we actually liked them!) and, during a break in the live music, got a closer look at Temple Court’s beautiful Christmas tree.

After brunch we headed home, and I slipped into something a little more comfortable…

My “Resting Grinch Face” t-shirt!

Temple Court really is a beautiful venue, but the food just didn’t cut it, and because of this I wouldn’t recommend it.

For more information on Temple Court, or to make a reservation, click here.

Next year, we’re definitely going back to the NoMad Restaurant for our Christmas date!

~A