Yes, I am one of those people who keeps a list of restaurants I want to visit. Truly I have entire notes on my phone dedicated to different cities. The thing I get sad about the most when the time comes around to get a new iPhone is not having all those notes at my fingertips (yes, I know I could transfer them over, but I abide by a very strict tabula rasa philosophy when it comes to new phones). Regardless, I knew, phone or not, that De Maria was at the top of my list once I moved. I made Eric come with me, and although he balked at the slightly more expensive menu, (just a fair warning), he'll still tell you it's one of the best breakfasts he's had in New York.
The color palette is demure, but still hip. They do the millenial pink/instagram foodie/grain bowl chic trend in a very respectable and sophisticated way. A way that doesn't feel like it will fall out of fashion in two years, and in a way that doesn't make you feel like a fraud for going there (I'm looking at you rainbow bagels and cookie dough dessert shops).
My ordering recommendations: Cheese Biscuit (sounds random, but it's one of those things that every layer of flavor is thought through and is top quality) | Nigela Seed Potato Crisp (Eric's breakfast, and let's just say I was very jealous of it) | I've heard the Avocado Toast and the Banana Bread are fantastic as well. Sidenote: the china they use is beautiful, I've scoped out those mugs and they're done by the uber cool brand Workday Handmade
Also, infinite shoutouts to a beautiful and good-smelling loo. De Maria's is very chic.
And under the glow of the Virgin Mary I leave you. Go to this place! You won't catch me brunching here regularly, because $15 avo toast isn't exactly on budget, but who doesn't want to indulge once in a while? Yum.