I had a lovely brunch here with an acquaintance this past weekend and was quite impressed by the charming atmosphere, friendly service, and quality of the food. We made a reservation for Sunday at noon, but there were a few open tables when we arrived. I was happy at the prospect of not being too crowded.
Whitfield is in the lobby of the Ace Hotel, and a white metal divider covered in plants closed off the dining room from the rest of the hotel without making the space feel cramped. I appreciated the use of plants and artwork throughout the restaurant area. It was like hanging out in the apartment of someone with excellent taste in decor.
There were a wide array of food options to choose from for brunch...one of the better menus I've seen in the city actually. I had a mimosa and a brûléed grapefruit with some bacon on the side. The grapefruit was gorgeous-looking, topped with raspberries, pomegranate seeds, and a thin layer of caramelized sugar. It tasted even better than it looked, and I can't wait to have another one! The person I was with had the steak and eggs. It looked delicious and he seemed quite pleased, although his steak was somewhat overcooked. That was the only minor issue in an otherwise wonderful experience, so Whitfield gets a solid 5 stars from me. I will most certainly be returning.