THE HUNT: Hash browns in NYC Restaurant 3

Restaurant 3: Prune

54 E. 1st Street

New York City.

Rating: 4.5

Description: "Potatoes Rosti"

Actual Description: Something close to hash browns--a shredded potato patty.

At Prune, the brunch wait at peak brunch-time can be anywhere from a half an hour to two. By the time you've made it into the restaurant and to your table, the idea of real hash browns can be overwhelming. Hopes that the Potatoes Rosti will be the hash browns you've been dreaming of can set your expectations to an unattainable high. Although the Potatoes Rosti has been challenged by these unreasonably set expectations (and is not exactly the typical hash brown) it will NOT disappoint.

Prune's Potatoes Rosti is the closest I've found to hash browns in NYC. It is the closest to hash browns mainly in texture. However, they are thinner potato gratings than regular hash browns, clumped together to form a patty, which is then cut in half and served. The outside layer is fried crispy and golden brown. The moist inside is more comparable in texture and taste to the typical hash brown, but is slightly lacking in flavor. To solve this problem, ask for a side of salt. Potato-salt lovers: You will be satisfied with exquisite texture and salty goodness.

The Potatoes Rosti is best served with a fried egg so that the potato may be brushed through the moist golden yolk, which adds to the flavor and creates a wonderful contrast to the crispy outer-layer. What a delectable combination! Prune's Potatoes Rosti is definitely worth the wait.

THE HUNT: Hash browns in NYC Restaurant 2

Restaurant 2: DBGB Kitchen and Bar

299 Bowery

New York City.

Rating: 3

Description on the menu: "Hash browns"

Actual description: Served in a mini-cast iron pan lays a miniature wedge of mushed potatoes with a slightly crispy edge. Despite this awkward description--and the fact that it not true to its name... no hash browns here--it is savory and delicious. However, onion-haters beware: There is a distinct flavor of sauteed onions mixed throughout the potato cake, and in some areas, the flavor is like eating straight-up onion. This version of "hash brown" (aka: potato cake) is very similar to Cafe Cluny's in consistency and texture; however, the inside potato is a bit more moist at CBGB's and the outside potato has an almost caramelized-coating, which is down-right delectable. However, CBGB's potato cake could use a dash more salt to counter the sweetened taste of the onion. A nice side order and will satisfy that potato-craving, but still, no hash browns.