Review: Warm Chicken & Ancient Grains Bowl (Minus the Chicken, Plus a Poached Egg)Bluestone Lane — Upper East Side, NYC

There are some restaurants that feel like they have a little bit of magic built in, and Bluestone Lane on the Upper East Side is definitely one of them. It’s tucked inside an old church, which already makes the whole experience feel special — like brunch meets architecture appreciation. The high ceilings, the soft light, the calm atmosphere… it’s the kind of place where you instantly relax, even though you’re in the middle of New York City. And then there’s the food. Specifically, the Warm Chicken & Ancient Grains Bowl — except I ordered it without the chicken and added a poached egg instead, which turned out to be a genius move.

First Impressions

The bowl arrives looking like something straight out of a wellness cookbook, but in a good way. It’s colorful, warm, and full of textures — the kind of dish that makes you feel healthier just by looking at it. Even without the chicken, it didn’t feel like anything was missing. The poached egg sat right on top like a little golden crown, ready to break open and coat everything in that perfect, silky richness.

Flavor & Texture

The ancient grains were hearty and comforting, with just enough chew to make each bite interesting. The veggies were warm and perfectly seasoned, and the whole bowl had this cozy, earthy vibe that made it feel like the food equivalent of a soft sweater. And the poached egg? Total game‑changer. When the yolk broke and mixed with the grains, it created this creamy, savory sauce that tied everything together. It made the bowl feel complete — like it was always meant to be served this way.

The Vibe

Eating this bowl inside a renovated church honestly made the whole experience feel elevated. There’s something about sitting in a space with so much history while eating something so fresh and modern. It’s peaceful, bright, and just the right amount of fancy without being intimidating. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, sip your drink slowly, and pretend you’re a New Yorker who does this every weekend.