Wall Street has a new power breakfast.
The Denny’s that opens Friday in the Financial District will offer a $300 version of its popular Grand Slam wake-up — complete with a bottle of 2004 Dom Perignon Premier Cru Champagne.
The breakfast fit for a king is called the “Grand Cru Slam” — but besides the vino, it’s the standard morning eye-opener of eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon.
“It’s not an astronomical price for Dom Perignon,” says Mike Capoferri, who was hired by Denny’s to create a “craft cocktail” menu at its first Manhattan location.
Yes, the FiDi version of “America’s diner” will also have specialty cocktails that start at $11.
The bottle of the good stuff at Denny’s is a bargain compared to top restaurants in the area, which charge more than $400 for the bottle.
“It’s a little absurd, but it’s really not a bad deal,” Zach Tirone, a sommelier at the LCL: Bar & Kitchen, tells The News. The upscale Midtown American gastropub sells the same bottle for $399.
Even at a liquor store, this particular Perignon can cost $240 — and that’s without your breakfast for two.
Some customers pair their Denny’s breakfast with orange juice or coffee, but Tirone said Champagne will keep your sunny side up.
“The Champagne has great acidity so if you’re having richer and fatty foods like bacon it’s going to cut right through it,” he says.
The 60-year-old chain has 1,680 locations across the country. But its first foray into the city demanded something a little more upscale. In addition to the fancy cocktails, the interior of the Nassau St. Denny’s features a mural of the Brooklyn Bridge, exposed brick walls, tin ceilings and leather booths.
It’s modern and sleek — as if Danny Meyer had a love child with an Applebee’s.
The ground-floor space once housed a Taco Bell, but has been empty since the 24-story building was converted to multimillion-dollar condos in 2003.
Residents of the swanky building certainly didn’t want “America’s Diner” in their lobby. Fearing an invasion of drunken rowdies with the munchies, they sued last year in Manhattan Supreme Court, calling Denny’s a “haven for violence, disorderly conduct, and alcohol-drenched patrons.”
A judge dismissed the case before it was even heard.
Perhaps the jurist is a fan of the Chicken Bacon Classic ($10.69) or Belgian Waffle Slam ($10.99) — or was eager to try three new “baked” dishes exclusive to the New York location: Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken and Rice, and Italian Meatball Lasagna (all $11.99).
Some neighbors remain unexcited — and refuse to get any kick from Champagne.
“I wouldn’t pay for it,” gripes 27-year-old Deana Welsch, who says she’d rather go to a fancy steakhouse and grab a porterhouse. “At the end of the day, the quality of the food is still the same as it is in Florida.”
But others can’t wait to pair their bacon with bubbly.
“If I’m taking a lady out, sure I’d spend the money,” says neighborhood resident Joseph Johnson.
Denny’s, 150 Nassau St. at Spruce St. Open 5 a.m.-midnight. 212-566-5500.
jsettembre@nydailynews.com
