Cafe Atlantico

The Brunch Bunch


Toilet Water


Duck


Mousse


Melon


Lime Air

Easter

Easter brunch was spent at Bonnie and Aaron's to avoid the overcrowding and sugar-crazed kids. I think it was my favorite brunch so far, with the ultimate in laid-back, unrushed atmosphere. The amount of food available was staggering and overwhelming, since I think everyone brought something. The pancakes and eggs never even got made. Bonnie created Martha Stewart masterpieces in little casserole dishes made up of Morel mushrooms, scallions, cream and eggs. Aaron fried/baked up a variety of breakfast meats of the pork and non-pork types. Jason and Lisa brought a yummy Texas Egg Casserole. Laura brought poached pears. Amanda and Scott brought Baked French Toast. I don't know who brought what but between Iqbal, Chris and D.J. there was a cake, a pie and cinnamon pastries. Eric made nifty hash brown potatoe pancakes and Chicken Enchilada Casserole from the crockpot that I know people took home for dinner. Then there was tons of other stuff such as fresh fruit, pecan tarts, salmon swirls, coffee, fancy apple bread, orange juice and champagne. And, it being Easter, we had to have Peeps, colored Easter eggs and Kinderuberochen.

Four Seasons Hotel

Valet parking makes this a very appealing location for brunch though if you are on a tight budget….not so much ($70 per person). The scenery was pleasant though unremarkable but the guitarist was a nice touch. What the ambiance lacked in exterior/interior appeal it made up for in culinary creativity. Brunch presented a wide array of eats from excellent fruit blintz and homemade omelets to more lunch type fare with oriental stir-fries and amazing oriental barbequed beef. A good selection of seafood was also available with some excellent lemon/cilantro seafood…things. Of course the deserts were a work to behold with excellent presentation and selection. An interesting lemon/pistachio custard followed by a raspberry jam-stuffed concoction and some fruit dipped in the chocolate fountain rounded out this brunch adventure. The staff were attentive and friendly; presenting an un-rushed atmosphere with endless coffee, OJ, and sparkling wine.

Tony and Joe's

Mie N Yu

 

Snow Day

Mother Nature wasn't kidding this Sunday. Brunch was cancelled after some serious consideration. But with Bonnie trapped in Indian Head, not able to get home due to down trees and power lines, and Aaron trapped at home not able to get to Bonnie for the same reason, there really wasn't much we could do. I think we are going to try The Four Seasons Hotel next week. I am personally looking forward to the quiche selection and the raw bar.

Corcoran Gospel Brunch

The Cafe des Artistes is located in the Corcoran Gallery of Art at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in downtown Washington, DC. The cafe offers a light lunch menu from Wednesday through Saturday. On Sunday they present a Gospel Brunch Buffet starting at 1030. The cafe does not take reservations for parties under 6 people, so we were a little concerned about beating the crowd. Much to our relief, there was no stampede to the gospel on Super Bowl Sunday. I can't guarantee that you will not be faced with a crowd but the hostess did look at me funny when I asked if there was a waiting list, so I highly doubt it.

The brunch was very reasonably priced at $24.95 per person and that included two drinks. The Omelet Station was impressive with a wide selection of fillings and a very friendly chef. They even sautetee the fillings before adding the egg, which in my mind is the only way to go. Bonnie had a half of a fresh Belgian Waffle covered strawberries and whipped cream that looked delicious. The rest of the brunch buffet was unremarkable until you reached the dessert table. Another impressive selection of cakes, tarts, and other goodies to nibble. It wasn't chocolate fountain fun but we enjoyed it just the same.

Amanda was looking forward to joining us for this brunch but was unable to make it. Chris and Aaron on the other hand were relieved that they had a prior committment and would not be subjected to the entertainment. Regional gospel groups are scheduled to perform each Sunday, hence the title. Don't worry, if you are dying to see the True Believers, the all men group that performed today, they are scheduled to return on the 5th of March. Don't forget to sit at the far end of the hall. We were sitting close to the entrance and found that it was difficult to hear the group perform from so far away.

Ardeo

Unfortunately I was not able to make brunch with Bonnie today. I'm hoping that I will get some of the details second hand and be able to piece together a post. I did hear that pictures weren't great so we may be out of luck there.

Update: I spoke with Aaron a bit about the experience they had at Ardeo. From what I remember, it was unremarkable. In fact the thing I remember most was that Aaron was not impressed with the hamburger he ordered. Of course I would never even think of ordering a lunch sandwich at brunch but to each his own. The only other thing I have discovered is that it is located near the National Zooligical Park.

Georgia Brown's

Georgia Brown's was my first choice for a DC brunch when Bonnie first suggested that we start this tradition. It was suggested to me by an old college friend over a year ago but I hadn't got around to trying it out. The reason it is third on our list is that reservations are required a couple of weeks ahead of time. The restaurant is located at 950 15th Street NW between I and K Streets. Finding street parking at 1030 on a Sunday morning was easy but later in the day you might try taking the Metro to McPherson Square. Amanda and Scott were our dining companions for this adventure.

Welcome to Georgia Brown's Jazz Picnic Brunch, $29.95 per person (beverages not included), boasting low-country cuisine, gracious service and southern hospitality. The atmosphere was very comfortable but if not for the live jazz trio, the deep south would not have crossed my mind. The wait staff was very prompt to seat us, but we are the early crowd. Coffee was superb but not flowing quite fast enough for a caffeine glutton like me.

Brunch is served buffet style with a wide selection of fruits, salads, meats, and potatoes. Southern specialties such as Creamy Stone Milled Grits and biscuit Battered French Toast are a big hit. Egg omelets are prepared to order by a chef on the floor. I think the favorite feature of the buffet at our table was the chocolate fountain. Fruits, cakes, and marshmallows were available for dipping.

What more could anyone ask for in a brunch? How about lunch (or dinner) to go!! That's right, before leaving the restaurant be sure to order your entree from the menu so that you may relax for the remainder of your Sunday and not have to worry about cooking. I haven't checked in with my brunch companions, but my dinner of Pan-Seared Atlantic Salmon was delicious.

Hotel Tabard Inn

The mention of Freshly Fried Doughnuts drew us to The Tabard Inn for our second brunch outing. Iqbal joined us to round out our dining table and provide navigation assistance. There is little street parking outside of the hotel restaurant but valet parking is a convenient option for only $5. We arrived a little early and waited to be seated in a comfortable lounge warmed by a large real wood fireplace. Our brunch table was in the corner near the entrance to the outside patio dining area. We imagined it would be a wonderful setting in the spring. We were greeted promptly, served our beverages and muffins still warm from the oven as we looked over the menu.

Our Menu Selections:

COFFEE
Fresh orange juice
Apple juice

Appetizer
Tabard’s Own Freshly Fried Doughnuts

Entrees
Omelette with mushrooms, feta cheese, and basil – Bonnie and Alissa
Two Poached Eggs, home fries and hollandaise sauce - Iqbal
Smoked Salmon side

Brunch Menu