sunday brunches on long narrow tables require much drink shuffling, but it's more than worth it. once again we toed the line between just enough mimosas and way too many mimosas.

It all comes down to BRUNCH

BRUNCH IT. BRUNCH IT GOOD.

http://www.sheckys.com/newyorkcity/nightlife/articles/bottomless_brunch_boogie_7118.asp?fc_c=1924166x4638723x352991904

The best things start with a B

Hallelujah!

So I was just in austin for a few days, and while I stayed pretty busy wandering aimlessly about the city, I did manage to make time for the sacred Sunday custom of brunch.

Stubbs is an austin institution, respected for it's live music and southern cuisine. In this tradition, they offer a BBQ gospel brunch, serving up the lord's tunes alongside an all-you-can-eat buffet.


The food was hearty, the band was heartful, and the make-your-own-bloody mary bar was the answer to all my prayers.

this afternoon, eLs and i tried the lower east side hotspot essex.

first of all, i need to recommend that no one ever try to go to this place without making reservations. fortunately we had them for 2:30, and were seated by about 2:45 (after enduring a lot of 'excuse me' and 'can i get through here?' due to the very narrow space between the entrance and the check-in). although waiting was difficult, we were seated upstairs where it seemed like the service was more easy-going than the ridiculously crowded downstairs.

i've always had reservations about this place because of its brunch special. it is $16 for a meal and three drinks (mimosas, screwdrivers, or bloody marys). it seemed to me that such a place could not possibly offer quality food, as its main draw was obviously its price and drink special.

i was wrong. i had the three eggs any way (scrambled) with tempeh bacon, fruit, mixed greens, and home fries. the tempeh bacon in and of itself was enough to change my mind - long strips of tempeh seasoned perfectly to match the delicious scrambled eggs and greens. paired with the delicious bread-type appetizer we were given (still not sure exactly what it was), it was an unbelievably delicious brunch.

paired with a walk up to union square, and an unsuccessful stint at shopping, essex is an excellent way to start the day.