If you know me, you know I love Bill Murray. Love love love.
This weekend Eric and I popped over to the brand new eatery in town, Venkman’s. Named after Bill’s character in Ghostbusters. Because these people must be awesome.
They are. The brunch was fabulous.
PICS!
Big Ass Sticky Bun. Yes, that’s the name.
Duck hash. OMG.
Eric’s breakfast sammie with homemade sausage. Nom nom nom
Esteban took amazing care of us. We got there way late for brunch and they didn’t even try to kick us out. We kept ordering mimosas and they all smiled kindly and kept ’em coming.
Go – order everything and say hi to adorable Carrie at the hostess stand and Adam the badass sous chef. You’ll love it.
Brunch is my favorite meal. And since it really only makes sense two days out of the week, you can really make it special.
At our house, brunch can turn into a 7 hour affair that can become quite raucous. But we like that kind of thing.
What to serve? Champagne is a must. Cava and prosecco are perfectly budget conscious replacements. Just think bubbly. Then you can add orange juice for a mimosa, peach puree for a bellini and anything else that strikes your fancy. A bloody mary bar is always appreciated, too. Fill bowls with olives, onions, stalks of celery and let your guests build their own. Add worcestershire sauce as well as salt and pepper or hot sauce to top off the fun.
This is the time to break out your best everything – china, wine glasses, flatware, napkins. You can arrange some pretty flowers around the table, making sure not to create an arrangement that is so high your guests can’t see each other from across the table. Hydrangeas set in a pretty bowl would be nice this time of year.
Lovely hydrangeas
Next – what will you serve? I like to try and keep it simple, with a make ahead menu that will allow me to spend more time chatting with my guests instead of feeling like a slave in the kitchen. A few weeks ago, this is what we served for a group of 6:
Coffee Cake: Next time I make this (and I WILL make it again – it is so good) I will line the pan with aluminum foil so it overlaps the edges and I can lift the entire cake out. Not lining the pan caused the cake to stick to the bottom because it was so moist. I know, first world problems. I also made this the day before the party.
Chipotle Candied Bacon: I prepped two pans of the bacon, set on cookie racks sprayed with Pan and then wrapped them in plastic wrap and put them in the fridge the night before. The next morning, I took them out so they could come to room temperature and popped them in the oven with the casserole.
Hashbrown Casserole: Not sure what went wrong, but I’m thinking I didn’t cook it nearly enough as the potatoes weren’t particularly crunchy, which I would have liked. My guests were super polite and ate it anyway. Lol.
Brunch is such a fun and economical way to get friends together. If everyone brings a bottle of bubbly, your cost goes way down, while the fun stays waaaaay up. If you don’t bake, pick up a coffee cake or bagels from the store.
How about this for Dad? Does he love motorcycles? Harley Davidsons? This is for him.
Just like Peter Fonda in Five Easy Pieces!
Atlanta, GA (June 2011)- Looking for something fun to do with Dad to really show him how much he means to you? Come to Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta for a Father’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 19.
Remind Dad how important he is at the Father’s Day Brunch, where the normal Sunday Brunch menu has been altered to ensure Dad will get his favorite foods. There will be a buffet with two carving stations, mashed potatoes, delicious vegetables and tons of Dad’s favorite manly sides.
Father’s Day shifts into fifth gear as Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson in Conyers will be providing four motorcycles for the event just for Dad’s entertainment! Two motorcycles will be on display at Park 75, and with a valid motorcycle license and proper clothes [long sleeves, long pants and leather shoes], two of these Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be available for test drive with Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson’s Sales and Promotions Director Joseph “Guido” Cardillo.
If you think your dad deserves something special this Father’s Day, give him a unique day that he is sure to remember for years to come! Cost is $65 per person, including complimentary valet parking. For reservations, call (404) 253-3840 or visit www.OpenTable.com.
How are you feeling? Did you over indulge last night? Never fear, Caren West is here – with a great suggestion on where to drag your weary bones for a nourishing breakfast to start 2011 with.
BREAKFAST ALL DAY AT DIESEL FILLING STATION ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
Beginning at 11 a.m. on January 1, 2011, Diners Can Enjoy an Expanded Menu of Lunch and Brunch Items Day and Night
Begin 2011 with a hearty brunch at Diesel Filling Station in the Virginia-Highlands all day and night. On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2011, starting at 11 a.m. Diesel will serve a special “breakfast all day” menu featuring a diverse selection of its signature brunch and lunch items. The expanded menu includes the new Benedict Explosion – a bacon explosion topped with cream cheese on an english muffin, drizzled with honey and topped with a poached egg and hollandaise; and, favorites like the vegetarian biscuits and gravy made with veggie sausage; the popular Death Muffin; filet and eggs; french toast; make-your-own omelets and much more. Couples can also enjoy brunch for two for $25, which includes two brunch entrees and a choice of a Bloody Mary or mimosa pitcher or a bucket of tall boy beers. For diners in need of a little hair of the dog, Diesel will offer a variety of Bloody Marys including its signature Bloody Mary that is made using a secret recipe only owner Justin Haynie knows. Diesel’s New Year’s Day brunch menu is below.
Brunch for 2 $25
Choose 2 Brunch Items
$2 for Spankee & Filet
Choice of Bloody Mary or mimosa pitcher or a bucket of tall boy beers.
The Diesel $7
2 eggs any style, potatoes, grits, or fruit and choice of meat with toast, biscuit or english muffin.
Damn Yankee $9
Skillet potatoes, ham, bacon, grilled onions, cheddar cheese and a touch of maple syrup (trust me, nothing beats the taste sensation when maple syrup collides with ham) topped with 3 eggs over easy.
DAMN! Spankee $11
Damn Yankee ADD sausage, gravy, baked beans & a biscuit.
Biscuits & Gravy $7
2 Biscuits and (veggie) sausage gravy served with 2 eggs any style.
Eggs Benedict $9
Fried green tomato benedict with ham and spinach served with pots, grits, or fruit.
Superstition Sampler $6
Hoppin’ John (black eyed peas), collards, cabbage, corn beef & corn bread. Knock it all out it one dish!
“Make Your Own” Omelet $8
Fluffy omelet with choice of two ingredients and a cheese. Served with pots or grits & biscuit. Extra Topping .75¢.
French Toast $8
French toast with fresh fruit compote and two eggs any style.
Fried Egg BLT $7
Fried egg and bacon BLT with Cajun aioli served with potatoes, grits or fruit.
Filet & Eggs $12
Steak (med rare) and two eggs any style. Served with pots, grits, or fruit and a biscuit.
Loaded Bagel $4
Everything bagel with cream cheese, tomato and red onion.
Benedict Explosion $9
Bacon explosion topped with cream cheese on an english muffin drizzled with honey. Poached egg & hollandaise served with your choice pots, grits or fruit.
Death Muffin $6.66
Bacon explosion, topped with cheddar and a poached egg on an english muffin with a fruit compote spread and served with pots, grits or fruit.
Wings $10
Ten wings served HOT or Sweet Tequila with ranch & carrots and celery.
Three Pepper Hummus $8
Fresh hummus served with a platter of veggies and warm pita triangles.
Iceberg wedge with tomato, bacon & house made blue cheese.
Smoked Turkey Club $8
Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato & onion. topped with swiss & cajun aioli on sourdough.
Toasted Veggie Sub $9
Marinated portabella, roasted tomatoes & roasted red peppers with pesto & mozzarella.
BBQ Pork Sandwich $8
Slow cooked over a two-day process, homemade sauce and jicama slaw.
“Make Your Own” Burger $10
100% Angus beef patty with your choice of three toppings – additional toppings 75¢.
*Black bean Patty upon request.
“Make Your Own” Chicken Sandwich $10
Grilled or blackened chicken breast with your choice of 3 toppings – additional toppings 75¢
“Make Your Own” Dog $9
1/3 pound all beef hot dog with all the toppings you want or get it Chicago-style with peppers, tomato, onion, pickle, disco relish, celery salt & mustard.
SIDES
Biscuit, eng. muffin or toast $1
2 eggs $2
Link Sausage $2
Veggie Sausage $2
Applewood Smoked Bacon $2
Black Forest Ham $2
Gravy (Veggie Sausage) $1
Grits $2
Home Fries $3
Fresh Fruit $3
Hollandaise $1
Cream Cheese $1
Grilled Tomatoes $2
Beans $2
Bagel & Cream Cheese $2
Cheese $.50
Cucumber $3
BLOODY MENU
Beer Goggles $5
Fris Vodka shot, tomato juice back.
Diesel Bloody Mary $7
Infused BAKON Vodka, house blend of spices, splash of Zing-Zang rimmed with spicy salt.
Pitcher $20
Gentleman’s Mary $9
Hendricks Gin, red wine, house mix. Sopshitication in a cup!
New Year Special $11
“Double Down” – 20 oz. onfused BAKON Vodka double, house blend of spices, splash zing-zang, rimmed with spicy salt and all the appropriate toppings.
This is the Bloody Mary of the GODS!
Mimosa $5
Bubbly & OJ, the perfect hangover cure.
Pitcher $15
I don’t know about you, but that’s making me HUNGRY! Yummy!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Supertramp – Breakfast in America
Yesterday we talked about running away to Palm Beach for Thanksgiving. Today, let me tell you what my special buddy Chef Matt Murphy and our dear friend Char Thian have planned for you in New Orleans.
The gorgeous lobby. Say hi to Concierge Rudy for me!
Your children will be thrilled. You can sip bubbly and they can pet a goat in the glamorous courtyard. Afterwards, savor gourmet specialties handcrafted by Chef Matt, Chef Bradley and Chef Johnny. Save room, because Chef Thomas is creating some amazing delicious desserts that you just cannot refuse. These guys are the best at what they do. When you are finished with your meal, take a walk down to the river to work off some of those calories, because at dinner you can return for more!
Chef Matt and me, during his Atlanta visit.
At 6 p.m., let M Bistro treat you to a five course meal executed in perfect style by Chef Matt. You won’t even have to leave to work off that extra piece of pie. Jeremy Davenport is in the house for your dancing and listening pleasure. If you book soon enough, you might be able to snag one of the plush cheater’s booths for you and your loved ones. I am not kidding when I say that my meal this past summer in the hands of Chef Matt was one of the very best of my life. He and his staff are incredible and you will be wowed, without a doubt. Pinky swear.
Done dining and dancing? Just stroll out to the lobby, push the elevator button and retire to your oh-so-comfy room for the night.
Mmmmm, just thinking of the meals at M Bistro makes me want to jump in the car and drive the 6 hours it takes from Atlanta, just to eat their cooking.
Go. Don’t hesitate. Make your reservations now.
(504) 670-2828 or no_restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Harry Connick Jr. – Recipe for Love
From yesterday’s post you know that Sunday was fashion day. It ended with Victor’s fashion advice, but started with some lovely bags at a “Sip and See” hosted by my friend Tami at Talking With Tami. Tami always gives the most fun parties and since I had missed a few of them, I decided I could not miss this chance to see her at brunch, hosted by Parker’s On Ponce in Decatur.
We all gathered to fete Tami’s friend Lori, CEO of Mocha Moon, makers of lovely travel bags and totes. And you know I love a tote.
And brunch. How I love brunch. There were yummy mini quiches, luscious pastries and some of the most decadent whipped cream coffee I have ever had. Also super tempting was the sparkling pink lemonade (and if you know Tami, everything has to be pinktastic – and it was!)
As always, I met some of the most remarkable women. Dang, we have a lot of fab folk in Atlanta!
Have you ever met folks and just knew you all would be great friends? My new friend Victor is one of those folks. Victor is an image consultant and just the loveliest person. Our mutual friend Elizabeth introduced us and on Sunday we all met at Victor’s house for brunch. His house is one of those wonderful places you immediately feel at ease and could stay for hours.
Carrie, Samantha, Miranda or Charlotte – which Sex And The City girl do you most identify with? I like to think I’m a healthy mix of all four, but that might just be me deluding myself. But I am a huge fan of the show and with the movie sequel set to open May 27th, I am so excited to see what the ladies are up to next.
And like all good SATC devotees, I plan on gathering my most fabulous coterie of gorg girlfriends together to view the flick. Of course, brunch prior to the screening is de rigueur. No place else but the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead will do. The amazing and incredibly stylish Sandra Ryder, Area Director of Public Relations for the Ritz-Carlton (whom I met while visiting Lumen last year with Tami), has arranged the perfect afternoon with your girls prior to the movie.
