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dining out
Easter brunch options abound in San Diego
Published Thursday, 24-Mar-2005 in issue 900
Easter Sunday is the second most popular day of the year for going out to brunch, a day when restaurants typically enjoy a 30-percent increase in business. Mother’s Day ranks first, drawing in close to 15 percent more customers than Easter.
As a result, brunch-goers on Easter can generally obtain meal reservations on shorter notice and jostle less for their eggs benedict. Prices, too, tend to run a few dollars less compared to those annual brunch specials that honor mom.
But the big question remains – what restaurants offer the most sumptuous Easter brunches? Below is a list of favorite picks based on food, atmosphere and some rather unique and fun offerings.
The Rancho Bernardo Inn (17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo, 858-675-8550). Two separate Easter brunches will be held on the property complete with food stations that present a whole lot more than omelets and waffles. At the signature El Bizcocho restaurant, visitors will encounter ham-stuffed crepes with white wine sauce, country pâté with gherkins, seafood bouillabaisse as well as beef, lamb and all the breakfast favorites. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The cost is $54 per person and $20 for children 13 and under. The Bernardo Ballroom will offer an extended trod of goodies as well, such as imported cheeses, coconut-crusted chicken breast, baked eggplant and medallions of beef with pinot noir sauce.
Terra (Uptown District Shopping Center, Hillcrest, 619-293-7088). Chef Jeff Rossman will present an elegant three-course brunch that begins with mixed breakfast pastries and fruit soup followed by a tantalizing choice of main courses such as chilled coriander-crusted Alaskan halibut, bourbon-glazed ham, brisket and eggs, and more. The meal wraps up with a dessert duo of goat cheesecake and Crow’s Pass Farm strawberry shortcake. Vegetarian and children’s options are available. The cost is $29 per person and $12 for children ages 5 to 12.
The Marine Room (2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla, 858-459-7222). Rain or shine, the view is spectacular and the bill of fare is decidedly fresh and creative. Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver will unveil an Easter brunch replete with forest mushroom bread pudding, shaved fennel salad, lobster bisque, Kobe short ribs, leg of lamb rubbed in cardamom and much more. Additionally, sweet tooths can delight in a unique pastry board filled with almond bars, Frangelico hazelnut cake and Godiva chocolate torte. The cost is $42 per person. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Martinis Above Fourth (3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest, 619-400-4500). Looking for a little Hollywood nostalgia to go with your fruity waffles? In addition to an enhanced ala carte brunch menu, Martinis will show the 1948 movie classic Easter Parade, starring Judy Garland, at 12:00 noon. Patrons can also take part in a “grown-up” Easter egg hunt to win bar tabs, martini shakers and gift certificates. The menu includes everything from three-egg omelets and waffles to jumbo crab cakes and pesto chicken. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Entrees range from $6 to $13.
Hamburger Mary’s (308 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619-491-0400). Arrive to brunch wearing an Easter bonnet and you’ll receive drink discounts and a chance to win “brunch for two” if your bonnet is voted the best. The buffet will feature three hot entrées, plus omelet and French toast stations, fruits, cheeses and salads. Indoor and patio seating is available. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The cost is $16.95 per person.
Boathouse Restaurant (2040 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, 619-291-8011). Striking views of the downtown skyline and San Diego Bay enter into the equation when brunching at the Boathouse, which will offer a modified Easter brunch from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The ala carte menu features steak and scrambled eggs, seafood frittatas, eggs benedict and more. Starting at 11:00 a.m., the kitchen will make available prime rib, stuffed salmon and sautéed Mahi. Prices range from $9.95 to $22.95.
Green Tomato Restaurant (4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619-283-7546). Colorful flower centerpieces tailored for Easter will adorn the tables at Green Tomato, which offers two-for-one Bloody Marys and mimosas during this year’s holiday brunch. Menu items include Italian sausage omelets, mascarpone French toast, crab cakes benedict and the restaurant’s famous Green Tomato omelet. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Prices range from $8 to $12.
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