Wednesday, October 14, 2009

How To Brunch


You've set the time aside. You've chosen the resto. You've even booked the table. You're about to brunch. Welcome, dear friend, to the single most fabulous meal there is or will ever be.


When setting out on this big adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1- Your budget
2- Your culinary tastes
3- Your outfit

Other than that, however, all one must worry about is having a wonderful time dining with friends. Nothing goes together so well as a good meal and good company. So, whether you're meeting for this mid-morning meal to dish the details on a certain someone, to catch up with a good friend, or simply to revel in your own glamour, tuck in and enjoy, while keeping some of these tips in mind.


1- Money
A touchy subject as usual, but always worth addressing so that you can a) have some for later and b) feel good about the way you're spending it. Choose a brunch spot that fits your wallet - you don't want to be seated only to have that awful feeling of being in over your head wash over you as soon as you crack open the menu. Google brunch spots in your neighbourhood, and their sites will usually include a menu link.
If the menu says "Sunday Brunch," you can usually expect it to be a little pricier, just because of the lovely tradition that goes along with the specifically Sunday brunch.



2- Your culinary tastes
As with before, you can always rustle up a menu on Google to check out your options before you go. But if you're an anything-goes kinda gal, head off to your chosen destination without fear. When the menu comes around, however, there are still a couple tips to be had. Depending on when you choose to dine, you will have varying levels of hunger pangs. Typically, one does not eat before brunch, but if you've left it quite late and happened to have munched on a small something to appease your stomach, you might not require an inordinate amount of food. To keep it classic, always order a mimosa. This is the brunch cocktail - three parts champagne, two parts chilled OJ - mmmmmm. Eggs benny are always a good call (That's Eggs Benedict - poached eggs on english muffins and a slice of ham or bacon, or sometimes even smoked salmon, topped with hollandaise sauce) and of course there's French Toast for all you sweet tooths. Of course, it's your meal, it's your money - order what you like. But unless you're allergic to citrus, a mimosa is just polite.


3- Your Outfit
Dictated as always by inumerable factors, this is up for debate. You're going to look good, of course, but you have to think about your company, your venue, whether or not it's a special occasion, etc, etc, etc. Blair Waldof-esque outfits are purrrrfect for society bashes, next-morning wedding party brunches, Christmas or Easter throwdowns, etc. Think bows, lace, cream-coloured garments and nicely pressed anything. If it's a more casual event - like brunch with pals, a roll-outta-bed-get-me-some-food-type ordeal - throw a neat blazer over a flouncy shirt or sweater with a slim-fitting pair of trousers and boots. Because it's morning, it's nice to remind people of the sweetness of said time of day, so mimick those rays of sunshine with light colours and lovely little touches of silk or ribbon. Parfait.

Happy Brunching!

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