The Bitches' Easter Brunch Guide

The Bitches and I have taken turns guest posting on each others blogs.  I shared my Skillet Fried Potatoes brunch recipe and they shared their Easter Guide.  If I didn't already have plans to hit up the Virginia wineries on Sunday, I would be testing out some of their recommendations.

By: Becca and Cori Sue, Bitches Who Brunch

We know it's hard to fathom that it's already Easter and Passover weekend. But in your disbelief, try not to procrastinate on your Sunday brunch reservations; places are already filling up.

Here are our suggestions for a lovely holiday brunch in Washington, in handy-dandy alphabetical order even (Hint: Forget egg dying, try mimosa-dying).

Blue Duck Tavern

The newly appointed chef Sebastien Archambault is bringing new seasonal, American classics to the restaurant’s Easter menu. The three-course, fixed-price menu begins with a choice of starters, including seasonal salads, meats, breads and cheeses, on display in the open kitchen. Next up, guests will have a choice of entrée and sides from the holiday menu, such as duck confit, leg of lamb, veal paillard, and others. Then, seasonal desserts from the pantry (how ‘bout pears poached in prosecco? Yes, please). $90 for adults; $42.50 for kids; under six years old free. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Co Co. Sala

Indulge in the D.C. chocolate heaven’s multi-course Chocolate & Champagne Brunch. They’ll have an amazing Easter dessert display, a champagne cocktail for grown-ups, and a chocolate surprise for kids from the Co Co. Sala Bunny. Executive Chef Santosh Tiptur will serve up dishes such as French Toast S'mores, Breakfast Flatbread, Crispy Creole Crab Cake, and Grown-Up Grilled Cheese with truffle-scented brioche. $60 for adults; $30 for kids under 10. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

The Hay-Adams

Go Old Washington with an Easter Brunch Package. Stay overnight and enjoy the Easter Sunday champagne brunch on the Top of the Hay for two—complete with a spectacular view, of course. Also included, a special White House chocolate amenity and a late check-out at 3 p.m. The brunch menu itself has been designed to be shared and will be served per table family-style. There will be a children’s Easter egg hunt on the hotel lawn at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $65 for adults; $35 for kids up to 12. Children three and under free. 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mon Ami Gabi

The Hay too fancy for you? If you’re in Bethesda, head to this neighborhood spot for a Mary from its elaborate Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar. Have your heart set on waffles for brunch? Try the Waffle Banana’s Foster or the oh-so-European Waffle with Hazelnut and Cocoa Nutella. Or maybe you’ll just want the Ham and Cheese Crepe or the classic Quiche Lorraine. No crazy prix-fixes or Sunday best here. Kids even get a Mon Ami Gabi Easter basket full of their favorite treats. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two locations: Bethesda and Reston.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

If fewer eggs, more seafood is your mantra, then head to this 14th Street brunch spot, which will be offering up a New Orleans-inspired feast on Easter Sunday. Executive Chef Danny Wells’ Easter menu will feature fresh, sustainable seafood, of course, with standouts like the Stuffed Brioche “French Toast” with chocolate Frangelico ganache and candied hazelnuts. Also on the docket, the Fried Chicken Dinner, Wood Grilled Redfish, Pontchartrain, as well as Texas Gulf Shrimp Remoulade with shrimp salad, grilled romaine heart and brioche Texas toast. A la carte. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ping Pong Dim Sum

Finally—a bottomless deal on Easter; and a fun one at that. Ping Pong answered our prayers with $25 all-you-can-eat dim sum and $15 bottomless mimosas. Better yet, show up in your PJs or a bunny costume and you’ll get an extra 15 percent off. In a grown-up twist on the day, the restaurant will be hosting mimosa-dying parties, with table-side mimosa bars where guests can color their own cocktails. Too much fun! Two locations: Chinatown and Dupont Circle.

 

Policy

Policy is also (blissfully) offering all-you-can-drink mimosas on Easter. They’ll be serving up specials along with their great signature brunch items such as coconut pancakes, Mexican chorizo and egg skillet, crab and eggs Benedict, and more. Don’t miss the spring lamb hash and sunny-side up eggs—plus a Green Eggs & Easter Roasted Ham. The brunch cocktails there are not to be missed, including our two top choices: the spiked Japanese iced coffee and the house Bloody with Policy’s own blend of fresh juiced vegetables and spices. Delish. A la carte.

Ris

Our favorite chef Ris is celebrating Easter with a hand-picked menu. It will feature an Easter salmon sampler, Easter ham wellington with gruyere potatoes, pan-roasted asparagus, glazed carrots and mustard sauce, and a roasted rack of lamb. Guests can also enjoy Easter cookies, hot cross buns (how delightful), colored eggs, and candy. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Station 4

Not brunch, but a great Easter dinner deal: Head to Southwest for a three-course, pre-fixe menu at $38 per person, from 5 to 11 p.m. Chef Orlando Amaro will be preparing seasonal appetizers and entrées, such as Rockfish Crudo, Roasted Leg of Lamb, Spring Vegetables Casserole, Prosciutto Wrapped Shad Roe, and more. To complete the meal, Carrot Cake or Cherry Essence Chocolate Lava Cake with Coconut Sorbet. Yum.

Virtue Feed & Grain

Our favorite Old Town pajama brunch gets a little fancier for the holiday, offering special holiday cocktails in addition to its Irish breakfast, quiche Lorraine, and eggs Benedict. Try the Church Tea, Honey Bunny's Michelada, or Toigo Orchards Bloody Hell. If you find one of the lucky golden eggs planted throughout the restaurant, you win a gift card to its neighborhood and sister joint, Restaurant Eve.