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Eat Beat

Every couple of years I make a terrible dining mistake.

I wake up on a sunny, spring Sunday morning craving some brunch grub from one of my favorite local eateries. In my hunger and leisurely weekend mindset, I barely notice the throngs of pastel-clad ladies standing on usually empty church lawns. I don't even really register the miles of cars parked in no-parking zones or turning second driving lanes into parking lots. It's not until I actually walk inside the restaurant that I realize my mistake.

It's Easter Sunday and that means that Sunday brunch is not just a weekend dining treat, it's a religious ritual on par with church attendance itself for most Richmonders. And if I want a table, I should have planned ahead.

Easter Sunday is one of the biggest dining days of the year. And in celebration, some of Richmond's hottest restaurants create special menus, expand their hours and offer other treats to tempt diners to come in. All you have to do is make the reservation.

Bottega Bistro : Bottega is the destination dining for Southsiders. Regulars used to flock to its Sunday brunch buffet and were sad to see it go. But in honor of Easter, it's back. The buffet options include prime rib, crab dip, scrambled eggs, sausage, hickory smoked bacon, muffins, bagels, a dessert assortment and Belgian waffles. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $24.99 per person, $11.99 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended; call 804-379-9899.

The Dining Room at The Berkeley Hotel : The Berkelely has put together an extra special three-course prix fixe Easter brunch menu. It starts with appetizer choices such as baked brie with red peppers and Italian sausage wrapped in phyllo or fried tomato and crab cake napoleon. The entrée choices include deep-dish seafood supreme quiche, rockfish wrapped in apple wood smoked bacon and pork tenderloin omelet with asparagus, tomatoes and mushrooms. And it all ends with one of three delicious desserts. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $42 per person, $21 for children 10 and under. Complimentary valet parking is included. Reservations are required; call 804-780-1300.

The Glen Restaurant at Virginia Crossings Resort : The Easter brunch buffet at The Glen is a sight to behold. It includes imported and domestic cheeses, prime rub, maple-glazed ham, red snapper, scrambled eggs and stations devoted to crepes and Belgium waffles. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $38.95 per person, $19.50 for children six to 11 and children five and under eat free. Reservations are recommended; call 804-727-1480.

The Melting Pot: The West End's favorite home for fondue is offering a special Family Friendly Four-Course Fondue menu for Easter. It starts with cheese fondue, with choices like cheddar, Swiss and Wisconsin trio, followed by a salad. Next up is the entrée: beef tenderloin, white shrimp, teriyaki-marinated sirloin, chicken and gourmet ravioli. Of course, the best part is the chocolate fondue dessert, with a choice from 10 types of chocolates and a selection of cakes, brownies, marshmallows and fruit for dipping. The full menu will also be available. Family Friendly Fondue is served from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. $25 per person, $18 for children seven or younger. Reservations are recommended; call 804-741-3120.

Michelle's at Hanover Tavern : When it comes to scenery, few Richmond restaurants have Michelle's beat. The same is true of the tavern's holiday brunch buffets. Items include herb-crusted leg of lamb, glazed Virginia ham, smoked salmon, roasted chicken, soft scrambled egg, white cheddar and roasted garlic grits and plenty of desserts. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $26.95 per person, $12.95 for children. Reservations are recommended; call 804-537-5250.

Sheraton Richmond West : A relaxing brunch of the Sheraton Richmond West is a great way to celebrate Easter. Its buffet includes delicious items such as scrambled eggs with chives and cheddar cheese, selections from the omelet and waffle stations, spiced peel and eat shrimp and assorted desserts. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $37 per person, $32 for seniors, $17 for children six to 12 and children five and under eat free. Reservations are recommended; call 804-281-5986.

Six Burner Restaurant : An upscale three-course prix fixe brunch from one of Richmond's hottest restaurant is a great way to celebrate Easter. It starts with a choice of cold pea soup, roasted beets, pickled onion and mixed greens or an onion custard tart. The entrée choices are roasted chicken, grilled flank steak or sautéed salmon. For dessert it's a choice of cocoa panna cotta or banana tapioca. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $21.95 per person. Reservations are recommended; call 804-353-4060.

Strawberry Street Café : Of course, Easter brunch isn't the only thing going on this Sunday. The Easter parade will be in full swing too. And Strawberry Street Café puts you right in the thick of things. Its brunch buffet will be stocked with breakfast favorites like sausage, eggs and fresh fruit and pastries for just $10.95. Other brunch entrees are also available. Brunch entrees range from $5.95 to $11.95. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are accepted; call 804-353-6860.

Tobacco Company : Tobacco Company is always a brunch favorite. Its Easter brunch menu includes the southern breakfast platter ($9.95), meatloaf with wild mushroom sauce ($9.95), southern-style eggs Benedict ($10.95), crab cake and scrambled eggs ($12.95), French toast ($8.95) and herb-roasted pork loin ($22.95). Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are accepted; call 804-782-9555.