Eat Beat: Easter Brunch

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 blatantly parked in no-parking zones or turning second driving lanes into full-fledged 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 dining destination 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 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $16 per person, $7 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended; call 804-379-9899.

The Dining Room at the Berkeley Hotel: The Berkeley is offering a fabulous four-course prix-fixe meal. First Course: Oyster Bruschetta; Ham Crisp or soup. Second Course: Fresh mesculin field greens. Third Course: Seafood Pasta, Herb Crusted Rubbed Lamb, Berkeley Bistro Steak, Seasoned Pork Loin or Rockfish. Fourth Course: Chocolate Waffle, Cheesecake or Coconut Cake. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $42 per person, $21 for children under 11. Reservations are recommended; call 804-537-5250.

The Glen Restaurant at Wyndham Virginia Crossings: The Easter brunch buffet at The Glen is a sight to behold. It includes prime rub, pepper jelly-glazed ham, salmon, scrambled eggs, crepes and Belgium waffles. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $42.95 for adults, $19.50 for children 6 to 11 years. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Reservations are required; call 804-727-1480.

The Jefferson: Get real. That brunch has been booked up longer than you’ve been alive. Still, you can call to get on the waiting list. Call (804) 649-4677.

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 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.

Six Burner Restaurant: Looking for something a little different this Easter brunch? Then head over to Six Burner for a gourmet meal that’s sure to please. Split pea and surry ham soup, steamed mussels, buttermilk biscuits with slow cooked eggs and sausage gravy, chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans, gnocchi with wild mushrooms, white asparagus and slow cooked eggs and much, much more. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Prices range from $6.95 to $12.95. 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 $6.95 to $12.95. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are accepted; call 804-353-6860.

Texas de Brazil: Enjoy a Brazilian-style brunch at Texas de Brazil. The brunch menu includes lamb, steak, and extensive salad choices as well as scrambled eggs, fruit salad, pastries and more. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $34.99 per person. Reservations are recommended; call 804-750-2003.

The Tobacco Company: Tobacco Company is always a brunch favorite. Its Easter brunch menu includes omelet du Jour, Chesapeake Benedict, sandwiches, salads, entrees and more. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prices range from $6.95 to $12.95. Reservations are accepted; call 804-782-9555.

Trevi’s at The Omni Hotel: The Easter Brunch Buffet at Trevi’s is a sight to behold. Crab Imperial Egg Omelet, Chicken Roulade, Coconut Tilapia, Spiral Ham, Beef Loin, seafood, a crepe station, two carving stations and a “Sensational Easter Dessert Station Extravaganza,” to name a few. Throw in the Easter Bunny (who will available for family photo ops), an ice sculpture, and live music and you’ve got yourself a five-star Easter brunch experience. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors, $14.95 for children 6 to 12 years. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Reservations are recommended; call 804-344-7000.

Did we miss your brunch menu? Just send an email to kpeifer@richmond.com and we'll add it to the list. And, readers, be sure to check back as we’ll be updated this list as new brunches come in.