Easter Brunch, Anyone?
Can't roast a lamb at home? Grocery store sold out of ham? Joonbug's got you covered with some of the most sumptuous Easter brunches in South Florida
blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com
There is no holiday more closely associated with brunch in my mind (except for maybe Mother’s Day) than Easter.  It always lands on a sunday - the traditional brunch day - and the weather is sunny without it yet reaching the hot-as-you-know-what temperatures of a South Florida summer, which makes Easter Sunday a great day to take advantage of our al fresco dining opportunities.  South Florida having its distinct Latin flavor, those seeking Easter brunch locales will definitely have the option of adding a little sazón to their baked ham and Eggs Benedict, with restaurants adding their own tropical spins on Easter classics, as well as offering traditional Latin American Easter specialties.  Additionally, our veritable wealth of authentic and regional Italian restaurants will also be offering their traditional Easter banquets.  Here are a few of Joonbug’s picks for Easter brunch in South Florida.

Rusty Pelican

The Rusty Pelican has always been one of my favorite locations for Sunday brunches, regardless of the time of year, because of its extensive spread and its unparalleled views.  With its recent renovation, this Key Biscayne landmark has not only received a design facelift, but a culinary one, as well.  Their traditional buffet stations will be present, but the restaurant will also be presenting “brunchers” with some more innovative dishes, such as ancho chile rubbed prime rib or fresh scallop and passion fruit tiradito.  $75 per adult, $32 per child.  The brunch is by reservation only and will be offered from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.  (305) 361-3818 ext 207. www.therustypelican.com/rustypelicanmiami

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana

Lincoln Road’s pinnacle of traditional and inventive Piedmontese dining will be offering several traditional, and not-so-traditional, Easter and Easter-inspired dishes as part of their à la carte menu to help diners usher in a “buona Pasqua”.  Specials will include a very traditional torta pasqualina con fonduta al aschera, a traditional savory Easter tart with baby spinach, buffalo ricotta and herbs ($16), as well as an oven-roasted leg of lamb with rosemary-scented fingerling potatoes and baby rainbow carrot ($34).  For a pasta, try artichoke ravioli with a saffron parmesan sauce ($19). Don’t miss out on dessert with colombe pasquale alle mandorle con gelato al miele, a traditional Easter cake with almonds served with a scoop of honey gelato ($12).  1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 33139.  (305) 531-4833.  www.quattromiami.com

The Dutch

Too busy sleeping in to make it out in time for brunch?  No worries! One of Miami Beach’s hottest new residents, The Dutch, specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, will be serving up à la carte Easter dinner specials alongside their raved-about rustic American menu items.  Sample such spring-inspired dishes as asparagus with a sunny side up Lake Meadows farm egg and mustard glazed pork belly ($18) or a plate of crispy soft shell crab with pickled spring ramps and crushed potatoes ($27).  Desserts promise to offer chef Andrew Carmellini’s signature blend of the familiar and the novel with items like a rosemary nectarine pie with candied peanuts and honey ice cream ($12) or warm sour cherries with crunchy meringue and lemon-lime sorbet ($12).  Dinner served from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM.  The Dutch is located inside W South Beach at 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 33139.  (305) 938-3111.  www.thedutchmiami.com

Fontainebleau Resort

A trip to the Fontainebleau any time of the year is guaranteed to provide anyone with an unforgettable meal at one of its many restaurants.  My personal favorite, Scarpetta, will be offering an Italian-inspired Easter brunch buffet with endless bloody marys, bellinis, and mimosas.  The pasta station will feature Scarpetta’s famous spaghetti with tomato and basil, as well as duck and foie gras ravioli, marsala reduction cavatelli, and short rib ragù.  Also, do not miss the creamy polenta with fricassee of truffled mushrooms.  At $75 per person ($37.50 per child) this is an excellent opportunity to sample unlimited quantities of Scarpetta’s unforgettable Italian cuisine - perhaps the best in South Florida.  Vida will also be offering an expansive Easter Day brunch for $59 per person ($37.50 per child) which will include many traditional Easter brunch dishes with a few contemporary twists, including the very unique sushi from its next door neighbor, Blade Sushi and Raw Bar.  Be sure not to miss such specialties as lobster mac and cheese, five spiced duck breast, lavender honey mustard salmon, cheeses, charcuterie, and four (yes, four; as in 1,2,3,4) separate dessert stations, including one with homemade candies, chocolates, and even lollipops!  4441 Collins Avenue  Miami Beach, 33140. (305) 538-2000.  www.fontainebleau.com

Asia de Cuba

For a typically Miamian East meets West Easter Sunday experience, head on over to Asia de Cuba, located inside the whimsically-appointed Mondrian South Beach.  For $68 per person, indulge in bottomless mimosas, as well as a whole suckling pig cooked Cuban style inside the caja china, a method for roasting pork that was invented in Miami.  Also enjoy Asia de Cuba’s selection of ceviches, sushis, Asian-inspired noodle dishes, and traditional brunch buffet offerings. 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach 33139. (305) 514-4955. www.mondrian-miami.com

DB Bistro Moderne

Chef Daniel Boulud is one of my favorite chefs, and I’m so glad to have one of his restaurants in Miami.  On Easter Sunday, expect a buffet of French-inspired takes on traditional brunch fare demonstrating Chef Boulud’s impeccable culinary training and unique perspective.  In addition to the buffet, each table will be offered a db Burger to share - one of the most inventive and luxurious hamburgers you will ever ingest, consisting of a ground sirloin exterior with a stuffing of red wine braised shortribs, foie gras, a mirepoix of root vegetables and preserved black truffle.  $68 per person.  225 Biscayne Boulevard Way.  (305) 432-8800.  www.danielnyc.com

Miami Shores Country Club

If you’re longing for a touch of class and a glimpse into the elite, top-drawer lifestyle of a bygone era in South Florida, Miami Shores Country club has the Easter brunch for you!  Expect all the usual suspects at this classic Miami institution, such as eggs benedict, prime rib, and baked salmon, along with white-gloved maitre d’s and stiff-haired, old money matrons with their jaw-clenching preppy children.  The food is very good, surprisingly affordable, there is no country club membership required, and the experience is different and quite entertaining.  10000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores 33138.  (305) 795-2360.  www.miamishoresgolf.com

94th Aero Squadron

Ever since I was a kid, I always wondered about the barnyard-looking building jutting right up next to Miami International Airport’s runway.  Fortunately, I had the opportunity to feed my curiosity at one of their famous sunday brunches.  The 94th Aero Squadron (or El Escuadron, as it’s known by some Miami natives), is another one of those South Florida institutions.  Along with typical Sunday brunch fare, expect to find Cuban-style roast pork, sweet plantains, arroz congrí, and paella this Easter while having an unmatched view of airplanes taking off and landing.  There are even complimentary headphones to listen in on the control tower commands...perfect for the younger members of your party (or the young at heart)!  1395 North Red Road, Miami 33126. (305) 261-4220.  www.94thmiami.com

B Ocean Fort Lauderdale

Housing one of Broward County’s finest Asian restaurants, SAIA, the B Ocean has become a beacon of style, elegance, and excellent food and drinks on Fort Lauderdale Beach.  On Easter Sunday, enjoy a brunch at the hotel’s Penthouse Ballroom with spectacular views of Fort Lauderdale and the Atlantic ocean.  Cheeses, charcuterie, carving stations, and omelets are expected, as well as SAIA’s incomparable sushi and seafood creations.  $47 per person (children $20).  Served from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale 33304.  (954) 302-5208.  www.BOceanFortLauderdale.com