Best Brunch for Your Brat Pack
Cafe on the Green
Four Seasons Resort and Club, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. 972-717-2420
This is the perfect compromise for your next family outing. Executive chef Christof Syré’s fare is upscale enough for the pickiest palate: ceviche, roast pork, and exotic cheeses; and kiddies get a pint-size buffet, featuring such childhood faves as fish sticks, mac and cheese, and pizza. In fact, the children’s buffet is so tempting, you might consider lying about your age. Again.
Runner-up:
Dream Cafe
2800 Routh St. 214-954-0486
The restaurant’s front yard is a rollicking playground, and the infamous Cloud Cakes—fluffy ricotta pancakes—are heavenly.
Best Egg Substitute
Ziziki’s
4515 Travis St., Ste. 122. 214-521-2233
15707 Coit Rd., Richardson. 972-991-4433
Tired of all things scrambled? Then try Ziziki’s Sunday brunch, an olive oil-dripping orgy of Greek flavors. On the menu you’re apt to find sunny Mediterranean standbys like artichoke dip and pita bread, roasted leg of lamb, and flaky spanakopita. Yes, that last one—a savory phyllo crust stuffed with spinach and feta—has eggs in it. But it sure beats the sunny-side-up alternative.
Runner-up:
Arc-en-Ciel
3555 W. Walnut St., Ste. W, Garland. 972-272-2188
And now for something completely different. This Asian favorite is renowned for its dim sum: small, mouth-watering dishes, such as dumplings, shrimp balls, and steamed buns. Half the time you won’t know what you’re eating, but it makes for one adventurous and tasty Sunday meal.
Best Southern Comfort
Rooster
3521 Oak Grove Rd. 214-521-1234
Though Rooster’s homey vibe is as genteel as the Deep South, chef Jorge Cruz’s creations are snappy. The andouille omelet with cheddar cheese grits is a house favorite. And no Southern-inspired menu would be complete without something drenched in cream gravy, such as Rooster’s spicy chicken-fried chicken. Put out the fire with a homemade Bloody Mary with Creole pickled okra. After a few of those, your drawl will be as thick as Mississippi mud.
Runner-up:
Allgood Cafe
2934 Main St. 214-742-5362
The laid-back Austin charm is always welcoming, as are the generous helpings of biscuits and gravy, buttermilk pancakes, and peppered bacon.
Best Brunch Buffet
Blue Mesa Grill
7700 W. Northwest Hwy., Ste. 740. 214-378-8686, Multiple locations
If you want some bang for your buck, then this chipotle chow more than satisfies. For a mere $14.95 per person, diners can feast on blue corn cheese enchiladas, huevos rancheros, Belgian waffles, and Blue Mesa’s famous guacamole. The price also
covers unlimited champagne and mimosas. Designated driver not included.
Runner-up:
Saffron House
5100 Belt Line Rd., Addison 972-239-1800
The jewel-tone décor of this lovely Indian spot is almost as yummy as its fragrant buffet, featuring nutty curries and crispy pakoras. Choices are
limited, but quality is high.
Best Latin Brunch
La Duni
4620 McKinney Ave. 214-520-7300
Prepare yourself for olfactory overload: spicy peppered beef; robust Latin American coffee; and, best of all, the sugary scent of pastry chef Dunia Borga’s breakfast breads and sweets. For $4.75, you can indulge in your choice of three fresh-baked goodies: guava and cheese pastries, flaky popovers, orange brioche, and others. If that isn’t enough, we have four words for you: rum banana nut waffles.
Runner-up:
Ciudad
3888 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-219-3141
Forget breakfast tacos. Try a breakfast relleno: an egg-battered, cheese-filled chalaca chili served with scrambled eggs, apple-smoked bacon, and
roasted potatoes. Sundays should always be this spicy.
Best Urban Splendor
Standard 2706
2706 Elm St. 214-939-1444
Though its name infers otherwise, there’s nothing pedestrian about this cool Deep Ellum haunt. Chef/owner Timothy Byres’ fare is sophisticated (broiled grapefruit with palm sugar and wildflower honey) and substantial (braised beef short rib-and-potato hash). Gourmet flairs abound: vanilla-poached apricots, goat cheese potato cakes, and the like. This food is hardly standard.
Runner-up:
Parigi
3311 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-521-0295
The artsy Oak Lawn cafe is a sublime place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Egg dishes, crispy pizzas, and pastas are superb, and there’s always something sweet on the menu. Keep an eye out for the berry-and-cream-cheese-stuffed French toast.
