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.