Ahhh Easter, a pastel-colored day filled with stale marshmallow candy, uncomfortable clothing, hard-boiled eggs and magical hares. And when the Easter Bunny comes to town, many of us go out to eat. So many, in fact, that Easter Sunday is currently the second most popular day for dining out (Mother's Day is numero uno). In honor of the occasion, we've listed ten locations hoping to knock your Peeps off with special holiday-themed Easter brunch menus.
III Forks For those seeking a heartier selection than omelets and sandwiches, the Dallas-based chain restaurant, located in the Pavilions, is offering a protein-packed three-course "Easter Celebration." The prix-fixed menu includes a selection of soup or salad, 6-ounce filet and Gulf Brown Shrimp, Pecan Crusted Atlantic Salmon, or Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Roasted Pepper Sauce, capped off with Chocolate Ganache, Mandarin Orange Cake, or Cheesecake. $42.95 per person. For reservations, click here or call 713-658-9457.
51 Fifteen Break the Lenten fast in high style at 51 Fifteen, located on the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria. The "fashionably haute" restaurant will feature a truly indulgent (and pricy) brunch menu with Lobster and Egg Tacos, Grilled New York Angus Steak & Huevos Rancheros, and Chef Silva's Vodka Cured Smoked Salmon Omelet, to name a few. Chanel suit and oversize hat recommended, but not required. Huge, face obscuring sunglasses a must. Reservations, 713-963-8067.
Benjy's (Rice Village) While the Washington location will feature the regular brunch menu, the newly renovated West University restaurant will showcase a three-course Easter feast from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., including Chilled Pea Soup, Croque Madam or Benjy's Crunch French Toast to start, Southwestern-inspired entrées like Grilled Texas Wagyu Beef, Shrimp and Artisanal Grits, and the appropriately named Eggs in Purgatory, and Mom's Chocolate Cake for dessert. $35. Reservations, 713-522-7602.
Berryhill Baja Grill Mimosas and Frozen Screwdrivers are only 99 freaking cents. If that doesn't have you headed out to see the Baja bunny (check your pulse), all locations are also featuring a dozen different brunch items from Stuffed French Toast and Pancakes to Tacos and Enchiladas. "Bunny Brunch" served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brennan's Brennan's knows brunch, so it's no surprise that their Easter Sunday feast is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The 2010 Best of Houston winner will feature a special prix-fixe menu with appetizer choices ranging from Turtle Soup Au Sherry to a Crispy Oyster BLT, entrees like Lamb Debris & Sweet Potato Pancakes, Blue Crab Scrambled Eggs and Caviar, and Old-Fashioned Texas Bobwhite Quail, and dessert options ranging from Froberg Farms Strawberry Shortcake to Bananas Foster. The Easter Bunny will be on location, as well as a "bunny petting station" filled with slightly less famous rabbits. $55 per person. Reservations, 713-522-9711.
Expressions Fine Chocolates Venture outside of the basket this Easter with master French chocolatier Valerie Gamble. Her giant, dark Belgian chocolate Easter eggs are filled with a pound of assorted candies, artfully crafted and sure to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. Available in small ($75) and large ($125).
Hearsay Gastro Lounge While most of the praise surrounding the new downtown gastro-pub has been reserved for the unique cocktail selection, Hearsay offers up a Sunday brunch selection that is equally eclectic. Highlights include a Creole Omelet with Crawfish and Remoulade ($13), Honey and Chipotle Glazed Lamb Pops ($15), and a Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast with a side of waffles ($11). Those looking to unwind after Sunday service can sip on a Tamarindo Mimosa, Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail, or a Maple Bourbon Fizz. Reservations, 713-225-8079.
Khun Kay Thai "Easter Egg Hunt" According to a press release, "Khun Kay Thai Cafe's co-owner and chef, Kay Soodjai, believes if you are going to go hunting eggs, go looking for something really worth finding." In honor of the holiday the Montrose-area restaurant will feature three Easter-themed dishes with Asian flair such as "Eggs in a Basket" (Thai-style hard-boiled eggs in a "basket" of spicy, minced pork stew), "Egg Drop" (Thai-style stuffed omelet with choice of shrimp, chicken or vegetable filling), and "The Eggs & Thai" (hard-boiled, crisp-fried eggs, served in "son-in-law" or "daughter-in-law" style). All dishes served with rice, $8.95.
Monarch - Hotel ZaZa The boutique hotel's signature restaurant will feature a three-course prix-fixe Easter brunch menu with a choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert. Items of note include Golden Tomato Gazpacho, Grilled Alaskan Halibut with basmati rice, kaffir lime, and coconut broth, and Herb-Roasted Prime Rib with mashed potatoes and cabernet jus. $45 per person / $20 for kids. Reservations, 713-527-1800 or 713-639-4539.
Philippe Restaurant + Lounge In addition to their famed Drunken Fois Gras and Buttermilk Calamari, the Galleria French restaurant's Easter brunch offerings include lamb three ways (rack, leg, or slow cooked shoulder), as well as French favorites like Eggs Benedict and Albacore Tuna Nicoise. Reservations, 713-439-1000.
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