Since I have been discussing brunch, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite brunch cocktails: The French 75.
It's history has been widely disputed. Undisputedly created at the New York Bar in Paris, France, the dispute is over what city made it popular: New York City or New Orleans.
My personal opinion: New Orleans. New Orleans is a city that is rich with cocktail history. No. I am not talking about the "hand grenades" in the French Quarter. I am referring to New Orleans creating such famous drinks as the Sazerac and other classic cocktails. Check out this article from iheartnola.com for more on the history of the French 75.
For most San Franciscans Sundays are comprised of rolling out of bed to brunch with friends (and many of them include specials like bottomless mimosas & 2 for 1 Bloody Mary's), and then hanging out in Dolores Park. Brunch has become just as trendy as skinny jeans (although I am glad that skinny jeans are on their way out) and finding the right spot to soak up the alcohol from the night before while still enjoying some day drinking, can be quite a task. Here are a few of my favorites that offer great food, ambiance, and great drink specials.
Luna Park (694 Valencia St. @ 18th st.): Probably my favorite brunch spot in San Francisco, probably because of its close proximity to Dolores Park and amazing drink specials. Brunch features a tasty menu that includes a delicious warm goat cheese fondue and Florentine Benedict. Paired with a bottomless Sangria or Mimosas for $13 and 2 for 1 Bloody Mary's Luna Park makes for a great Sunday mid day treat. I should also note that brunch is served 7 days a week (even the bottomless drinks). Luna Park also often features coupons and other specials through sites like Scout Mob. Last time I was there I made a reservation on OpenTable.com and I received 20% of my check. Gotta love that.
Lime (2247 Market st. @ Sanchez): Probably the best way to describe Lime is "a party at 1pm." After sitting in the ultra modern lounge for some grub and the ubiquitous bottomless mimosas (they also have some of the best mojitos in San Francisco), it can feel like it is 12:30am on a Friday night, with other patrons dancing on their chairs to songs being played by the DJ. Definitely a good spot for people that want to keep the party rolling from the night before. Below is a video I came across on YouTube that pretty much sums up the experience at Lime for Brunch.
Saturday: 10:30am -3:30pm
Sunday: 10am - 3:30pm
Absinthe Brasserie (398 Hayes St. @ Gough St.): If a party at brunch is not your thing, there are plenty of great San Francisco restaurants that feature a fantastic brunch menu. Absinthe is one of those. Rated one of the top 100 restaurants in the Bay Area, their menu features a Dungeness Crab Omlette, cinnamon sticky buns, and an amazing selection of imported cheese. Their bar menu has a list of champagne cocktails. My personal favorite: the aptly named "Death in the Afternoon" with is made of Pernod Absinthe & Champagne.
There are plenty of other great places to visit on weekend mornings. Visit any of these great spots to share a meal with some good friends and have a few good laughs. There is nothing like brunch and some day drinking to brace you for the onslaught that will be Monday.
