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Being a mom, it isnt often that I get to indulge of the decadence of a Sunday brunch. Not without kids, at any rate. Because, lets face it, brunch with kids is never decadent. But on the rare occasions when the pantheon of culinary gods align the planets just so, and I am able to escape for two hours on a weekend morning, a leisurely meal that includes at least one mimosa or Bellini is a little slice of heaven on earth, a kind of mini-vacation. Its a time to revel in the paradise that is a well-prepared frittata.
On a recent weekend, I was afforded just such an experience seated at the bar at Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, NY.
The first thing you need to know about my Tarry time is that the Sunday bartender, Michael, is the perfect antidote to almost anything that ails you. He is as charming as they come and has the sense of a seasoned bartender, which is to say that hes there precisely when you want him, and conveniently busy with other tasks when you want a private moment with your brunch partner.
Second, the Sunday brunch crowd at Tarry Lodge is a group of delightfully interesting and chatty gastrophiles. They love to eat, and theyre happy to recommend their menu favorites, along with other area restaurants with delicious dishes to offer.
Kerri, a graceful Greenwich, Conn. resident, mother and soon-to-be food blogger sat down next to me after my brunch companion and I had settled in. She and her husband are regulars at Tarry Lodge. Michael always makes it fun, she told me, before checking in with Michael for the days specials.
In addition to personality, Michael also brings tested expertise to his craft. His recommendation of the gorgonzola salad to accompany the daily special frittata we ordered was right on the mark. Even the vinaigrette was notably delicious.
Theres also a fabulous dessert -- figs with mascarpone, he teased as he set the dessert menus down in front of us after wed finished. Im just saying.
It was an offer no foodie could refuse, so we didnt even try. The dish defied expectation, a fruit and confectionary concoction that resides just this side of Nirvana. If you havent tasted Tarry Lodges mascarpone, its easy to chock such a statement up to hyperbole, but I urge you to do your own research.
After two hours, we realized wed Tarried long enough. The real world and all its weekend responsibilities beckoned. But after such a time, we have no choice but to return again soon. Its the closest thing we have to a vacation on our agenda this fall.
Do you have a favorite weekend brunch spot? Share your downtime favorite dining spot here.
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