Ask Lauren: The brunch edition

This week on Ask Lauren: brunch for a large group, a special date, and after you’ve had a wild and crazy night.

August 16, 2013; 9:26 AM • by Ross Catrow

Now, through the magic of the internet, you too can ask Lauren your myriad food-related questions. Well, technically, you can leave your questions in the comments below, I’ll ask Lauren, and then I’ll let you know what she says. It’s like the three-legged stool of restaurant recommendations.

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Sunday after church, my group of friends and I like to hit up brunch. Unfortunately our group rolls a dozen deep (sometimes more!). Where can we go without irritating the crap out of our fellow brunchers?

The Water Grill in Carytown has plenty of space and can accommodate a party of your size without alienating the entire restaurant. They’ve got a long brunch menu that ranges from a raw bar, to sandwiches, to pancakes and eggs–pretty much something for everyone in your oversized group. Plus you can get $5 pint glass mimosas and Bloody Marys!

The Water Grill serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Keep in mind that they will not separate checks for parties of eight or more.

I’ve recently started seeing this girl, and we both have crazy busy schedules. It seems like Sunday brunch is the only time that we can both get together for a date. Is there a good place you can recommend that feels upscale but not stuffy?

Hidden in the Near West End you’ll find Stella’s (if you’re lucky, they’re really kinda tucked away over there). It’s a wonderful combination of romantically cozy and impressively upscale–a perfect place to take your loved one on a date. The meze plates (classic spanakopita and the addictive kreatopita) make for an intimate way to share a meal…and pomegranate mimosas!

Stella’s serves brunch on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Check the menu here (PDF).

Sooooo…last night I may have had a few too many drinks, and I am currently paying the price. I need hangover food, ASAP. Help!

Hey man, it happens to the best of us. Sometimes you just party too hard and end up in a post-party state that only a pile of greasy breakfast food will alleviate. If, for whatever reason, you find yourself in said state, The Sidewalk Cafe in The Fan is where you’ll need to end up. They’ve got eggs, they’ve got piles of potatoes, they’ve got breakfast burritos, and they’ve got some delicious Greek nachos. It’s even dimly lit for your poor, hungover eyes. Also, you can get pitchers of mimosas for $10.50…hair of the dog!¹

The Sidewalk Cafe serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Check the menu here (PDF).

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