Where to Munch for Easter Brunch
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Celebrate Easter with family and friends at one of these top brunch spots
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By Kristan Sveda
After checking out what the Easter Bunny delivered to your baskets next Sunday morning, be sure to not spoil your appetite with too much candy. Instead, save room for fantastic holiday brunch options on offer at these eateries around the county (and leave the Reese’s eggs for a late-afternoon pick-me-up).
Birdsall House
Peekskill
If you’re looking for someplace casual where you can leave your Sunday bonnet behind, Birdsall might be the place. This causal gastropub might have made a name for itself for its draught beers and cocktail menu, but on the weekends, their popular Sunday brunch is rich with farm-fresh creative dishes. Eggs from Feather Ridge Farm upstate, house-made sausage, fresh-made bread, and buttermilk pancakes with locally made Crown maple syrup. The prix fixe menu includes a complimentary bloody Mary, beer, or mimosa. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. birdsallhouse.net
Brazen Fox
White Plains
For a relaxing, family-friendly choice, the Brazen Fox serves up an eclectic menu with something for everyone. The restaurant doesn’t require reservations, but with many families eager to return to dining out, they are recommended. If the weather allows, an open tent will seat families outside as well. The pub-style menu has lots of burgers, wraps, and salads to choose from, plus a brunch menu that includes chocolate chip pancakes, lobster Benedict, classic Belgian waffles, and chipotle hashed sweet potatoes. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. thebrazenfox.com
Encore Bistro
Larchmont
This classic French bistro in the heart of Larchmont serves authentic French dishes. Owner David Masliah is originally from Lyon, France, so the brunch menu here is French comfort food at its finest: French onion soup, escargots, eggs benedict, and French toast with warm berries are among the favorites. Brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. encore-bistro.com
Jay Street Café
Katonah
This all-day diner opened just one year before the world shut down, but it’s managed to stick it out through all the ups and downs of the last two years—a testament to the good service and thoughtful menu. Don’t let the diner description fool you. Easter brunch here is something special. “Our Easter brunch menu was inspired by our love for our small-town community in Katonah,” says Erin Cryan, general manager at Jay Street Café. “There are many beautiful churches within walking distance of Jay Street Café so having a fun family brunch people can rely upon after service is something we strive for.” Among the specials on the menu that day will be deviled eggs, tempura green beans, and huevos rancheros. Don’t miss the Easter-themed doughnuts made in-house by the pastry chef. If the weather is nice, their recently renovated patio has lots of outdoor seating and heaters for chilly days. “We strive to be a small-town staple for great food, great drinks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.” No reservations are required for fewer than 10 people. Brunch is served all day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. thejaystreetcafe.com
Moderne Barn
Armonk
This favorite Armonk establishment blends urban chic with rustic warmth to create an atmosphere that is at once lively and relaxed, upscale, and approachable. The brunch here is a must-try so book reservations early because tables go fast. The dinner menu will be offered from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Easter Sunday but early diners can order breakfast dishes until 3 p.m. “My personal favorite is the brioche French toast,” says Executive Chef Gregg Boyd. The brioche is served with bananas flambé and whipped cream. Also on the menu are Eggs Florentine, avocado toast, and The Westchester, a plate of scrambled eggs, sausage, applewood smoked bacon, and seven-grain toast. “I would definitely recommend starting off with either our strawberry or peach bellini,” says Boyd. Mimosas and Moderne Barn Bloody Marys are also customer favorites. For those looking for a more formal meal, Boyd recommends the grilled Australian lamb chops garnished with asparagus, mashed potatoes, and chimichurri sauce. “We believe that will be a popular dish for Easter,” adds Boyd. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. modernebarn.com
Red Hat on the River
Irvington
The minute the temperatures get even a little bit warm, we’re ready to head to Red Hat on the River. The views of the Hudson here are worth the price of your meal and then some—but dining here is enjoyable all on its own. Their Easter brunch took a hiatus since 2019 because of COVID, but Ben O’Connell, hospitality consultant for Red Hat on the River, says the restaurant is pleased to finally bring Easter brunch back. “The dishes are usually inspired by the spring green vegetables that are starting to appear in the market. Red Hat’s special Easter menu is filled with seasonal and celebratory dishes like carrot and ginger soup, spring salad, lamb shank osso buco, and key lime pie, plus brunch favorites like eggs hollandaise and brioche French toast with fruit compote and cinnamon butter. The menu includes some kid-friendly selections. “Brunch in general at Red Hat is very vibrant,” says O’Connell. “We have such an incredible backdrop being on the Hudson. We try to take what is given to us and elevate the guest experience.” Brunch is served from noon to 2:30 p.m. redhatontheriver.com
Purdy’s The Farmer and the Fish
North Salem
Going to Purdy’s is almost like taking a two-hour vacation from life. Set in the beautiful countryside of North Salem on a working farm, it really feels worlds away from most places in Westchester. The beautiful outdoor garden porch and tent make for plenty of seating (fresh air exchange and supplemental heat provided!) and the rustic farmhouse vibe indoors is welcoming and warm. Brunch here is always special. Executive Chef Michael Kaphan continually changes the menu to provide the most seasonal and fresh ingredients. Try the seasonal greenhouse spinach salad, followed by the smokehouse plate. “These dishes truly show what we can create here,” says Billy Stanton from the Farmer and the Fish team. “Shrimp and grits on the normal brunch menu is definitely a repeat dish for a lot of people.” Something from the raw bar is always fun to share with friends with one of their specialty cocktails. Reservations are recommended and taken for indoor and outdoor seating. Brunch, which is prix fixe, is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. farmerandthefish.com
Kristan Sveda is a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism with 20 years of experience in journalism writing for local publications in and around Westchester. When she isn’t writing, she’s toting her three boys to baseball or basketball games, tackling the humongous weeds in her backyard, or binging on Canadian television.
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