We're not sure just when the tradition of stuffing your face like a crazy person on ham, roast beef, colored eggs, and copious amounts of baked goods started -- but we like it just the same. With Easter comes that age-old tradition, the brunch. Whether it's a sit-down style or a lush buffet complete with carving and omelet stations, Easter brunch is a time to gather the family and celebrate.
From reasonably-priced to break-the-bank, we've complied a list of Easter brunch spots throughout the area. Reservations are suggested and taxes and gratuities are additional at all of the restaurants listed.
Tudor House
Three words for Easter brunch -- House. Made. Peeps! Tudor House is featuring an a la carte brunch menu. Dine on lemon ricotta hot cakes ($15), a "Cuban-style" sandwich ($14), or an "Ugly" burger ($17). Dessert dim sum cart features Rice Krispy treats, doughnuts, pastel eclairs, bunnies, and -- house made Peeps! Kids under 10 eat free from a special menu.
Bongos Cuban Cafe
A special Cuban -style Easter buffet brunch will be offered at Bongos from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Diners can enjoy eggs Benedict "Calle-Ocho style," guava-filled French toast, polenta with chorizo, and a flan bar. $34.99 per adult (includes a complimentary glass of sangria), $14.99 for kids 6-12.
Scarpetta
Easter goes Italian with a buffet-style brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at Scarpetta. The restaurant will be set up with carving, pasta, dessert and omelet stations. Buffet items include creamy polenta, shrimp cocktail, Italian meats and cheeses, and assorted salads. While the $75 cost may seem pricey, it does include unlimited bloody Marys, bellinis, and mimosas. Kids 4-12 are $37.50, and kids under 4 are free. At 2 p.m., kids eating at Scarpetta are invited to a poolside Easter egg hunt.
Vida
The brasserie at the Fontainebleau will go crazy with a mega holiday buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Multiple stations will feature rotisserie ham, chicken, salmon, and sirloin, a sushi and raw bar, lobster mac and cheese, woodstone oven-baked pizzas, salads, and several chocolate and dessert stations. $59 per adult, $37.50 for kids 4-12, free for kids under 4. In addition, kids eating at Vida are invited to the Fontainebleau's Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m.
Rusty Pelican
The best time to enjoy the Rusty Pelican is during the daytime when the full beauty of the view of Biscayne Bay can be enjoyed. Enjoy a Floribbean Easter brunch in the ballroom from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., complete with carving station, crab claws, poached Florida Gulf shrimp, scallop ceviche, tuna tartare, and lots of desserts. There's even an Easter egg hunt and balloon animals for the kiddies.$75 per person includes all-you-can-drink bloody Marys, mimosas, champagne, and live entertainment. $32 for kids 4-11, kids under 4 eat free.
The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore's typically lavish Sunday brunch gets even bigger (and pricier) at Easter. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can enjoy free-flowing champagne, caviar, omelets, smoked salmon, sushi, and traditional carving stations. $85 per person, $37.50 for kids.
Area 31
Area 31's chef E. Michael Reidt is pulling out all the stops for his Easter brunch. Chow down on waffles, seared duck breasts, shucked oysters, domestic caviar and belinis, to name a few items featured at this brunch buffet. $75 per person includes bottomless mimosas from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $35 for children under 12.
Crave
Crave in Coral Gables spot features an affordable ala carte brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from $8 to $20. There are bottomless mimosa's for $19.95. And prime rib goes for $29.95. Crave is located in The Village of Merrick Park.
The Restaurant at The Setai
The most expensive brunch on our list, the Setai's champagne and jazz brunch is $95 per adult. Unlimited Taittinger, an Asian-inspired menu and an Easter egg hunt for the the kids ($45 for the little ones).
The Dutch
Chef Andrew Carmellini is dishing out Easter dinner at his Miami Beach restaurant with special a la carte holiday fare. Asparagus with a sunny side up Lake Meadows farm egg and mustard glased pork belly ($18), crispy soft shell crab with pickled spring ramps and crushed potatoes ($27) are the specials. Desserts include rosemary nectarine pie with candied peanuts and honey ice cream and warm sour cherry pie with crunchy meringue and lemon-lime sorbet. The regular menu at The Dutch is also available. Easter dinner served from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Perfect if you have family commitments in the daytime, but want to get out of the house for dinner.
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