The Best Brunch Date …
Is there anything better than a brunch date? The very nature of brunch is open to interpretation, which if you're anything like me, that kind of flexibility is necessary during a pandemic, or always, if I am being honest. Feeling breakfast? Go for the sweet crepe, or an omelet. Lunch? Chicken Pesto is my go to. Something light? A pastry and coffee. Exhausted from a night of no sleep, I am looking at you mamas, start with a shot (or two) of espresso and give yourself some time to decide. There is no rushing when it comes to brunch, which I am also a fan of, as I am inherently late to everything I do, just ask my husband.
Brunch with friends, or family, or one of my personal favorites, the solo brunch date. For a meal that is as categorically flexible as brunch, no wonder everyone loves it so much. Without the ability to travel, which is one of my personal requirements to living a good life, going out for brunch gives me a small taste of what it would be like to wake up a little late and meander out into the day in search of caffeine and something delicious to eat. Trying new foods when traveling is the highlight of any trip for me. Even when designing The Burrow, I hoped to create something that felt like a little escape from the city. Sitting out on the patio, staring out at the Sandia mountains, sipping coffee, is the closest to an escape I can get while taking care of a little one, and helping my oldest with online school, and of course living through a pandemic.
In an attempt to ease my increasing desire for travel, I recently scrolled back through my photos to two years ago. There I was standing by the Seine, eating some kind of delicious looking pastry. Our trip to Paris was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. Every part of it, even walking up 3 flights of stairs to our tiny airbnb, was exhilarating for me. Most of my photos from that trip are of cafes, and food, surprise, surprise. It was always such a welcome sight, cafe tables set out, always in the same way. A handful of tables arranged near the open bar, for couples or groups and then along the street, dainty two tops with woven rattan chairs, facing out, perfect for people watching. We would always order the same thing for brunch, ham and cheese on a fresh baguette, and of course, a double shot of espresso. I loved the simplicity, and the espresso...by far some of the best I have had. Once we were done eating we would walk, and walk and walk until we found a crepe stand, or a boulangerie. I’d pop in, and in imperfect, but not terrible French, order a croissant. It was buttery perfection, every time. If you ever happen to see me at The Burrow, ask me to tell you the story of how I managed to learn to pronounce the French “r”, I promise it will amuse you.
Le sigh...my mornings look quite different these days. Instead of rolling out of bed and leisurely strolling down to the streets of Paris for a fresh croissant, and people watching while I sip my espresso, I am instead awakened before the sun comes up by a very rambunctious almost 1 year old. Wet kisses and little hands smacking me in the face is a far cry from sitting in the sun looking forward to a new adventure, but it is wonderful nonetheless. Maybe tomorrow I will wake up with the sun, stumble out of bed, chase down my baby boy for his diaper change, and then I will walk up to The Burrow for a double shot of espresso, maybe I’ll even add raw sugar, just like I did in Paris. Then I’ll enjoy a sweet crepe all while soaking up the sunny warmth of mornings in Albuquerque. In these times we have to create our own adventures, even if it’s just going out to brunch and enjoying the simple pleasures of our beautiful city.