Not only is brunch a perfect time for gathering with friends, it's also a great time to check out new restaurants or different dishes than what you might have at dinner. Here's a glimpse at some of the newest brunches around town.
Arroz: At Mike Isabella's Spanish and Moroccan spot, there's a good bit of crossover with the dinner menu, but brunch-only dishes include Moroccan pancakes, a manchego omelet, a ras el hanout “cinnamon roll” and a burger. Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW.
Del Campo: Chef Victor Albisu recently introduced a variety of cosmetic and menu changes at his South American grill, and a revamped brunch was one of them. The asado buffet has carved meats (smoked briskets, Peruvian chicken), antipasto (empanadas, biscuits) and unlimited mimosas and punch. Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 777 I St. NW.
Joselito: This is another option for a Spanish riff on brunch. Think fried eggs with Iberico ham and fries or Andalusian-style French toast. There's also a $15 bottomless option for mimosas, bellinis, Bloody Marys and sangria. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
Ladurée: The Parisian macaron house does more than the delicate sandwich cookies. Brunch brings a prix fixe menu with such fare as avocado toast, pastries and fruit salad. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 3060 M St. NW.
Rosario: Expect creative brunch dishes with Italian flair. Examples: cacio e pepe biscuits with creamed chipped bresaola, poached eggs and grapes; an eggplant parm eggs Benedict; and cannoli bomboloni. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 2435 18th St. NW.
Ruta del Vino: The Latin American wine bar and restaurant offers a relatively concise but enticing brunch menu. Options include chilaquiles (fried tortillas with eggs, cheese and more), pan frances (brioche French toast) with dulce de leche, and a breakfast torta, or sandwich, with chorizo, eggs and refried beans. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 800 Upshur St. NW.
Stable: Swiss specialties at this restaurant include doughnuts filled with strawberry jam, rösti (a kind of large potato pancake) with eggs, and a pork schnitzel sandwich. You can also make a reservation for the grill-your-own raclette cheese experience. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1324 H St. NE.
Siren: Sure, even at brunch you can splurge on a seafood platter or caviar at Robert Wiedmaier's new restaurant inside the Darcy Hotel. But for more of an everyday meal, go for such dishes as the buttermilk cinnamon waffle, poached eggs on brioche or yellowtail crudo. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1515 Rhode Island Ave. NW.
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