Brunchtime Fun

I love Sunday Brunch. I might love Sat Brunch a little more, because I kind of wish I'd gone to church on Sunday. Regardless - I love Brunch. It's a weekly NYC tradition for the masses, but here it's harder to find. And I have found a new fav location.

I will always love the little Italian house, but it's such a scene. I mean - hours of a wait amongst the pretty people. Gross. But the food is good and the mimosas are $1. Well, now I have a new favorite place. It's off the beaten path, as yet undiscovered and has $2 mimosas and an amazing affordable menu. I couldn't have a bigger crush.

Sunday, my best girls and I did it in style. We had a good brunch and enjoyed company. But then three of us remained for HOURS, making friends with everyone on the patio, enjoying the lovliness that is champagne and oj.

This is one of my best friends Jen. I love Jen. We call her Hot Jen. You can see why. But this is not Jen's dog. And the guy in the background? Actually laughing at the fact that Jen is claiming and loving on someone else's dog as her own. You could say we had fun.

LIR? Why yes, please

Um, it is very important that I say this after my last post...

This has turned around and I am feeling actually pretty happy. I was on the phone with the boy and he made me smile and turned things around for me. And? My dinner arrived and I just had one of the best rolls ever. The LIR from Sushi Zushi. Amaze-balls. Seriously. Edamame, wine, another roll to go. And for dessert? Coffee popsicles from Weight Watchers and frozen raspberries. It's going to be a decent and relaxing night after all.

My not so rave review

Ladies and gentlemen, be advised. Do not, I repeat, do not take this review lightly if you have a sensitivity to Ed Hardy, Affliction or Juicy Couture. If the bling has been known to give you a headache from the reflection off of all the sunglasses worn indoors or if you've ever been on the wrong side of a fist pump, I firmly advise against visiting The Patio Grill on a weekend.

We went to watch the playoff game and cheer for the boys in blue last weekend and ended up at the shit show that is Sundays at Patio Grill. Here's a recap of what I witnessed:
 - Some fake blonde in a bedazzled Cowboys jersey
 - A quilted leopard print purse and a lip piercing
 - A black glittered cheerleader skirt with NOTHING underneath
 - Rhinestone headbands
 - Neon green, rhinestone studded MEN'S shirt
 - tattooed Audigier, rhinstoned MEN'S shirt
 - basically, guys more blinged out and in tighter tshirts than the girls they were with
 - Pink bedazzled Ed Hardy trucker hat with blonde braids
 - Gold, fur-trimmed Juicy jacket with 1990's bare midriff
 - Pink Romo jersey with a studded clutch
 - A "not so lap dog" being carried, yet also carrying a big purse and dog carrier on her arm with scarf and sunglasses worn indoors
 - A Snuggie
 - Some chick lifting her shirt at the table next to us
 - A guy asking if we're "going to blaze later"

The world could have flooded and we'd stay afloat on all the silicone in that joint. Not to mention my main question - When did the Jersey Shore become aspirational instead of the punchline? I saw actual fist pumping!

And to top it all off, it took over 2 hours to get food, which is a big health risk for those of you that know me. I left the bar hysterical, crying and headed home across the street. I finally returned with a hat on and spent the rest of the night vowing to share how much I loathe the Patio Grill on McKinney Ave on weekends.

Just to be fair - I've walked by on weeknights and it looks like a chill place to spend a happy hour on a nice day. I'll have to try that next time.