In Praise of Sunday Champagne Brunch

What better way to start a wonderful Sunday in New Mexico than with a Champagne Brunch? Hit the early church service and then make reservations for what can only be called an EVENT.

Our Sunday Champagne Brunch never ceases to amaze! Yes, it’s $19.95 per person for adults (and that includes the Champagne!) and 10.95 for children 6 to 12, 5 and under are free but talk about getting your money’s worth. Zowie!

You must make a plan of action. So many people make the mistake of walking in, picking up a plate and start filling it with food. NO NO NO!!! The correct method is to stoll casually around the room, which is filled with plates and bowls and chafing dishes of aromatic foods. Display no interest in one item over another. Remain calm but make mental notes about where you saw the sausage, how many people lined up for an omelette, where are the steamed vegetables so you don’t waste time going there again. Lift a chafer lid if you’re curious or the name tag doesn’t make clear what’s inside. I really like the clear plexiglass toppers with access through holes cut in the side. Keeping the food warm and sanitary but with an easy reach for the goodies inside.

At the omelette station, you may have to stand in line for a couple of people but once you order, don’t wait there. Move to get some accompaniments – a strip of bacon and a piece of sauce, a couple of that imported Spanish Manchego cheese cubes, some cantaloupe and a Belgian Waffle with syrup and whipped cream – THEN go back to the omelette station and your special order creation should be ready to be topped with some shredded cheese and laid onto your plate. Make your time productive.

Once the first round is over, time to call up your mental notes about where the good stuff is. The food is generally on round tables to encourage browsing rather than standing in line. Dart in for a spoon of this and back off. Don’t stand in line. Move quickly and with purpose toward your objectives. Hit and move! Hit and move! My advice is to never go for the second spoonful. Take one – even a half spoon – and move on. Experience all these flavors rather than stuffing your self.

Find a special something? Yeah, baby! Hit that again! And a special note about the salads. Don’t ignore them! There are treasures over in the lettuce patch. Look for the Seafood Salad – same recipe for 38 years!! Hit the Jalapenos Escabeche – peppers, onions, carrots and spices – the stewing process mutes the hot, hot stuff in the peppers and shares it with the onions and carrots. Impress the family by popping one of these jalapenos in your mouth at the table with a “Ain’t no big thang” smile. Flavorful? Yes. Intense? No.

Now, a tough one – dessert. I vote for another glass of champagne with a little fresh fruit. Dip ‘em in the chocolate fountain? Your choice. But, try the crepes suzette if you’re looking for something lite. That fourth trip through the room hit the ‘full’ button? Try the crepes. A simple crepe shell floated in butter, orange juice and orange liqueur topped with a spoon of whipped cream.

What a way to start the afternoon nap!!! Oh, alright, let’s walk around the Plaza and check out the Mesilla Farmer’s Market – everything must be hand-made in New Mexico to be sold on the Plaza. You never know when you’ll need a new Santos of Saint Pasqual for the kitchen!! But, then the nap!!