Boston Brunchers | Ride and Dine

A few weeks ago I participated in a blogger event with the Boston Brunchers in Chestnut Hill Square.  It was a double-header of an event, where we were invited to "Ride and Dine" --ie. attend a class at SoulCycle then sample the new brunch menu at Brio Tuscan Grille.

Those that know me, know that working out is not really my favorite.  In fact, I never do it.  It's more of a motivation problem than anything else which is exactly why my experience at SoulCycle was so amazing.  The instructor, Molly, was the most motivational instructor I've ever had.  She was high energy, positive, and said just what we needed to hear to keep us going.  The class was hard, but it flew by.

SoulCycle's facilities are top-notch.  They provide towels, clothes for purchase, and even have bathrooms filled with toiletries you might need to freshen up after class.  It was a great experience, and I love a place that is so welcoming to beginners.
 
After our ride, we headed right next door to Brio Tuscan Grille for brunch.  Brio has long been one of my favorite chain restaurants.  There is one in my hometown and we have had several big family dinners there over the years.  If you're ever in for dinner, do yourself a favor and try their Bistecca Insalata (Brio's version of the classic wedge salad).  You won't regret it.  But onto their brunch menu...

We started with plenty of fresh fruit which made all of us feel a little better about the fact that we had just worked out and were now stuffing our faces.  If it has fruit on it, it's healthy right?

 {Left: fresh fruit bowl, Right: mascarpone cream cheese stuffed French toast with honey, cinnamon, and fresh berry compote} 

Next up was one of the most delicious items I've ever had: eggs benedict served on a biscuit!  The fact that I have never thought of this was shocking to me.  It was rich, buttery, basically a southern girl's dream.

I hope to recreate this menu item at home sometime soon so look out for that.  In the meantime, I might have to make a trip or two back to Brio and luckily I know a good gym next door to work off all the extra calories.

Are you brunching this weekend?  I'd love to hear about places I should try next!

*The cycling class and brunch were compliments of SoulCycle and Brio Tuscan Grille respectively, but all opinions are my own.

 

 

Weekend Brunch

Everyone loves a good cocktail with their brunch and today I have exactly that for you.  Best thing is that this one is as simple as they come.  I give you, the Pink Grapefruit Screwdriver.

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Start with one part pink grapefruit vodka.

 Add two parts your favorite OJ.

 And a splash of grenadine.

 Enjoy!

Pink Grapefruit Screwdriver

One part grapefruit vodka
Two parts orange juice
Splash of grenadine

Serve cold or over ice.

Weekend Brunch

Today marks the beginning of a new series here on the blog.  Every weekend I will be sharing something brunch related--recipes, cocktails, restaurant review, etc.  Breakfast has always been my favorite meal, so on weekends we do it up big.  I can't wait to share with you some of my weekend brunch favorites!

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This weekend, in honor of St Patrick's Day, I made Irish Soda Bread.  In my family, we are big bread eaters, and this is one that I vividly remember my grandmother making.  Traditional soda bread contains just baking soda, flour, salt, and buttermilk, but I wanted something with a modern twist so I looked to this recipe from Ina Garten.  Unfortunately this one tasted nothing like my grandmother's, but it was an easy bread to throw together and had great flavor. 

Am I the only one who starts a recipe and then realizes they don't have something? As usual I had to make a substitute buttermilk with lemon juice and regular milk, which tastes nothing like the real thing but works in a pinch.

Above is an example of what it looks like when your dough is way too wet.  Wasn't it sweet of me to purposely mess this recipe up halfway through just to show you what not to do?  Oh yes, I totally did this on purpose.  Lesson learned: Be sure reserve a little milk or flour to adjust amounts as you go since dough is notoriously inconsistent depending on temperature and other conditions.

Historically, an cross or X is cut across the top to ward off evil, but as you can see mine mysteriously disappeared in the baking process.

Irish Soda Bread
adapted from Ina Garten

 

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 1/2 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.

In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and orange zest. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture until dough comes together. Combine the raisins with 1 tablespoon of flour and fold into the dough. 

Place dough onto a well-floured board and knead into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Serve warm with butter and/or honey.

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Have a great rest of the weekend everyone!  Have a green beer and relax, you deserve it!