ENTERTAINMENT

5 brunch spots for Easter or any occasion

Geoffrey Wilson
Poughkeepsie Journal

It's plain to see why brunch has evolved into the phenomenon it is today.

This hybrid meal takes sweet and savory breakfast fare, combines it with a few light lunch options and places it all in a setting where it's appropriate to sip on a mimosa or Bloody Mary. It's a winning combination for everything from a family outing to a friendly get-together.

Eggs benedict at Redwood Bar and Restaurant in Kingston.

And more and more restaurants throughout the mid-Hudson Valley have taken note, offering their own takes on brunch.

Easter brunch is a tradition held by many families, but these restaurants offer a menu perfect for any true brunch fan.

Though there are myriad options when it comes to brunch in the mid-Hudson Valley, here are five options to try:

The outside of Brasserie 292 in the City of Poughkeepsie.

Brasserie 292

While Brasserie 292 offers City of Poughkeepsie a taste of France with its lunch and dinner menus, the Main Street staple also serves brunch with a Parisian flair. Diners will be treated to a classy atmosphere that manages to avoid feeling stuffy. The black-and-white tiles of the dining room punctuate the red of the seating and booths, a memorable look to accompany any meal. The tastes of France are still key to Brasserie 292's brunch menu, featuring Parisienne gnocchi with roasted mushrooms, brown butter, butternut, baby kale, brandy and Boursin; duck hash with crisp confit, diced potato, onion, fresh herbs, sunny eggs and biscuit; and eggs benedict with house-cured and smoked Hidden Fjord salmon, poached eggs, hollandaise and buttermilk biscuit. Diners also can enjoy cocktails such as the Brasserie Mary, the restaurant’s take on a Bloody Mary made with vodka and house-pickled vegetables, or the Soft Construction, Linie Aquavit, Muscadet, lime, pamplemousse and absinthe. Brasserie 292 offers its brunch menu 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Go: 292 Main St., Poughkeepsie, 845-473-0292, brasserie292.com

Maya Café

Brunch at Maya Café brings diners delicious Mexican fare perfect to kick off the day. The Fishkill restaurant features a casual atmosphere, making it a good option for friends or family. Entrees include Torrejas Maya, French toast tips with whipped cream and fruit, and potatoes garnished with fried sweet plantains; Carne Asada Con Huevos Grilled, skirt steak served with chimichurri sauce, two eggs, potatoes, black beans and tropical fruit; and Aguacate Relleno de Brunch, avocado stuffed with shrimp with a light chipotle Thousand Island dressing, tropical fruit and fried sweet plantains. Brunch also comes with a complimentary mimosa or sangria. Maya Cafe serves its brunch menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Go: 448 Route 9, Fishkill, 845-896-4042, mayacafecantina.com

Blackboard Café

Blackboard Café presents customers with a down-to-earth option when it comes to its Sunday brunch. This cozy spot in Wappingers Falls offers all the standard brunch favorites. Customers can dig into dishes such as the bananas Foster French toast, caramel apple waffles or the steak and eggs platter. Follow up a meal with one of the café's many desserts, such as the rainbow cookie cheesecake. The eatery also features rotating specials, beer, wine and mimosas. Blackboard Café is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Go: 2649 E. Main St, Wappingers Falls, 845-632-6598, theblackboardcafeinc.com​

Charlotte’s

Charlotte's in Millbrook is an elegant brunch option for diners seeking something more sophisticated. The restaurant has a rustic charm, from the brick fireplace to a mural depicting the changing seasons in the dining room. The brunch menu features traditional dishes, such as the vanilla French toast with almond butter, maple syrup and fruit, or the eggs Benedict with potatoes and fruit. Diners can purchase individual entrees a la carte, or order a soup or salad, a Bloody Mary or mimosa, and a main course for $25.50. However, Charlotte's also will offer an Easter buffet with options such as smoked salmon with capers and crème fraîche, or eggs topped with shrimp and dill salad. Charlotte's Easter Buffet will be served 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Easter Sunday. The restaurant is open 5-10:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; and 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Go: 4258 Route 44, Millbrook, 845-677-5888 , charlottesny.com

Redwood Bar and Restaurant

Foodies craving California dining can try their hand Redwood Bar and Restaurant in Kingston. The restaurant boasts a relaxed, West Coast vibe from its dining room to the rooftop deck. And this atmosphere blends perfectly with a menu inspired by the Golden State. Entrees range from standards like French Toast, made with Sprout Creek margie cheese, brioche, almonds and blackberry syrup, to unique options like the breakfast ramen, with smoked pork, cabbage, mushroom, nori and egg, or venison ragu, braised Highland Farms venison shoulder, buckwheat pappardelle and parmagiano reggiano. The restaurant also serves a variety of craft beer and cocktails. Redwood's brunch menu is served 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Go: 63 N. Front Street, Kingston, 845-259-5868, redwooduptown.com​.

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW