Pastels and spring just seem to go together (kind of like champagne and orange juice) and seeing as this weekend we are breaking fifty degrees in Manhattan, it finally feels like spring has arrived.  Whether you’re putting on your Easter bonnet or celebrating Passover, a pastel frock is right on trend for this season.  Muted mint, dusty pink, or light lavender are flattering shades for even the most sun deprived skin.  So, grab your mimosa and settle down for Sunday brunch in something pretty and pastel.

1. Forever 21 Lace Back Dress, 2. Tibi Vertex Shift Dress, 3. Suboo Take Me To Monaco Dress, 4. Acne Satya Tape Tiered Georgette Dress, 5. Forever 21 Pearlescent Bead Shirtdress, 6.Lucca Couture Knit Side Cutout Dress, 7. Opening Ceremony Tracy Cutout Shoulder Dress, 8. Miu Miu Cady Pinafore Dress, 9. Rebecca Minkoff Joshua Colorblock Dress, 10. Alice + Olivia Bow Back Tunic Dress

xx.

WhyDid

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While traipsing around San Francisco, running errands and popping into open houses (what? it’s okay to look), we managed to work up a little appetite.  So, we stopped in for brunch at The Tipsy Pig to grab a quick bite.  I have to say the name drew me in, but the menu is what got me to agree to stay.

To me, this place was like a grown up sports bar.  There were plenty of other restaurants and bars nearby that were filled with loud SF fans… and I really can’t be bothered with that.  The Tipsy Pig still had all the games on their several scattered TV’s, but I didn’t have to worry about a drunk  jersey clad fool falling into my breakfast.

Speaking of booze, I don’t drink beer, but I could be persuaded with the way they named their sizes: Piglet (10oz), Pint (15oz), and Tipsy Pig (20oz).  How cute is that? Oh, and apparently, they have a pretty extensive selection of beers for those of you who are interested.  Instead I opted for a Mary Pig (bloody Mary) and my dining compadre tested out the root beer float (an adult beverage version).  Both were delicious.

For our midday snack, we ordered the Pig’s Almost Famous Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese (it was good… but I’ve had better) and the Pulled Pork Sloppy Joe to share.  I was pleasantly surprised with the pulled pork and for a great recipe to try at home, click here.

So what would be a great outfit for a day of strolling and shopping?  An outfit that won’t get you thrown out of an open house, but will still be comfortable when you curl up in a booth with a bloody Mary?  I love colored skinny corduroys and a snuggly sweater.  Throw a big fringe bag over your shoulder and wedge booties (still the height without the pain) and you’re good to go.

1. Polo Ralph Lauren Aberdare Sweater, $725, 2. Blank Skinny Corduroy Pants, $86, 3. Ember Skye Tote, $468, 4. Charlotte Russe Multi Sized Metallic Bangles, $4, 5. Elizabeth and James Manor Wedge Booties, $375

Everybody’s gettin’ tipsy.

xx,

WhyDid

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So, for Easter brunch, my dad came up and visited us.  We took him over to Dinah’s Restaurant for some eggs and outdoor seating.  Because you already know how I feel about brunch, I found it alarming that they had no idea what I was talking about when I requested a bellini.  They came back later and asked if I would instead like a mimosa.  Who am I to say, “no”?  Above is a photo of the mimosa that was brought to me.  I’m not complaining, because it’s three times the size of a normal mimosa and for seven dollars, you really can’t beat that.

However, all of this made it incredibly clear that I needed to make sure everyone knows how to properly prepare two of the best brunch beverages out there.  (A Bloody Mary would round out the list, but that’s far more complicated and deserves a post all to itself).  Below, please see the simple arithmetic of a boozy brunch:

Mimosa:

Bellini:

Now that’s an equation to which I have the solution.

xx,

WhyDid

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When I moved from New York, I thought the days of mornings extended into late afternoon brunches and bottomless mimosas were long gone.  In Los Angeles, brunch wasn’t really taken as seriously.  You see, in NY, brunch is treated as an Olympic sport.  This past weekend, however, we met up with some new friends in San Francisco (they call it “the city” here, but I feel adulterous doing so) for a ver lovely, very official brunch reminiscent of those in the Big Apple.

We ended up at a place called Luna Park and if you squinted your eyes (to block out the planted palm trees) you’d swear you were somewhere in the West Village.  After passing through a heavy velvet curtain, we were seated in a warm, crimson painted room.  Immediately our very pleasant waitress got us started on $12 bottomless mimosas (they also have 2 for 1 Bloody Mary’s) and each couple ordered a fried egg sandwich and the “Big French Toast.”  When I saw the “Big French Toast” I just thought they were being silly, but when my plate arrived, I realized they meant “big” quite literally.  While there was absolutely no way I could finish what was in front of me, I certainly tried.  It was like eating dessert for breakfast.  Top that off with a never depleting mimosa (the nectar of the gods) and I’m not sure what could make a Saturday morning much better.

Wanna throw a brilliant brunch of your own?  Check out this unbelievably delicious (and easy) French Toast recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) mascarpone, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 to 1 ounce 62 percent semisweet chocolate (to taste), melted and cooled
• Twelve 1/4- to 3/8-inch slices day-old brioche
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 ounce) unsalted butter
• 62 percent semisweet chocolate for grating
• Maple syrup, warmed

Directions:

1. Combine the mascarpone, cream, and sugar in a small bowl. Add the melted chocolate, and mix until incorporated. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the mixture on one slice of brioche, and top with another slice. Repeat with the remaining slices, making 6 sandwiches.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half.
3. Preheat a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Dip each sandwich in the egg and half-and-half, turning to soak both sides. Let any excess drip back in the bowl. Place the sandwich on the griddle. Repeat with only as many sandwiches as fit comfortably in the griddle, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden. Transfer to a platter and cover to keep warm. Add more butter to the pan as necessary and cook the remaining sandwiches.
4. Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal, and serve 3 halves per person. Using a microplane, grate chocolate over the top. Serve with maple syrup.

bottoms up!

xx,

WhyDid

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Once upon a time, I was gallivanting through the West Village when I stumbled upon a big wooden door.  Being the ever curious girl that I am, I went ahead and entered said wooden door to see what kind of magic it held inside.  Magic was right. I entered a room that looked like it didn’t even belong in New York City.  It was old and quaint and had twinkling chandeliers dangling from its soaring ceilings.

I still didn’t know where I was until I asked the bartender. He informed me that I was at One If By Land Two If By Sea. I had heard of it, but had never gone.  It was supposed to be one of the most romantic restaurants in the city and now I could see why. I bid the bartender adieu and vowed that some day I would return to this magical place with my very own Prince Charming.

Flash forward seven months, and I returned to One If By Land Two If By Sea this past weekend for their Sunday Jazz Brunch.  I couldn’t imagine anything more “old” New York than listening to jazz over bellinis in such a beautiful place.  They have several delightful options on their brunch menu (served from 11:30am-2:00pm). I ordered the brioche French toast (with carmelized bananas, toasted pistachios, and creme anglaise) and my handsome companion ordered the leek and bacon quiche.  Both were delightful in two very different ways.  While his was hearty and savory, mine was like eating dessert for breakfast.  I must say that the combination of delicious food, great music, and overall ambience was exactly the way a Sunday should be spent.

One If By Land Two If By Sea

17 Barrow Street

New York, NY 10014

347-706-3072

How does a curious girl get dressed for a magical brunch with her very own Prince Charming?  For a place like this, I would suggest elegantly casual with a touch of feminine romance.

Billabong October Beanie, $22

Madison Marcus Long Sleeve Lace Blouse, $238

J Brand 901 Low-Rise Skinny Velvet Jeans, $185

Black Rooster Vienne Bootie, $125

Juicy Couture Alice Plaid Coat, $448

Happily ever after…

xx,

WhyDid

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