Atlanta Knows Brunch!

I love brunch-- I truly believe a perfect weekend begins with a scrumptious brunch and giant cup of coffee. So this weekend, sleep in a tad then rise and shine because here are some places for you to go, dishes for you to eat and drinks for you to tilt at these weekend brunch destinations.

Enjoy a classic Italian-style brunch? Begin your morning at La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia Highland. Enjoy a range of items from house-made challah French toast; chicken sausage with potato-leek hash and spicy cherry pepper chutney; poached eggs with warm bruschetta, crispy pancetta and sautéed spinach; stuffed egg “cannelloni” and many more options.

Need to get out of the city? Head up to the mountains--Wolf Mountain that is! Monthly themes and seasonal finds reward those who head for the hills to Sunday’s brunch buffet at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery outside Dahlonega. This month’s Seafood Festival is net-worthy! You’ll definitely want to add a glass or bottle of Wolf Mountain’s European estate-style wines. Reservations are required so plan in advance for either the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. seating; call 706-867-9862.

Wearing your Sunday’s best? Check out the new Pacci Ristorante adjacent to the chic new Hotel Palomar. Brunch is a Saturday and Sunday affair here and is served from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. both days.

If you need to add a little spice to your weekend, check out Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande! Prepare for an egg-ceptionally lively at brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eggs are king on the menu, scrambled and peppered with Mexican flair.

Look out over Piedmont Park from your perch at The Nook . . . if you can peel your eyes off the scrumptious menu! Wander around the farmer’s market on Sunday in the park and run over here to complete your morning by parking yourself on the porch!

Panera is a popular meeting place for brunch favorites anytime of day. The variety of bagels and cream cheese flavors keeps everyone smiling. On the bakery menu, pastries and sweets, granola parfaits, baked egg soufflés and bagel sandwiches join the parade of freshly baked breads that smell heavenly and taste even more divine. Can’t stay? Grab brunch to go!

Marlow’s Tavern is another easy choice for Sunday brunch, especially with six locations around Atlanta. Order from the brunch menu at Marlow’s Alpharetta, and don’t forget your $14.99 bottomless mimosa! In Duluth, Marlow’s offers a brunch menu and $3 mimosas (per glass). Marlow’s Midtown, Northlake and Kennesaw spread out full brunch buffets for $14.99 per person and pour bottomless mimosas for $15 each. And Marlow’s Vinings also sets forth a sumptuous full buffet for $14.99 for west siders.