Level of Hangover: Drinking the night before Easter would have been appropriate

Level of Hangover: Drinking the night before Easter would have been appropriate had I given up alcohol for Lent. Forty days and Forty nights would almost unbearable for even the most casual drinkers, hints why I didn’t give it up. Let’s just say my Easter started a little later than usual just for that reason. The Soak: I can’t seem to remember the last time that Easter Sunday was actually sunny, and the day I decided to brunch at Cafe Flora was no exception. I lucked out, and hit the after church crowd at around 12:30 (see above). Level of Hangover: Drinking the night before Easter would have been appropriate had I given up alcohol for Lent. Forty days and Forty nights would almost unbearable for even the most casual drinkers, hints why I didn’t give it up. Let’s just say my Easter started a little later than usual just for that reason. The Soak:I can’t seem to remember the last time that Easter Sunday was actually sunny, and the day I decided to brunch at Cafe Flora was no exception. I lucked out, and hit the after church crowd at around 12:30 (see above). I elbowed my way through the mosh pit that was forming in the small space between the door and the hostess, who despite chaos seemed rather calm. A thirty-minute wait meant that I had time to admire the recent renovations while I waited for my table for one. In nearly every corner was a little of the reclaimed wood accents, and the soy- stained concrete added a continuity that made me wonder what possibly could have been here before. The garden atrium is a refreshing mix of greenhouse and sunroom, and the full tables suggested that this was a great space for eating anytime of day. I was surprised to be seated at a large table towards the back of the restaurant, and naturally I chose to sit near the wall in case they suddenly needed a chair or three. I’ve never had more than a cup of coffee as a breakfast appetizer, but Flora’s ” Sweet Beginnings” were a much-welcomed change. I ordered the beignets, which were these delightfully crisp pillows of sweet dough made even more enticing with mocha creme anglaise. Far from their New Orleans ancestors, these Big Easy delicacies were a sure fire hit with this southern girl. My main course consisted of the ‘Pesto Scramble’ with artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. Usually I’m not a fan of Pesto let alone of anything that makes pesto the main ingredient, but after some serious convincing on the part of my waitress I decided to take the risk. After my first couple bites I was more than happy that I did. Accompanied by herbed- crusted potatoes and soy sausage which are surprisingly better than they sound, this meal was a hearty symphony of experiences. Success of the Soak: The prices were so reasonable that I had to give my receipt a double take. Doggie box in hand and as full as humanly possible, I left Flora satisfied not only with the food, but with the great service I received.