Four Keys to Quality Brunch Time

In San Diego, sunny blue skies and temperate weather signal brunch season is in full swing. Whether you’re celebrating special occasions or holidays, hosting friends, or treating yourself, here are a few ways to help make the best combo meal of any day a little more San Diego.

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1. Location, location

DJ Brunch at ARLO

Exceeding expectations for Hotel Circle attractions, Town & Country’s revamp in recent years has ushered in a new era of resort-style accommodations for visitors and locals to enjoy. Hidden in the courtyard, you’ll find award-winning ARLO, a worthy dining destination with airy ceilings, classy design details, globally inspired menu, and free parking with validation. For the usual weekend, book a reservation for the live DJ Brunch where you can slide into a booth and enjoy feeling like you’re on vacation if only for an hour or two. The DJ starts at 10am, adding a special spin to the vibe that makes it difficult not to dance in your seat. On the standard brunch menu, start with an order of perfectly crumbly, flaky, buttery house-made biscuits to pair with a Busa-Latte (21+), and the Tocino Fried Rice with pork belly is a savory favorite.

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2. Brunch refreshments to-go

SUNTIDE canned mimosas

For those of us who have ever wished to have our mimosas premixed and ready to travel anywhere, any time, canned mimosas from San Diego-based SUNTIDE (21+) are here. Offered in classic, peach, and raspberry flavors, they are light, refreshingly sweet, and enjoyable at any time of day.

Improv Booze-Free Cocktails

For an alcohol-free canned beverage, try Improv Booze-Free Cocktails. They use natural fruit juices and organic sweeteners to create booze-less versions of five classic cocktails like lime margarita and mai tai that even promise to deliver "the tingle” in the taste profile like their alcohol-based cocktail counterparts.

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3. Get the tools to make a top-notch brunch happen at home

Stock your bar at Collins & Coupe Cocktail Supply Co.

Brunching at home doesn’t mean you have to do so without a fancy drink in hand. Get your home bar entertainment ready with unique drinkwares and provisions from specialty store Collins & Coupe Cocktail Supply Co. You’ll find a variety of mixers including artisanal shrubs (perfect for nonalcoholic refreshments), bitters, and all the proper drink-making accessories your inner bartender could desire.

DIY huevos like a Michelin Bib Gourmand chef

For weekend project cooking, Drew Bent of Papalo BBQ in La Mesa (formerly at Lola 55) shares his recipe for Huevos Divorciados. While preparing this dish, you'll learn how to make two fresh salsas, seasoned black beans, and Bent's secret umami ingredient in the corn tortillas.

Click to get the recipe for Huevos Divorciados »

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4. Learn how eggs are made

Have an Eggsperience at Hoot's Hollow Farm

There’s an Eggsperience at Hoot’s Hollow Farm to help us connect to the source of this brunch food staple. Families can book a field trip led by Diane Carter, a state certified small flock egg producer in Bonita, to meet chickens and learn about this aspect of farming. With egg shortages continuing to challenge grocery store supply chains, you can try getting fresh egg deliveries in a limited area with a subscription to Diane’s Eggs. Hoot’s Hollow Farm also offers pony parties, horseback riding, and event space.

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