After complaining about the funk and then reading an inspirational post by Caitlin @ Healthy Tipping Point about Ellen, a very cool 73 year-old marathoner, I cranked out a run.

One of my favorite quotes from the interview: Remember, energy begets energy…and it’s contagious.

 

As per usual… I feel better.

Someone just kick my in the arse out the door next time, please!

 

Stats:

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 33:54

Pace: 8:36

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They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  I agree… but brunch is certainly the most delicious meal of the day.

Especially if you can enjoy it at Empire State South (999 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-541-1105).

I’ve visited for dinner twice.  Although it was before I could chew much of anything (my order was an odd mix of sides), I highly recommended you eat every meal here (I live right down the street… danger!).

 

The Kimchi Rice Grits are addicting.

 

Back to brunch.

I met a group for brunch at ESS last Saturday – this is a pretty food-oriented group and we were not disappointed.

I’m not a Bloody Mary fan, but I did sample the Caesar Bloody of someone in my party.  It was made with clam & tomato Juice, worcestershire, olive brine, tabasco, black pepper, lemon. It was GOOD – to the point that I almost ordered one.  Almost.

I drank a delicious cup of Brazilian coffee, made using the pour-over method.  This method renders the freshest cup of coffee you will ever taste. I drank mine black.

 

As a starter we tried the pimento cheese with bacon marmalade.  It was served in a little mason jar with a side of crisp toast.  The chewy, candied bacon was a nice addition to the creamy pimento.  I’m a big fan of the salty-sweet combination to being with.  Add bacon and I’m over-the-moon.

 

Then came the mains.

 

If you’re in the mood for something light, don’t miss the Spring Farm Salad.

 

It consisted of farro, local lettuce, legumes, goat cheese, orange segments, carrots, cucumbers, English peas, and radishes. It was crunchy and full of flavor – more “toppings” than lettuce made it extra satisfying.  It was drizzled with a balsamic reduction and a citrus vinaigrette (I ordered on the side). The vinaigrette was perfectly balanced with the sweet citrus, sea salt, and olive oil.

 

Another dining mate ordered the Pork Confit served over a Jalapeno & Bacon Biscuit with poached eggs, arugula, balsamic onion jam, hollandaise mousseline.

I did a little taste test and can vouch for its deliciousness – the confit was impossibly flavorful and juicy.  Not over salted or greasy, as I have found to be the case around Atlanta lately.  Sadly, he ate it before I got a pic.

 

Then there was the Special. OMG – it was special.

I wish I had written down the description, but from what I recall it was a: Pheasant Empanada with a green chili chow chow, poached egg, local lettuce, orange segments, and a balsamic reduction.  Holy mother of deliciousness.

I’ve never been a big pheasant fan, but this couldn’t have been better.  The empanada was flaky and light – not too greasy (as I find is often the case).

 

And they brought out a little dessert-snack.  Some sort of peanut butter fudgy-toffee.

If you’re in Atlanta and in need of brunch this Saturday/Sunday, ESS is worth the trip.

Reservations recommended – especially with the Dogwood Festival this weekend!

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What is your favorite meal of the day?  Is brunch a weekend must or a special treat?

Happy Friday!!!