Hop on Over for Some Easter Brunch

Easter baskets filled with toys and chocolates, hunting for hidden decorated eggs, and joyous church services. And who gets to wear the Easter Bunny costume this year, Uncle Joey?

Family traditions vary from family to family, but it always includes a feast. Since Easter is the end of the season of Lent, when many Christian observers sacrifice a favorite food item for 40 days, it is appropriate to indulge on a large, fulfilling meal, while honoring the resurrection of Christ. Easter is an uplifting time to gather with family and friends, and a great reason to enjoy dining together. Here are a few restaurant selections from La Jolla to Carlsbad to cover those of all dining faiths.

• The Marine Room: Start a new family tradition by spending Easter at longtime San Diego landmark . Enjoy its acclaimed Easter Sunday brunch buffet while taking in the idyllic views of La Jolla Shores. The extensive buffet features new dishes from executive chef Bernard Guillas and chef de cuisine Ron Oliver, including a Mediterranean charcuterie, forest mushroom frittata, blue crab and hearts of palm salad, pomegranate plum spiced sashimi tuna, five peppercorn crusted beef prime rib, crepes La Jolla, adobo barbecue rubbed Jidori chicken, and so much more. The buffet also features desserts with local San Diego-area flavors, such as Temecula caramel apple cake and a Fallbrook organic passion fruit tart. The buffet is served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and cost is $55 per person. The Marine Room is located at 2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla, 858-459-7222, MarineRoom.com. See the menu.

• California Modern at George’s at the Cove: The restaurant prepares innovative, fresh and seasonal cuisine, which is quite evident in California Modern’s special Easter a la carte menu. Appetizers include fresh fruit, yogurt and granola parfait; Chino Farms carrot salad or English pea ravioli made with Niman Ranch ham. Entrée choices range from breakfast favorites such as brioche French toast and Spanish tortilla, to heartier fare, such as porcini glazed bone in halibut steak and braised Colorado lamb shank. George's is located at 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858-454-4244, georgesatthecove.com. See the menu.

• El Torito: Spice up your Easter with some authentic regional Mexican food at El Torito. Since 1954, the restaurant has offered Southern California a casual place for families to dine. The Sunday brunch buffet includes omelettes made to order, Mexican specialty items, taco bar, hot soups, salads, fruits, homemade waffles, desserts, Agua Frescas and more. Champagne is included. The all-you-can-eat buffet is served until 2 p.m. Cost is $15.99 for adults and $5.99 for kids 12 and under. El Torito has two locations: 1068 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760-479-0003; and 8910 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla, 858-453-4115; eltorito.com.

• Savory: Chef and owner Pascal Vignau prepares casual fare in his quaint bistro. Savory’s Easter Sunday brunch buffet menu gets your taste buds flowing by starting you off with salad, traditional French onion soup and seared tombo tuna carpaccio. Taste a little more and grab some mushroom and spinach omelettes, duck confit hash and jambon sandwiches. Add on something special to drink, like a fizzy flute, cucumber mint splash or a savory smoothie. All tables are also set with fresh pastries along with chef Pascal’s homemade fruit preserves. Easter brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and cost is $28 for adults and $17.50 for children ages 6 to 12. Savory is located at 267 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760-634-5556, savorycasualfare.com. See the menu.

• The Argyle Steakhouse: Special occasions call for a special place, and The Argyle Steakhouse presents diners both an elegant and inviting place. Their Easter brunch menu is just as delectable. Select from fabulous food galleys of iced seafood, handcrafted salumi and homemade patés, Maki sushi and sashimi, smoked fish platters, aromatic mixed greens, salads, and omelet and crepe stations until 1 p.m. After 1 p.m., add on cioppino, the carving station, and hot foods, including pistachio crusted Mahi, veal scaloppini and truffle chevre stuffed chicken breast. Plus the to-die-for Easter dessert buffet will help you add on a few pounds, after your Lenten sacrifices, when you stuff yourself with chocolate and banana nougatine tart, rice pudding rum cake, passion fruit tiramisu, and oh so much more … oh yes, there are also cookies and cupcakes. (Personally, I would start with the desserts.) Easter brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $85 per person. Argyle is located at 7447 Batiquitos Dr., Carlsbad, 760-603-6908, argylesteakhouse.com. See the menu.

• 333 Pacific: Located across from the Oceanside Pier, 333 Pacific, part of the Cohn Restaurant Group, offers guests an innovative California cuisine-inspired menu. For Easter, 333 Pacific presents a special three-course menu. Begin with such choices as coastal clam chowder, heirloom tomato panzanella salad, or crab, shrimp and lobster cake. Then select one of their delicious entrees, including roast New Zealand lamb chops, grilled swordfish, prime rib, or veal scalloppine Oscar. And save for room for dessert as you choose from Meyer lemon panna cotta, chocolate mousse cake, or a crème brulee trio. The kids will feel special as they select from their own menu, starting with a fruit plate and choosing to dine on beef sliders, filet mignon, chicken strips, or butter linguine. And of course the kiddies get ice cream for dessert—chocolate or vanilla in a “Cohn.” The Easter menu is available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $49.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids. The restaurant is located at 333 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, 760-433-3333, cohnrestaurants.com. See the menu.