DC’s brunch scene is a reason I know I am in the right city. I adore everything about brunch: the food, the atmosphere, the conversations and, of course, the drinks.
When my friends asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday: I immediately responded with an exuberant “BRUNCH!”
After careful consideration, I decided on {El Centro}. I have been there once before on a date for drinks and I had a great time (the guy didn’t last long though). However, I knew I wanted to go back and I heard rave reviews about their brunch.
I went in with high expectations and guess what? El Centro went above and beyond.
For starters, we were seated on their heated deck, which felt like a trip to the beach after the cold snap we’ve had in DC.
{El Centro has a $35 bottomless eat-and-drink brunch deal from 11 until 2}…but only if your entire party joins in on the bottomless shenanigans. So you have to commit!
The bottomless starts with chips, fresh guacamole & salsa as well as fruit salad. Mexican is one of my favorite cuisines and I consider myself a connoisseur of chips and salsa. These chips were out of this world, just the right amount of salty. The guac was so fresh, I could wax poetic about it for days. No joke.
The salsa was on the sweeter side but still had that kick I was looking for.
But onto the important part of brunch: the booze!
I originally ordered the seasonal Aqua Fresco cocktail in pineapple and it was delicious. However, I had had margaritas the night before so after one, I was ready to switch from sweet to savory. I joined my crowd of friends and ordered a Bloody Maria. Wow, am I glad I did!
When I say I cannot stop thinking about Bloodys, I mean it. I spent half an hour yesterday searching Bloody Mary recipes. My only complaint about the Bloody Maria was that I wish it came with more garnish like a banana pepper or jalapeno. But there was a lovely blend of spices and was a great complement to my main courses…
Jalisco Enchilada, a shrimp and crab enchilada topped with a slice of avocado. The enchilada sauce was my favorite part of the meal: it was flavorful and the spice was nicely tempered by the sour cream drizzle. I actually scooped the remaining sauce onto my mini carne asada tacos, a great idea. The seafood was perfect and the dish itself was wonderful.
Pleasantly full and with a buzz, my friends and I strolled around 14th Street. I need to explore this area of the city again soon and definitely will start with brunch at El Centro.
