Easter Brunch Begins in the Garden

Spring is a lovely season for hosting bright and lively garden parties in Bay Meadows’ Persimmon Park and brunches filled with spring sippers. Whether you are having a casual get-together or celebrating a special occasion – enjoy the warm weather and fresh air that the new season brings. If you have your own community garden plot, begin by harvesting fresh herbs like rosemary, mint and lavender to top off garden inspired drinks and garnish fresh dishes.

Your soiree will be the envy of the neighborhood with these easy Easter inspired, garden to glass cocktail recipes and pairings we’ve gathered just for you:

Rosemary Paloma. Rosemary brings an earthy, aromatic twist to this wintery take on the classic Paloma. This punchy grapefruit cocktail still embraces some winter flavors while welcoming spring with open arms.

The Spring Bloom Cocktail. This elegant, easy-sipping drink feels as fresh and springy as a bunch of just-picked tulips. With notes of rosemary and lavender—and a touch of sweetness via the honey syrup—it’s a serious springtime winner.

Spring Sangria with Strawberries and Mint. This easy, make-ahead sangria is bursting with fragrant mint and juicy strawberries. While strawberry and mint is a favorite combo, the recipe is highly adaptable to your taste.

Cucumber, Basil & Lime Gimlet. Muddled cucumbers and basil leaves give this drink a boost of fresh produce plus its great to get in your Vitamin C.

Classic Mimosa. No brunch menu is complete without a flute filled to the brim with a mimosa. Okay, make that a pitcher. For a fun Easter twist on a mimosa, infuse vodka with jellybeans for a couple of hours before mixing with a little bit of lemon juice and champagne, enter the JellyBean Mimosa.

Because brunch is not complete without Mary…

A Very Good Bloody Mary. This cocktail recipe is for anyone who has a penchant for savory and spice: It features tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, dill pickle juice, horseradish, hot sauce, and, yes, vodka.

The sips are settled, let’s move on to light bites:

Hot Cross Buns. These spiced sweet buns are the perfect pairing for any of drink of choice.

Savory Herb Butter Dutch Baby. A Dutch baby is like a cross between an omelet and a giant pancake. This savory version is packed with herbs and topped with creamy cheese and sliced prosciutto.

Breakfast Strata. This healthy dish will fuel you up for the Easter egg hunt.

Eggs Benedict for a Crowd. Poaching eggs in advance. A hollandaise that will stay luscious for hours. A tray of perfectly toasted, buttery muffins. Yep—it’s all here.

Lemon-Poppy Seed Scones. This scrumptious scone is loaded with the bright and zesty citrus flavors of lemon and poppy seeds. You won’t want to skimp on the zesty glaze.

 

Walkscore.com rates Bay Meadows high on the list for walkable locations to live on the San Francisco Peninsula and for good reason! Why? Because we are steps from shopping and entertainment (Hillsdale Center), groceries (Whole Foods), parks, a farmer’s market and an easy bike-ride from downtown San Mateo with its burgeoning restaurant scene. With wheels on-site to get you from here to there, there’s no need to own your own. And Caltrain is no more than a five-minute walk from anywhere in the neighborhood. Learn all about connecting the dots for your many transportation options with Connect San Mateo.