BRUNCHING in North Jersey

You make the time, we pick the spots. Weekend brunches are a treasured meal, a time to relax with family and friends and savor the best breakfast and luncheon foods in wonderful settings. Here are some North Jersey favorites that we are sure our readers will enjoy. And they are ideal for New Yorkers looking to have a day out of the city in some of the area's top communities.

Samba Montclair (Montclair) Brazilians don't eat the traditional American breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and so on. So Ilson Goncalves, Executive Chef/Owner of Samba Montclair, designed a brunch using classic Brazilian ingredients. Choose from the Omelet w/Brazilian Sausage + Collards, served with a side of Yuca Home Fries dusted with fresh rosemary, mint, thyme and oregano (pictured); a Grass-Fed Burger on gluten-free, house-made YucaBun; Panini w/Mozzarella + Chicken (again with Ilson's signature yuca bread); Steak + Duck Egg; Duck Sliders; and Fresh-Squeezed OJ for Mimosas (or not). On Sundays, brunch is served from noon to 4 p.m., and the dinner menu is also available noon to 8 p.m. Visit: https://www.sambamontclair.com/

Maritime Parc (Jersey City) The brunch menu at Maritime Parc is divided into "sweet" and "savory" selections, and there's much to love in each: pancakes and pastries with seasonal fruits; Blueberry Ricotta Doughnuts; Fried Egg, Crab + Potato Hash; BBQ Short Rib BLT; and, of course, a selection of Executive Chef/Owner Chris Siversen's signature burgers. Love a good raw bar? Go for the Grand Platter! Sit indoors or outdoors on the patio, where plenty of heaters allow diners to enjoy the glorious views of the marina, Liberty State Park and the Lower Manhattan skyline from spring well into the fall. Brunch served Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit: http://maritimeparc.com/

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern (Bergen County) This historic Inn's sumptuous Sunday Brunch buffet is a longstanding Bergen County favorite. Guests are loving the chef-manned carving and omelet stations, smoked and poached salmon (with all the classic accoutrements) and the new savory + sweet scone bar (think blueberry, raspberry white chocolate and jalapeño cheddar scones with whipped honey orange citrus, lemon, bacon and onion butters). Brand new as well: kids feasting on pancakes and French toast with fun, yummy toppings, such as whipped cream, strawberries and Oreo cookies. What else makes brunch at the cozy historic inn so tempting? A bountiful Viennese dessert table and complimentary unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys. (Psst....Thinking of attending Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13? Better make reservations ASAP!) Visit: http://hohokusinn.com/

Vanillamore Dessert Kitchen (Montclair) Brunch is a perfect way to experience Vanillamore Dessert Kitchen, where Pastry Chef/owner Risa MagidBoyer puts sweets at the center of the menu, with healthy, seasonal savory offerings to complement. Most selections are perfect for sharing so you don't have to pick just one! There's a seasonal sweet and savory pastry basket; Blueberry Pancakes with Ricotta and Lemon Zest; French Toast Bread Pudding with vanilla poached pears, almonds and maple syrup; toasts, quiches and more. The sleek, light-filled space is replete with a mesmerizing video wall featuring culinary creations-in-progress. Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit: https://www.vanillamore.com/

Zaferon Grill (Verona) Refined Mediterranean-American with Persian accents, reflecting the owner's heritage and culture of hospitality over millennia. As with dinner, the brunch menu features well-executed, handsomely plated organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and poultry, wild-caught fish, organic produce and house-baked taftoon (flatbread), along with fresh blended juices, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Choose the Farmers Market Frittata with asparagus, spinach tomato and brie; the Short Ribs Benedict with two poached organic eggs served over toasted English muffin and topped with chipotle hollandaise sauce; or a Steak Salad with sliced Black Angus skirt steak, mixed greens, avocado, red onions and cucumber, herb vinaigrette. Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit: http://zaferongrill.com/

Photo Credit: Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern by Nadya Furnari

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