Reserve your spot at an Easter brunch table

SARAH JACKSON THE OLYMPIAN

THURSTON COUNTY -- Spring is here, and Easter -- if you haven't been paying attention -- is Sunday.

So if you're not in the mood to cook this weekend and you want to celebrate Easter Sunday and the season of rebirth and fertility, then a buffet brunch might be just the thing.

What better way to ring in spring than eggs Benedict, fresh mahi mahi teriyaki or roast leg of lamb -- just a sampling of what's available at South Sound Sunday brunches.

But hurry.

Many South Sound restaurants recommend or require reservations well in advance of the big day of church services, chocolate Easter bunnies, egg hunts and buffet-inspired gourmet delights.

Patrick Knutson, owner of Budd Bay Cafe in Olympia, said reservations for the cafe's brunch are filling up quickly.

If the weather's nice, however, seating may expand to the deck area, which can accommodate about 80 people. If that happens, the restaurant may have room for a lot of walk-ins, Knutson said.

Budd Bay Cafe's brunch -- routinely rated as one of the Best in South Sound by Olympian readers -- will feature seafood, pastries and carved meats.

Mark Silversten, owner of Genoas on the Bay in Olympia -- another Best of South Sound regular -- said the Easter buffet goes above and beyond the usual Sunday fare.

"It's a larger buffet," Silversten said. "It's festive, and it's decorated in Easter themes."

Many South Sound restaurants will offer special menu items and extended hours, so call ahead to your favorite breakfast or lunch hangout if it's not listed here.

So, without further ado, here's a sampling of Easter brunch events in South Sound.

- Budd Bay Cafe -- Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Features include seafood, breakfast items, homemade pastries, fresh fruit and carved meats. Cost: $18.95 (includes champagne); $14.95 seniors; ages 11 and younger $8.95 or a dollar per year. Reservations recommended. The restaurant is at 525 Columbia St., Olympia. Call 360-357-6963.

- Genoas on the Bay -- Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Features include Salmon San Juan, Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries, apple-smoked ham, fresh mahi mahi teriyaki, chicken dijonaise and dessert bar. Cost: $17.95; seniors $15.95; special prices for kids. Reservations recommended. The restaurant is at 1525 Washington St., Olympia. Call 360-943-7770.

- Olympia Elks Lodge -- Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $12.95; ages 7-12 $6.95; ages 4-6 $3.95; ages 3 and younger free. Featuring eggs Benedict, blueberry blintzes, salad bar, carved meats and Belgian waffles. Reservations recommended. The lodge is at 1818 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Call 360-753-4020.

- Indian Summer Golf and Country Club -- Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with egg hunts at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Prices: $25.95; $7.95 for children ages 10 and younger. The restaurant is at 5900 Troon Lane S.E., Olympia. Reservations required. Call 360-412-8302.

- Hawks Prairie Casino -- Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Riverbend Restaurant offers a special variety of breakfast meals. Cost: $10.50, $12 with champagne; $8.50 seniors, $9 with champagne; $6.50 ages 6-12. Reservations recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. The restaurant is at 8313 Quinault Drive N.E., Lacey. Call 360-528-8888.

- Oyster House -- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Features include Baron of Beef, smoked ham, poached salmon and Belgian waffles. Cost: $16.99 (endless glass of champagne $2); children $7.99; seniors $14.99; ages 5 and younger 59 cents per year. Reservations available for parties of eight or more. The restaurant is at 320 Fourth Ave., Olympia. Call 360-753-7000.

- Urban Onion -- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Features make-your-own-omelet station, Baron of Beef, carved roast turkey, full salad, fresh fruit, fresh salmon, portobello mushroom lasagna and deserts such as lemon tartlets. Cost: $18.99; $8.95 for children 10 and younger. The restaurant is at 116 Legion Way S.E., Olympia. Reservations recommended. Call 360-943-9242.

- WestCoast Olympia Hotel -- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Features Washington apple crepes with honey-cinnamon glaze, cheese blintzes with raspberry sauce, eggs Benedict, alder smoked salmon and roasted leg of lamb. Costs: $19.95; $14.95 seniors; $9.95 ages 6-12; ages 5 younger eat for free. Reservations recommended. The hotel is at 2300 Evergreen Park Drive, Olympia. Call 360-943-4000.

- Lucky Eagle Casino, Golden Eagle Restaurant -- Hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $18.95; $15.95 seniors; children ages 5-11 $7.95. Features include waffles, omelets and eggs to order, eggs Benedict, cracked crab, peel-and-eat shrimp, salad bar, deserts and pastries, honey-baked ham, roast turkey breast and baked salmon with dill hollandaise sauce. Reservations recommended. The casino is at 12888 188th Ave. S.W., Rochester. Call 800-720-1788.

- Anthony's HomePort -- While there's no special buffet for Easter, Anthony's will serve several breakfast items on the menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Features include scrambles and egg dishes. Reservations recommended. The restaurant is at 704 Columbia St. N.W., Olympia. Call 360-357-9700.

For more local news go to the South Sound Living section.

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