Brunch at Zumo

It’s the weekend, and don’t forget Mother’s Day is tomorrow! If you are looking for someplace new to take your mom and treat her royally, head over to Pulpito, just up the street from the Tryst Hotel and Coco’s Kitchen, and try the new brunch at ZUMO.

Owners Vanessa Venegas and Stewart Haverlack invited a handful of people yesterday to peruse the menu and enjoy the brunch before the doors open to the public on Mother’s Day.

The extensive four-page menu consists of a clipboard with listings for Coffee & Juices, Mimosas & Drinks, Sweet & Savory items, and Eggs & Sandwiches. Everything is a la carte and looks wonderful coming out of the kitchen. There is a good blend of Mexican favorites like beef birria chilaquiles and smoked marlin burritos with traditional brunch favorites but with some spicy twists. For example, the eggs bennie offers chipotle-spiced Hollandaise sauce and lemon-peppered fries to accompany the ZUMO burger.

I had a three-egg spinach omelet with goat cheese, toast, a fabulous salad, and potatoes fried with all kinds of goodies. It tasted as good as it looked.

The classic mimosa made with Prosecco was lovely – the freshly squeezed orange juice made all the difference in the world. You can order all you can drink in 90 minutes if you want; otherwise, they are available by the flute. On May 10 and 11, ZUMO’s opening weekend, these mimosas are included with brunch. Another incentive to take Mom out! One cocktail that would be terrific for dessert caught my eye: Liquid Tiramisu made with Jameson Irish Whiskey and liqueurs of cacao and coffee and a shot of espresso. Wowza!

As Vanessa welcomed every guest as they came through the door, including her gorgeous mom, Coco Iñiguez, Vanessa’s husband, chef, and co-owner of ZUMO, Stewart Haverlack, joined me as the restaurant began to fill up. We met many years ago at another of his brilliantly conceived restaurants called Boca Bento. More than an hour passed in lively conversation; it was great fun catching up after all these years.

Brunch has landed and will be served six days a week at ZUMO from 9 am to 2 pm. They are closed on Tuesdays.

Don’t forget your mom tomorrow (and every day!), and we’ll catch you back here Monday morning.