It’s a tough call. We’ve learned from experience that holidays in this town are brutal for brunch, with the absolute worst being Mothers’ Day. One thing is certain. You would be wise to exclude any delusions about a leisurely care free noonish brunch. My perception may be wrong, but it seems to me that Easter no longer holds the sway that it once did here in what was formerly a VERY Catholic town. Nevertheless, I think it prudent to be wherever you choose by !0 AM. while the majority of those so disposed are still in church. It pays to remember that this is very much a place where Sunday brunch folks are also sleep in late types, who don’t mind standing in long lines on the sidewalks in front of neighborhood eateries. Personally, it annoys me no end to spend an hour in line for the privilege of dropping a pile of money on 20 minutes of elbow rubbing, prison volume dining.
After all of that lecturing, here are 2 possibilities. The Hyatt in Burlingame has a fabulous champagne brunch with live jazz music. We haven’t been in a while, but it is EXPENSIVE. The food is over the top delicious with all the extravagance of a Roman orgy. It’s the sort of thing everyone should try once. On the other end of the scale is Delancey Street where the food is more than reasonably priced (in fact it’s downright cheap) for white linen table cloth dining. It’s good, hearty food from a menu that’s changed very little in 20 years. Both places are free of parking problems. Delancey has valet parking for 2 bucks (unbelievable), and the 3 of you can stuff yourselves, swill champagne mimosas and escape for less than 50 bucks including tip and parking. If you can get there before 11, you can eat in relative peace. Bon apetit.