Sunday Brunch

I have a tradition of meeting with a dear friend once a month for brunch at his place.  He puts out a beautiful spread and we drink champagne and catch up all morning.  It is one of my absolute favorite things.  This month he did not disappoint.  We had cheese and antipasti from Murray's Cheese in New York City.  Murray's was my absolute favorite specialty shop when I lived in the Village so it was a real treat to get to eat their fabulous cheeses again recently.

Look how good that looks!  I walked into the apartment and he had already set up all the accoutrements-bread, New York state local apples, and red grapes.  I very rarely eat bread, so this was a special treat.  But that's the whole point.  When I'm with people I love, carbs don't matter, and that's ok.  When we are laughing and talking and gossiping as we eat, I am not scarfing down a whole loaf of bread (as I might if I tried to go low-carb and failed); I instead eat slowly, savoring every rich flavor and texture.  And this month the flavors and textures were to die for!  So good.

From left, clockwise: American cheddar, herbed chèvre, Fromage d'Affinois, charcuterie (for him!), olives, and Scharfe Maxx

Sunday brunch, for me, is about nourishing body and soul.  Being around someone so special to me, seeing the work he put into making everything so beautiful and pleasing to the eye, and getting to truly relax and be myself is invaluable.  I leave feeling refreshed and happy, and nothing is healthier than that.  I hope you and your loved ones have such beautiful food traditions, and if you don't, I suggest starting with brunch.