Submitted by Karen Levin.

On an unseasonably warm winter day, nearly 20 Dames members and guests met up at the bustling Beatrix restaurant downtown for the annual holiday brunch, December 12, 2015.

Though we were a bit disappointed about being partially split up because of the busy holiday shopping crowds, everyone remarked they had a lovely time catching up with friends and meeting new ones. 

To make up for the mishap, the on-shift manager started us off with heaping plates of house-baked pastries like banana-walnut muffins, chocolaty coffee cake and almond croissants, which we happily indulged in alongside our strong coffee, mimosas and more. Some opted for the lighter fare like quinoa cakes with tomato-basil sauce and poached eggs while others kept it simple with eggs over easy and sweet and savory, crispy maple syrup bacon. Standouts were Bea’s cheese blintzes with blueberry compote and lemon, and the green chili enchiladas with roasted poblano peppers, baby kale and Chihuahua cheese.

The wait staff was very attentive throughout the meal and finishing up, was kind enough to honor separate checks. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season. We look forward to reuniting at Julie Chernoff’s holiday potluck and other upcoming Les Dames events.