For me, Sundays are the day that I use to set the tone for the week ahead.
I’m choosy on how I spend them since they’re the last full day of freedom before things get hectic with the weekday hustle. When I picture my ideal Sunday, it usually includes some form of quality time with Ben and Nash. A workout is a must and brunch is almost always on the menu.
Sound like you too? Minus Ben and Nash of course – I’m keeping them. If you’re down for a sweat and good eats to follow – I have a feeling you’ll love the Bend, Bubbles, and Brunch experience at The Epicurean Hotel in Tampa.
First, you bend it out poolside in a yoga class with Alycia.
There’s something so refreshing about being outside in the sunshine while you find your flow. Alycia does a fantastic job at making everyone in her yoga class feel comfortable. You can conquer each pose at your own pace and comfort level. For a newbie like me – this is PERFECT. At the end of class you’re served a sparkling glass of champagne faster than you can say “namaste”.
Can every yoga class end this way or…? Make sure you cheers to closing that exercise ring!
If you’re like me then you’re probably starving once the class ends because you only had coffee and water beforehand. No sweat because Èlevage, the onsite restaurant at The Epicurean, is only a short walk away from the pool deck.
On the trip from the pool deck to the restaurant, it’s hard not to take in the beauty of The Epicurean. It’s truly an experience to walk the halls in that place. There’s no shortage of exquisite decor and inspiring pieces to see.
That aesthetic carries over into the food that is served at Èlevage.
Their brunch menu is brief and mighty. Èlevage conquers both the savory and sweet options where it matters most – think decadent French toast as well as hearty steak and eggs. I’ll tell you this – there is no wrong choice to make for brunch here.
Ben and I locked in an açaí bowl to share, the smoked salmon toast for me, and the steak and eggs for him. While both of our main meals were savory, we knew the açaí bowl would chime in with the perfect sweet note.
These curated dishes were vibrant and beautiful.
Let’s talk about the Èlevage’s açaí bowl for a sec. A lot of times when I order these bowls from restaurants, they are a soupy mess once I get past the first layer of toppings. I usually find myself performing deep dives with my spoon to scoop out stray fruit pieces.
Èlevage does açaí bowls differently. The açaí blend comes served in scoop form – much like that of your favorite ice cream. Perfect accoutrements (granola, berries, etc.) neatly surround the scoop. You can color me impressed. So impressed in fact that I kind of really want to recreate these scooped açaí bowls at home.
I’m used to smoked salmon toast coming served “build your own” style at restaurants. Èlevage surprised me by serving theirs already crafted. Coming from a girl who likes to control her food architecture: I can confidently say that Èlevage NAILS IT. They know how to slather the dill and caraway cream cheese to the perfect thickness. It’s also clear that Èlevage respects the ratio of salmon to additional toppings (capers, boiled egg, etc.).
It did not surprise me at all that Ben ordered the steak and eggs for his meal. I personally loved the vibrancy via the chimichurri. It courted the heaviness of the proteins and potatoes nicely.
When it comes to the perfect way to kick off a Sunday – the Bend, Bubbles, and Brunch experience at The Epicurean Hotel checks all of the boxes.
It’s happening every Sunday in January and you can purchase tickets for this experience on their website. Note: the price of brunch is NOT included in the ticket, but you should totally check out Èlevage for a bite to eat after your yoga class.
The Epicurean Hotel is located at 1207 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.
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