This is how to start a summer weekend
WHEN your Sunday starts with a cocktail, and it's not even 11am yet, you know it's going to be a good day.
The new brunch menu at Gusto features three 'breakfast cocktails' and we didn't need any encouragement to sample them all.
The Milanese Mary was a Bloody Mary and then some with its combination of Hendrick's gin, red wine and sweet vermouth. The Cherry and Thyme Mimosa was a lighter option: prosecco, lemonade, and pink grapefruit. And the Sicilian Breakfast was exquisite but potent: Tanqueray gin and apricot liqueur with apricot conserve and lemon, served straight. They're all £5.95.
The cocktails went down alarmingly easily, even this early in the day. Thankfully our food arrived before we were tempted to order another round.
The brunch dishes at Gusto reflect the restaurant's Italian Riviera style – elegant, classic and luxurious.
The haddock omelette (£7.95) was fluffy and light with a beautiful smoky, salty flavour from the fish. The eggs benedict (£6.95) was also expertly executed: creamy hollandaise and softly poached eggs on a spongy white muffin.
For pure breakfast decadence, go for the asparagus hollandaise with poached egg and prosciutto (£6.50). And for the sweet-toothed, their warm buttermilk pancakes with berries (£5.95) is a must. Big dollops of creamy Greek yoghurt with plump blueberries and feather-light pancakes. With a strong espresso on the side, they were perfect Sunday eating.
Brunch is served from 10am till 11.45am at weekends at Gusto Leeds. There are few things better than a Sunday morning lie-in – this is one of them.
Gusto Restaurant & Bar, 10 Greek Street, Leeds LS1 5RU
