this is life in austin & aspen

Zed’s, the new North Austin dining destination serving modern, casual Austin-American fare, recently introduced an expansive Sunday brunch buffet (which, as you know, is what I think ALL brunches should be). Zed’s brunch is served from 11am to 3pm every Sunday.

The kid-friendly menu includes made-to-order omelets, a meat-carving station, waffles with assorted fruit toppings, and biscuits with homemade gravy. For grown-ups, there’s a build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar ($5) with tomato juices, spices, and pickled vegetables. Mimosas are just $2. Zed’s will also offer its regular a la carte lunch menu, featuring popular dishes including Wild Boar Gumbo, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon and Sausage, Specialty House Salads, and Scalloped Potatoes. Brunch buffett is $17 per person and $11 for children 12 and under.

Zed’s is at 501 Canyon Ridge Drive, south of Parmer Lane and I-35. Opened in December 2010, the restaurant is set upon three acres of land, complete with spacious decks and innovative water features, and brings an independent presence to North Austin. For reservations, call 512-583-0060 or visit http://www.zeds.bz for details.

TRACE, the W darling of the social dining scene, now serves brunch from 10:30am to 3:30pm every Sunday. The á la carte menu features everything from Fried Chicken and Waffles to the Lavaca Omelet, an egg dish with tender fried beef and a tomatillo sauce. The menu still offers TRACE’s signature Market Snacks and Charcuterie Board as well as new hybrid “breakfast desserts”, including the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding and the Drunken Doughnuts topped with a bourbon dulce leche.

Brunch at TRACE also features innovative cocktail creations like the “South Austin Eye Opener”—fresh lemon and lime juice, egg white, bitters, simple syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Saavy Vodka.

“Austinites love brunch and we are happy to provide a relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy their meal outside on the plaza while they listen to some music and sip a mimosa,” says Food & Beverage Director Sean Bradshaw.

TRACE / W Hotel / 200 Lavaca St. / 512.542.3660 / traceaustin.com