It’s Brunchtime!
Better bring a hearty appetite to these spectacular midday banquets—one genteel, the other joyful.
by Marjorie Preston
From the exuberance of the crowd, who sang and clapped along to gospel anthems like “Send It On Down” and “Lord, Deliver Me,” you’d think you were in the front row at church. From the vast buffet, which included egg and cheese soufflé, Southern fried chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, jambalaya and rosemary corn bread, you’d swear you were at Grandma’s supper. Instead, this is the justly renowned Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues—a marvelous idea, marvelously executed by Executive Chef Robert Schoell. The Southern-inspired feast offers made-to-order omelets, Creole chicken and roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, fresh fruit and salads, homemade waffles and sticky buns, and to-die-for desserts (don’t miss the white chocolate banana bread pudding, served up with fresh whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries—it’s simply fantastic). Another menu favorite: the fluffy chorizo cheese grits. Unenlightened Northerners will think they’re piling on the mashed potatoes, but these grits, made with chorizo sausage, are a fabulous alternative; you’re sure to line up for seconds. Of course, food is only half the pleasure of the inspired and inspiring Gospel Brunch. When we attended, a South Philly vocal group called the Delegation saluted HOB as a place to “both play and praise,” then ably provided the exultation. Backed by bass and drums and accompanied by a solo dancer, the seven-person choir raised the roof with old-time gospel. The brunch is seasonal, so best to get there by the end of the month. Want a more subdued (but equally delicious) Sunday experience? Visit the Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield. Executive Chef Brian Clotworthy provides an array of hot dishes (done-to-perfection petite filet mignon, flaky herb-crusted black sea bass in mustard seed sauce); and cold (smoked salmon filets), accompanied by aromatic bread from Formica’s Bakery, plenty of salads and fresh fruit, and the largest chocolate pastry display in South Jersey. Chefs at individual carving stations serve up succulent ham, roast turkey and prime rib. Pancakes and omelets are made to order; try some waffles with the extraordinary fresh vanilla ice cream, freshly made by Bally’s pastry chef Michael D’Angelo (warning: you’ll never want the store-bought stuff again). Clotworthy recommends the roasted banana cheesecake, also a D’Angelo creation. “It’s sensational,” he says. “D’Angelo is the most creative chef in the city.” The Atlantic City Country Club, once private, has been owned and operated by Harrah’s Entertainment since 2005. That open secret has taken time to get out, says Food and Beverage Manager Patti Fairfield. “Even some people in Northfield think we’re still exclusive,” she says. “Now the word is spreading, and we couldn’t be happier. Everyone is welcome, and this is a beautiful setting, especially on Sunday morning.” With soft jazz from students at CharterTech High School, and a serene vista that includes rolling greens, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic City skyline, this is a secret whose days are numbered. Sunday Gospel Brunch House of Blues at Showboat Starts at 11 a.m. $30 per person $20 for children under 18 For reservations, visit the Showboat box office, call Ticketmaster at 800-736-1420 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Atlantic City Country Club One Leo Fraser Drive, Northfield $29.95 per person Children 12 and under $14.95 Children 4 and under free For reservations, call 609-236-4465 or visit www.accountryclub.com.
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