Patch Picks: Easter Brunch

Easter, that moveable Christian holy day, took its sweet time getting here this year. It’s being celebrated on April 24, one of the latest possible dates possible. Hopefully you’ve been patient in waiting for your marshmallow Peeps and Cadbury eggs, and hopefully they won’t constitute most of your caloric intake on that day. Churches often have a cracking Easter brunch of their own, but here are our picks if you’d like to visit a restaurant in the area. All times given are for Easter Sunday, but we invite you to check the directory for the full listings.

5. Bean and Leaf or Muddy Waters

Though these coffee places have a focus on the java and lunch more than breakfast, the menus are full of delicious options for the post-church crowd. With the increasingly pleasant weather, allows you to get out on the deck and enjoy their famous Hughie’s love salad or other dishes. At , you can go with the traditional breakfast sandwich or a delicious pitazza while listening to ukulele music, which begins at 10:30 a.m.

Muddy Waters: 42 Bank Street, New London; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 860-444-2232

Bean and Leaf: 13 Washington Street, New London; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 860-701-0000

4. Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods

Casino recommendations for Easter? Well, maybe you’re more of an agnostic and just want a Sunday brunch. You also don’t have to hit the slots to enjoy the restaurants or buffets at these two locations. At Mohegan Sun, live cooking demonstrations accompany the Sunburst Buffet, which is $10.85 for adults and $5.86 for breakfast options and $19.81 and $10.70, respectively, for children. At Foxwoods, Festival Buffet includes everything from Italian cuisine to crab legs; the cost is $10.50 for adults and $5.95 for children for breakfast, $16.95 for adults and $8.95 for children.

Festival Buffet at Foxwoods: 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Ledyard; breakfast 8 to 11 a.m., lunch/dinner 11 a.m.-10 p.m.;

Sunburst Buffet at Mohegan Sun: 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville; 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3. The Flood Tide Restaurant

This restaurant at The Inn at Mystic is putting on a special Easter menu for the 24th. The mouthwatering entrees include a ricotta artichoke and baby spinach stuffed chicken breast with roasted garlic cream as well as sole fillets stuffed with shrimp and covered in lobster sauce. Several dessert options are also available. The price is $29 per person, or $15 for children under the age of 10. A credit card is required for reservation.

3 Williams Ave., Mystic; seatings at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.; 860-536-9604.

2. When Pigs Fly Café

Chosen as the best breakfast place in Waterford in a near-unanimous vote on the Waterford Patch, When Pigs Fly specializes in eggs scrambled with other tasty ingredients. Omelets, French toast, pancakes, and a number of other dishes are also available.

97 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 860-444-1110

1. The Broken Yolk Café

We had to go with the for our top pick, partly because of the egg-themed name. Choose a booth or counter seat at this cozy locale on lower Montauk and enjoy some of the more unusual dishes, like eggs in a window (two eggs baked inside French toast). Salads, burgers, and sandwiches are also available. The chef is willing to try a new dish as well if you’ve got one in mind.

825 Montauk Ave., New London; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.