Cocktail Corner: Bottomless Bellini Brunch at Belmond El Encanto

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s tough to improve upon the spectacular ocean and mountain views from the terrace at Belmond El Encanto, but the amazing Bottomless Bellini Brunch—available Sundays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.—adds a delicious bubbly kick to what is already an embarrassment of riches. This brunch is a perfect way to treat that special someone to a meal they won’t forget.

The Bottomless Bellini and a view from the Terrace at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Bottomless Bellini and a view from the Terrace at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Bellini, a sparkling beverage of Prosecco and peach puree or nectar, was first created at Belmond El Encanto’s sister property Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy, and Chef Leo Andres Ayala does the tradition proud.

The brunch includes a nice assortment of locally-sourced  dishes, starting with an array of  appetizers served family style, including  Ahi  Tuna  Salad,  Chilled  Prawns,  Smoked  Duck, Smoked Salmon, Marinated Berries  and  Charred Vegetable  Salad. The meal is luxurious on its own, but its even more of a treat to have the dishes brought to you at the table, rather than having to serve yourself.

Family style appetizers at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Family style appetizers at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The feast seems to be never-ending as the Belllinis continue to flow and you choose from  a tasty list of entree selections,  including   Brioche   French   Toast,   Eggs   Benedict,   Steak   and   Eggs,   Buttermilk Pancakes, Lobster Fritatta, Duck Confit Chilaquiles, Santa Barbara Seafood Cioppino, Roasted Salmon, Crispy Seared Branzino, Veal Scallopini, Roasted Jidori Chicken Breast, Seared   Rare   Ahi   Tuna   Sandwich   or   a   Classic   Cobb Salad. It’s hard to go wrong!

Eggs Benedict at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Eggs Benedict at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

We hope you saved room for something sweet. Complementing   the   meal,  guests   are   invited   to   The   Wine   Room   where  a  gorgeous selection  of  house-made  desserts  from  Pastry  Chef  Aaron  Lesch  awaits. Don’t worry … you can pick more than one!

The  Bellini  Brunch  is  $75  per  adult  and  $35  per  child  (12  years   and  younger).  Belmond El Encanto is located at 800 Alvarado Pl. For more information or reservations call 805/770-­3530 or visit elencanto.com.

Cheers!

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Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 19, 2014.