My little brother, Uncle Preston, and I took our Mom, G-Ma, out for a birthday brunch at Brewed last weekend. She’s been celebrating the big 6-0 for a couple weeks now, starting when my Aunt Tammy, Uncle Paul, and Grandma came down from PA.
But there’s nothing like a little quality time with her two grown boys to top off her birthday fun, right? Preston and I planned to meet at Brewed with him bringing mom there and me meeting them without her knowing. I contacted the place earlier and their GM, Chris, kindly responded saying they’d help make our little outing special.
I arrived before mom and Preston, and although there was a long wait, they had a room cut off from all the noise just for us.
This place is small but extremely popular. And for good reason, the serve top notch local fare and, as the name implies, delicious brews in form of both coffee and beer. Being brunch, I could’ve gone either route, but as I’ve stated before, I choose coffee over beer any day. I went with a cold brew that they have kegged from a place in Oregon and it did not disappoint!
The equivalent of 3 cups of coffee and served in a Belgian style beer glass made me a happy diner! I also had to pee a lot. I never thought of coffee being in a keg, but definitely need to look into this for a home setup!
When my mom and Preston arrived, I waved them down and we were immediately waited on by a kind waitress. She even took pictures of us on both of our phones.
Mom tasted some of my coffee and ordered some for herself. Preston thought about it, hesitated, and then just went with water despite my advice to “just get some!” Plus, he had to go into work right after, so coffee would only help increase his productivity. Well, and bathroom trips.
Our food came without delay and we all enjoyed what we ordered. As usual, I made special requests including not cooking the omelette in oil and giving me raw veggies instead of toast. It took them a while since I guess not many people ask for this, but all was right in the end and not once did the waitstaff act annoyed at my requests.
Excellent service and willingness to accommodate my special requests (usually just to do less than normal) are all I need to place a restaurant on my favorites list. As of now, that’s a short list, but Brewed is one of them!
After our meals, they surprised us by offering some of their espresso ice cream. My mom and I quickly declined the ice cream but said espresso would be wonderful. After our waitress left, Preston said he actually wanted the ice cream. Oops, sorry, bud, I spoke for all of us! But, he did get to try espresso for the first time in his life and……he wasn’t a big fan. It’s an acquired taste for sure, and I’m glad he at least finished it.
The staff at Brewed had something special for my mom, though…..
How cool is that? A cappuccino with a little cream artwork! We all had a sip and Preston definitely liked that much better. Maybe we’ll have birthday brunch at Brewed for your 24th, Preston. 😉
We sat around a talked a while as I downed a couple coffee refills and then they had to get on their way so Uncle P could go to work. I’m extremely grateful to everyone at Brewed for their great service and quality food. They even comped my mom’s meal and coffee for her birthday! Thanks, Brewed!!!
Spending time with just my mom and brother is rare, and hopefully we’ll find a time to do it again soon. I love our little family, and it’s always fun to reminisce back to when we all lived under the same roof. I love you, Mom and Preston!
Feeling good about our dining service and fortunate they took good care of us, I figured I’d try and continue the good vibes in the area. Kelley was making spaghetti that night and she has a special sauce she makes. It’s rich with flavor with a vibrant red that screams “Eat me!” Seriously, I heard it myself!
Part of what makes the sauce so tasty is her use of lots and lots of garlic, and I needed to bring some home. Not wanting to go to the store, I ventured to another local eatery called Spiral Diner. It’s a unique diner that serves all organic vegan food that even meat lovers enjoy, me included. I popped in, said I don’t need to be seated, but asked if they had any garlic I could buy.
The hostess kindly slipped away to the kitchen and came back with 8 cloves! I asked how much and she said not to worry about it. Score, the good vibes were swarming that day!
I proudly returned home where my wife used all of the cloves for this excellent sauce that quickly found its way to all of our bellies a couple hours later.
Fresh basil from our garden really made it pop! Yum!
We’re getting ready to take Avery on her first flight ever this weekend when we go to Colorado to see Nana and Papa. I’m getting more nervous about how the flight will go every day, so any pointers are well-received. Don’t expect a lot of posts for a while as we try and figure out what all to pack. Too bad the house is not an option…..
How do you feel about Brunch? Better than breakfast and/or lunch, or not a fan?
Do you have a special meal you or your significant other makes?
Flying with babies/toddlers/kids…….is it ever easy?
Sounds like it was a great time with mom, must be something in the water in Texas because your mother does not look 60!
Thanks man. Maybe it’s the high fluoride levels, but other than that, just consistent exercise and good eating has kept her in great shape!
Happy birthday to G-ma! So special soending time with your mom! We flew from jacksonville, FL to NY to Puerto Rico (after a car ride from Dothan, AL to Jax’ville) when Gabi was about 5 weeks old (all said, it was about 10 hrs, arriving in PR at 2AM). Flying with a newborn vs a toddler are completely different but what I’ve heard from mommy and daddy friends is to 1. Keep cool. Things are going to go wrong so stay flexible and rooooolllll with things 2. Try to get the pre-screening option as that helps because you don’t have to wait in line soooo long 3. Buy new toys/gizmos and don’t give them to her until the flight, to keep her occupied 4. Food. Food. FOOD! 5. Screen time, if you’re into that 6. Fly when she normally naps (or overnight) to not really screw up her schedule. 8. Baby wear if possible 7. And keep cool. You guys will rock. Just keep in mind that this is new for her,too, so she may freak a bit. But yall will get through it! Safe travels and have fun!
Wow, those are excellent tips, thanks! I normally try to limit screen time, but will happily carry a 60 inch LCD on the plane if helps! Did I say “60”? I meant 6. 🙂
You’ll know how it went soon enough I’m sure! Thanks again!
Sounds like a place I’d love to check out if I ever make it back to Texas again! My son just went on his first flight at age 8 with his dad from Louisville to NYC. He was deathly afraid because he’s scared of heights and had a major meltdown the night before they left as I was dropping him off at daddy’s. DS and tablet on the plane helped and he ended up thinking it was the coolest thing ever and was upset to learn that we are driving when we go to Florida for my niece’s wedding this fall. Long car rides as a toddler, snacks and sleep were the main things to keep him occupied. He loves music too, so we played lots of kids’ CDs, so if you are ok with her wearing headphones at her age, that could help too.
If you ever make it this way, let me know and I’d be happy to show the place, it’s pretty cool. That’s a funny story about your son. Makes me think about when I was 5 and had to fly alone to see my dad (divorced parents of course). I used to be so proud of myself and loved it.
I’m perfectly fine with Avery wearing headphones, but she’d have them off in under a minute! Thanks for commenting, hopefully I’ll report back with a successful trip!