Observations and etc.

“It’s such a pretty world today, look at the sunshine.” Despite allergies blooming with the maple trees, this beautiful day got off to a good start with an interesting, somewhat unconventional, Sunday school lesson followed by a lovely brunch at Marlowe’s Tavern on Peachtree. My first trip there but I hope not the last. It usually features a Louisiana bayou type menu so I had no idea what to expect at a brunch buffet. Nothing to worry about though.

There was pretty much anything one could want and far more than one could hope to eat ~ a little pricey but fantastic food. One of my favorites was amazing, very coarsely ground grits with tiny strips of green onion, cheese, butter, and no clue what else but delicious. There were also fruits, melons, salads, individual old-fashioned strawberry shortcakes served in shot glasses; something with whipped cream, cake, and chocolate chips in a shot glass, French toast with grilled bananas for topping, several veggies, blueberry-strawberry blintzes drizzled with chocolate and prepared while you wait, bacon, sausage, bagels, jams, and way too much else to name.

Another nice feature was being able to select fresh ingredients from a turntable for your own omelet. These were exceptional, none of the too eggy taste many of them have. I’ve never seen omelets prepared quite they way these were but the results were outstanding. The guy cooking them had three pans going at once, a feat I definitely envy! He would lightly sauté the fixings you chose over high heat before pouring a beaten egg mixture over them. After it cooked uninterrupted for a little bit, he would flip the whole thing over like a pancake, let it cook briefly, and sprinkle grated cheese over the middle before sliding it onto your plate and flipping it into a compact little piece of heaven.

Atlanta must be the best venue in the world for people watching and today was no exception. Loads of sunshine and minimal breeze brought out people of every ilk. Street performers strumming for tips, people standing in line at Flying Biscuit in Midtown (a weekend tradition), outside tables at restaurants filled to capacity, people watching at its finest.

When I stopped by Home Depot on Ponce, I couldn’t help noticing the complexion of day laborers hanging around the entrance of this shopping center has changed. Where it once was almost all Hispanic, others have joined them now, all hoping for a few hours work. I’ve noticed it in other areas of the city as well. Hard times are a dime a dozen but days like this are priceless.