Who says the party has to end after the sun rises on New Year's Day? Cap off the celebration with a low-key daytime get-together for friends. "A brunch to me is festive but casual," says Mark LoRusso, 39, executive chef of the Wynn Resort's Tableau restaurant, one of the hottest brunch spots in Las Vegas. "You can put everything out on an island if you have one, and people can stand around, talk and nosh." Start the festivities after 11 a.m. to give invitees time to recuperate from the previous night's revelry (don't let that stop you from offering champagne and mimosas), and plan a menu full of morning favorites. "You can make it fun by getting a nonstick griddle and making the pancakes to order," says LoRusso. "People like breakfast all day long."
The Menu
Almond granola
Roasted apple french toast
Serrano ham omelets
Cranberry ricotta pancakes
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HOMEMADE GRANOLA
Sprinkle on top of fresh fruit and yogurt or enjoy with milk.
FRENCH TOAST
Make hours before guests arrive, then pop in oven for five minutes before serving.
OMELET
Offer guests an assortment of fillings. LoRusso suggests Serrano ham and Manchego cheese.
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