My Brunch / Ali Dedianko
Belvedere Global Brand Ambassador, cocktail enthusiast and world traveller
Where do you like to brunch in London?
London is a city that is relatively new to the idea of brunch. I find that there are so many great places to have amazing breakfast and incredible lunch, but that weekend brunch isn’t necessarily a ‘thing’ the way it is in the States. That being said, no one does a Sunday roast like the Brits! I like Hawksmoor Seven Dials for one of Pete Jeary’s famous Bloody Marys, with Belvedere of course, or else Riding House Café near Oxford Circus has a great all-day-dining-bistro feel and is excellent for people watching.
Where’s your favourite international brunch spot?
I’m from New York, the brunch mecca, but it’s still nearly impossible for me to choose just one place. No matter how good the food, the key to a really great brunch spot is an amazing Bloody Mary. Schiller’s Liquor Bar in the LES is a personal favourite of mine for the great neighborhood feel and excellent bar staff who always give me an extra side of olives. I also really love Harefield Road in Williamsburg because their Bloody Marys are 2 for 1 with brunch and always perfectly seasoned.
DIY or eat out?
Where brunch is concerned, I definitely prefer to eat out. If I’m being honest, I don’t really know my way around the kitchen very well. My boyfriend and our flatmate are both really talented cooks so I mostly just stay out of their way and then take care of the washing up.
Who do you like to brunch with?
I love brunching with my girlfriends in New York. It’s nostalgic for me and reminds me of my college days at New York University when we’d all meet up for brunch and regale each other with tales from the night before.
What’s your favourite brunch menu item?
It would have to be Eggs Florentine. The vegetarian version of Eggs Benedict is always at the top of my list. In my mind, the spinach makes it a healthy dish, never mind the hollandaise…
Sweet or savoury?
Normally I’m a sweet girl; I could actually eat dessert all day! But when it comes to brunch I do tend to prefer the savoury.
What’s your brunch soundtrack?
I love 50s music and anything Doo Wop or Motown. It’s great daytime brunch music and for me it never gets old.
Casual or posh brunch?
I’d pick a casual brunch nine times out of 10. It’s the roll out of bed, throw on a pair of jeans and go meal. You shouldn’t have to get poshed up to enjoy a great brunch. Besides, nothing goes better with a spicy Bloody Mary than a plate of greasy hash browns!
Scrambled, poached, sunny side up or friend?
Poached all the way! Like I said before, Eggs Florentine is definitely my go to menu item. There’s nothing like dipping a piece of toast in a perfectly runny yolk.
How do you like your Belvedere Bloody Mary?
You might not think it because of the name, but Belvedere Bloody Mary is actually one of our most versatile macerations. Of course it’s great in a classic Bloody Mary, but it’s also great when mixed with fruit juices, especially of the tropical variety. One of my favorite drinks is the Pineapple Mary, made with Belvedere Bloody Mary and pineapple juice (obviously!), a dash of lime juice, a couple drops of orange bitters and a pinch of smoked paprika. It’s ever so refreshing with the slightest bit of smoke and spice.
