Fashionable brunch now served poolside at Cosmopolitan

Brunch is just $40. Save your money for the bubbles.

By Brock Radke (contact)

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 | 6 p.m.

The Cosmopolitan has added an attractive new twist to its culinary offerings. Bubbles & Brunch, offered Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the poolside Overlook Grill, has been around for about a month, something special for hotel guests. But the hip hotel just began promoting the hangover-friendly weekend meal to everybody, and at $40, it’s a deal locals should consider.

The scenery is tough to beat, especially if you can score a cozy table on the Overlook’s small patio. The food is a flowing array of small plates, starting with breakfasty stuff and moving into lunch. The bubbles cost extra: Champagne bottle service starts at $95.

Whether or not you choose to splurge on booze, the food and plush setting are worth the price of admission. The menu, which changes weekly, starts off with a plate of not-too-sweet cinnamon monkey bread and fresh fruit in a yogurt-granola parfait. A large mezze plate is perfect for sharing around the table, with hummus and pita, and Grana Padano and Camembert cheeses.

There’s a crabcake Benedict, richness over crisp, meaty sea goodness; a seared diver scallop atop pea risotto; Chinese barbecued pork ribs; and a few bites of beautifully rare steak over potato puree. There’s even a tasty Scotch egg, wrapped in sausage and crispy on the outside. Most fun is the dessert selection, which includes a Guinness chocolate cake pop, a rum-and-cola whoopie pie and a mojito-flavored Jell-O shot. Who needs champagne with sweets like these?

This story first appeared in Sun sister publication Las Vegas Weekly.