An Affordable Prix Fixe at Twist; Lavo's Brunch Returns

MANDARIN ORIENTAL — Twist by Pierre Gagnaire just got a little more affordable. Now the restaurant has a three-course prix fixe menu for a mere $95, with an optional wine pairing for $60 or a grand pairing for $95. It starts with canapes, followed by Zezette broth with coconut milk, cod cake, gnocchi and shredded organic chicken or Pierre's salad with baby gem lettuce, French beans, celery, prosciutto, crispy blonde breadcrumbs, thin slices of tomato with melted parmesan. Then choose steak au poivre, red mullet terrine or saffron risotto. Dessert features apple crumble with cassis, caramel ice cream and black fruits sorbet and praline ganache, chocolate meringue and ice cream with some petit fours thrown in for good measure. [EaterWire]

PALAZZO — Possibly the most fun brunch returns this weekend when Lavo Italian Restaurant kicks off its champagne party brunch on Saturday and a new proper brunch on Sunday. Favorites such as almond-crusted French toast and lemon ricotta waffles, an expansive selection of Champagne and music from resident DJ Lema return. Guests are encouraged to dress up, let loose and dance the day away. The Proper Brunch on Sundays brings in lobster Benedict, a whole 1-pound lobster, a poached egg and Champagne Hollandaise as well as Nutella crepes filled with banana compote and fresh strawberries and topped with the sweet hazelnut spread. Flapjack specialties include PB&J pancakes consisting of Reese's pieces pancakes, strawberry sauce and fresh whipped cream and blue skies pancakes, a hot stack of white polenta pancakes studded with fresh blueberries and topped with blueberry compote and yogurt covered blueberries. Champagne brunch rules the roost from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays while Proper Brunch takes over from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday. [EaterWire]