Brunch is pretty much the perfect way to start a lazy Sunday. Whether you’re an in-towner or visiting Columbus, you’ve got to take the time to slow down your pace and enjoy the simple things in life. While I’m not really a breakfast food guy, I love brunch, because I can get a sandwich or soup while my co-diners can order omelets and waffles. The added bonus of brunch: it’s a socially acceptable way to have a cocktail before noon. Here are my three favorite brunch beverages in Columbus:

Due Amici – Bloody Marys
How awesome is this: You walk into this upscale, loungy spot for brunch, find a plush booth and while you’re waiting for your dining companions to arrive, a server wheels over a cart with all the fixings to make your perfect, customized bloody mary! Order an extra spicy (Tabasco, pepperoncini and pickle spear) for an added kick to your meal, or steer to classic (celery stalk.) Life is good. If you’re not a fan of tomato juice, Due Amici also serves mimosas and peach bellinis at brunch – thought I’ve never known anyone to pass up the bloody mary cart.

The Jury Room – The Nina West
Reopening earlier this year, the Jury Room has put a new spin on Columbus’ oldest restaurant. Serving hearty brunch staples with a twist, there is also a nice bar menu, to indulge a little more. One of the most fanciful drinks, (available for lunch and dinner, too) is the Nina West, named for Columbus’ premiere drag queen, comes complete with pop rocks and a candy cigarette. Fanciful, tasty, a bit tacky – perfect for a fun brunch.

Northstar Café – Shooting Star
OK, this one is perfect for teetotalers, and it also leaves you feeling like you’ve got the energy to conquer the world on your day off. Northstar Café, with locations in the Short North, Clintonville and at Easton, is a brunch mainstay in Columbus. While there are some boozy drink options, I always steer to the Shooting Star – and invigorating, organic blend of orange juice, carrot juice, lemon and ginger. And let’s be honest, I also grab a mug for a never-ending cup of eye-opening, mild coffee.

What would you add to the list?

This year, I’ve decided to make it easy on myself. No cooking, no cleaning. Just reservations for my family for Easter. It’s coming up quickly on Sunday, April 12.

But where to go? I need to find something to please everyone from my 4 and 6-year-old children to my (can’t mention their age) parents.

Here are some of the possibilities we’re considering:

Cameron’s American Bistro

Cameron’s American Bistro in Worthington - a small, quaint restaurant that’s part of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurant line. They’re offering a brunch buffet to include French toast, shrimp cocktail and leg of lamb. Plenty of fruit and dessert for the kids, too. Sounds pretty good and they’re open 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., so we could get in early.

Another of Cameron’s restaurants, Mitchell’s Ocean Club , located at Easton Town Center , has added some special items just for Easter in addition to their regular menu: blueberry stuffed French toast, crab benedict (low-cal, no doubt) and short rib hash. Hmmm . . . maybe lunch, then walk it off with some shopping?

A classic, long-time favorite in Columbus, The Bexley Monk , will host a brunch buffet with stations for Belgian waffles and roast beef, plus a pastry display - that means it’s OK to take more than one, right?

It’d also be fun to take the group - we’ll probably have 12 - to the Short North Arts District . I noticed Surly Girl Saloon has an Easter lunch special: $8 for a grilled ham and cheese with tomato soup and rosemary deviled eggs. The kids would eat that (and maybe my dad, too). For the rest of us, in addition to the regular menu, the featured brunch item is Western breakfast pizza with eggs, ham, peppers, onions and cheddar cheese. And they’re serving chocolate Easter basket cupcakes all day. How cute!

Of course, these are just a few of many great places that have Easter specials and brunches. I still haven’t made a decision, but I sure am hungry now.

What are your plans? Do you have other ideas to toss in the hopper?