Whoever said “life is short, eat dessert first” obviously had Sunday brunch at Gaspar’s Grotto on 7^th Avenue in Ybor City. Sitting down to brunch and the first thing I see? A tremendously decadent looking cupcake at the table next to me. And directly in back of me? A cupcake stand with two guys doing a serious business and quickly running out of treats. I mean please, they come right to our table which conveniently had an 11 year old sitting at it and gave her a sample. Some sample. A whole cupcake which sent me running up to them and buying everything they showed me. The staff here was deeply appreciative. We had Pink Champagne, Cookie Dough, Strawberry Shortcake, even a Rum and Coke Cupcake that was a nice touch to brunch.

   But yes, we did eat brunch and it’s a great place to hang out on a Sunday afternoon on the patio. Where else does a little white pig come sauntering through? Dogs lounge under the tables and the music is perfect. As was our food.  Every Sunday at Gaspar’s, it’s the Booze Cruise Brunch for $31.95 on the patio which was full when we arrived, but we decided to select from the menu.  I highly recommend the Crab Cakes Eggs Benedicts. Just perfection. It also looked like the Bloody Mary business was also doing well in the Grotto, and no one was rushing to leave. I couldn’t blame them.

   Gaspar’s Grotto is located at 1805 Seventh Avenue in Ybor City, with Sunday Brunch from 10:30 am to 3 pm.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

There’s no snooze button on a cat that wants breakfast – Henry David Thoreau