Quick Bites: Brunch delicately dovetails fine food, music

I'll have a mimosa, free-range eggs over-easy, with a side of Americana music, please.

If you missed it last month, there's another chance this weekend to catch The Dovetailers, made up of local husband-and-wife duo Brandon Sampsonand Heather Ritenour-Sampson, when they perform during brunch at Rainbow Cafe and Cateringin Pine Island.

The cafe is open for brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, and the pair will be performing this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Given the full house last month for this duo, I'd call 507-356-2929 to see if there are any spots left to reserve.

And because nothing cures the January doldrums like making some plans, mark your calendar now for Rainbow Cafe's next five-course wine dinner, to be held on Jan. 30. No details about the menu yet, but this might make the perfect gift for that last person on your list. A price of $65 per person includes tax and gratuity. Call Rainbow Cafe today to reserve your spot.

The best of brunch

Speaking of brunch being my favorite meal ever, Four Daughters Vineyard and Wineryin Spring Valley recently revised their brunch hours and menu. Their new Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they serve brunch that entire time, because they love you.

Several new items have popped up on the brunch menu to sweeten the deal, including chimichurri breakfast tacos, Hollandaise fondue, a frittata skillet and Chilaquiles. Oh, and a little something called ham and brie-stuffed French toast. That doesn't sound good at all. (Secret message to Four Daughters: Save all your extra French toast. I'll be by to pick it up later.)

And here's another great gift idea: After brunch, stop by at your pre-appointed time to assemble a Four Daughters' gift basket with their professional gift basket creator. A session with the pro is $20, but you get a glass of wine and appetizers to snack on while you fill your basket with wine, food and accessories, as well as 5 percent off on all retail items for the basket.

Only two dates remain to create a professional gift basket; Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Go to fourdaughtersvineyard.com to reserve your gift-creation session.

Doing good, one salad at a time

Here's the good news: The Loopin downtown Rochester is again hosting its annual Paws and Clawsfundraiser next Wednesday. All day long, 10 percent of all sales will be donated to the humane society, and the fundraiser party will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

And here's some more good news: I got a chance to drop in at the Loop earlier this week so I could give you a heads up — the apple almond salad is incredible. Plenty of other cooler-weather inspired dishes, like fall quinoa cakes, fall risotto and pumpkin bread pudding, promise to warm you up while you help area animals stay warm and safe, too.

On the hunt: New Year's Eve plans?

Have a favorite spot or two you're hitting up on New Year's Eve? Send me the lowdown on the area's best parties and celebrations, and I'll have a list in an upcoming column.

Kim Van Brunt is a Rochester freelance writer. Send restaurant news and tips to her at life@postbulletin.com. To read more about good eats in the area, go to PostBulletin.com and click on the Great Taste blog.