Brunch! What a splendid way to spend a casual midday. It is unlike any other mealtime — it is relaxed, insouciant, convivial. The very act of joining your friends and family for brunch declares you are in no hurry, you have nowhere else to be, and you can luxuriate in their company. Why, for the most part, even the wait staff understand and let you linger.

And the food has come a long way since brunches began in England in the 1890’s as after-Church gatherings. The leisurely repast from mid-morning till late afternoon arrived in America sometime in the 1930’s. It was what Jay Gatsby was doing in his afternoons, after his wild nighttime parties. The fare became lighter over the years, moving from hash, liver, and fish balls to something more “breakfast.” Eggs soon featured, along with bacon, light meats, toasts and pastries. Today Eggs Benedict often reigns in a variety of interesting styles: A New Orleans café features poached eggs nestled in steamed artichoke bottoms, while southern California favors chipotle Hollendaise.

Nor would today’s brunch be brunch without it’s collection of refreshing, snappy cocktails. There is the classic Bloody Mary in many incarnations, but there are Greyhounds with grapefruit juice and Champagne cocktails aplenty. One refreshing version mates gin, lemon juice and sparkling Rose wine for a crisp version of the French 75. It’s all good.

So the point? What better than an Art Brunch? Where you can sit among featured artwork, sipping Champagne and nibbling from the nearby buffet. Hence ART UNDER THE UMBRELLAS, an upcoming series of weekend brunches hosted here and there featuring my art, conversation and light, relaxing revelry. Be watching for your invitation.