i have yet to meet anyone who will turn down a brunch invitation.  perhaps it's because a leisurely-paced, weekend morning meal (where eggs + bacon are always options) fills most people with glee.  my summer travels made me realize that americans don't dine al fresco as nearly as much as we should!  so in an attempt to keep my vacation spirit alive, we headed to perennial favorite foreign cinema to indulge in sunday brunch in their adorable courtyard.  with the sun shining in an awesome sf neighborhood, scrumptious food on my plate and magnificent company, i couldn't have asked for a better meal at home.

foreign cinema  |  2534 mission street, san francisco  |  www.foreigncinema.com  |  brunch: 11 - 3 pm saturdays & sundays

1. fried eggs with balsamic on llano seco pork; cherry tomatoes, cracklings, habanero, fried tortilla pieces - hello, party in my mouth.

2. cinema's house-ground hamburger, organic acme bun, grilled onions, ancho-tomato mayo - yum.com.

3. slow-cooked brown sugar bacon - is there a need for any more information other than that?

4. refreshing house-made lavender lemonade - sweet, tart with delicate floral notes.

for more brunch ideas, check out mission beach cafe, outerlands, plant cafe, or nick's ...or make brunch at home (bacon pizza, heart-shaped donuts, or lazy french toast).  happy brunching!