Italian Brunch and Insane Sundaes at Vivo 53 - Bellevue

People often ask me, why bloody marys? My stock answer is generally something to the effect of, "They're fun!" Because they are. Bloody marys are synonymous with day-drinking, Sunday Fun Days and the best of all meals, brunch. They come in all different shapes and sizes and flavors, and you'll rarely experience two bloody marys that are exactly the same. But even more than just fun, they're often magnetically mesmerizing. The sight of a bloody mary makes you want a bloody mary. The outrageous garnish brings smiles to nearby faces. And when that deliciously boozy morning cocktail gets dropped off at your table, you can't help but be excited for the first sip.

Vivo 53 is bringing that level of fun and excitement to their newest offering, Insane Sundaes. I was lucky enough to be invited to try one of these leaning towers of fanciful ice cream.

Vivo 53's Insane Sundaes

Vivo 53 offers four different insane sundaes, including the Candy Esplosione with chocolate candies galore, Holy Spumoni with Spumoni ice cream and macarons, the Neapolitan topped with a whole Neapolitan ice cream sandwich, and the Nutella Seduzione with a huge chunk of Nutella freakin' cheesecake. I had a very difficult time choosing just one, but one line on the menu finally swayed my decision.

[tweetthis display_mode="box"]"It's like licking a unicorn."[/tweetthis]

Sign me up.

The Candy Esplosione is described as "M&M's, rotating ice cream, chocolate pretzels, rock candy, chocolate peanut butter brownie, Heath bar, swirl lollipop, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle. It's like licking a unicorn." And yes, it's a masterfully curated tower of sweet and salty candy-coated ice cream deliciousness.

I imagine, if ever I had the occasion to lick said unicorn, it would be equally as delightful as this Insane Sundae from Vivo 53.

Vivo 53 Brunch

Vivo 53 also serves up an Italian themed brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10am -3pm. The breakfast menu covers everything from Cinnamon Sugar Beignets to Smoked Salmon Pizze, while the lunch menu notably features three types of bruschettas, paninis, more pizzas from the brick oven and a variety of pastas.

I, of course, wanted to order everything. Because as my mother says, my eyes are bigger than my stomach. Also, I have very little self-control when it comes to heaps of creamy burrata. But I restrained myself, saving that cheesy ball of goodness for another time.

For cocktails, I very nearly ordered the 53 Corpse Reviver with Bulldog Gin, Cointreau, Lemon, Cocci Americano, and a Dash of Absinthe. But seeing as I was on the clock, I went for the $10 Bloody Mary.

Heavy on the tomato with a bit of citrus and tabasco like spice, this bloody mary was simple and classic all around. A chunky salt rim, bar olive and lime wedge garnished this boozy cocktail.

And just in case you happen to be hosting a bunch of dude bros and dude bro chicks from SoCal, Vivo 53 also offers bottomless mimosas for $15,