Sunday is both a blessing and a curse. For me, the day of Sabbath usually begins with a not-so-sweet reminder of the night prior spent bantering about the Motor City, and the crushing realization that the day will inevitably consist of grinding through a massive pile of previously neglected chores. But there is one beacon (or bacon, if you will) of hope shining bright light at the end of the tunnel, on a day that will otherwise be diabolical. Brunch.

To paraphrase C. S. Lewis, brunch is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives. It’s the perfect meal: transitioning seamlessly between savory and sweet; adeptly served by either coffee or alcohol, and preferably both. You don’t even have to set an alarm for it. In fact, all the better if you sleep in late. But brunch isn’t a meal. It’s an art. Actually, it’s thankfully totally still a meal, too. Anyway, here are some of my favorite artists with masterpiece dishes that you need to check out in Detroit.

Cliff Bells

There’s nothing better for a Sunday morning migraine than a little jazz, if you can hear it over the Hallelujah chorus that’s playing in your head. The chicken and waffles with chive butter and jalapeno maple syrup made me cry. And no, that’s not the jalapenos talking. Oh, bottomless mimosas and bloody marys too. Do I seriously need to go any further?

Hudson Cafe

Ever felt shame at eating cake for breakfast? Me too, daily. Now we can do it shame-free in public with this beauty: Very Berry Stuffed French Toast, stuffed with banana cream cheese, topped with fresh berries and drizzled berry compote. No need to feel guilty about this little number because if you ask me, fruit = healthy.

Honest ? Johns

Whether you’re out looking for a late night bite or morning after brunch, Honest ? John’s has got your back – and belly. Honest ? Johns is the real deal, no frills and thrills just honest-to-goodness, good food. Stay true to the art of brunch with the Monte Cristo, two pieces of french toast, turkey, ham, cuddled together by a perfectly melted blanked of swiss cheese and drizzled with syrup.

Brooklyn Street Local

The Hangover Special at Brooklyn Street Local is engineered (by astronauts? MAYBE!) to amp you up with superhero strength and focus to get that mountain of laundry done before kickoff – cape and utility belt not included. But do you know what is included and equally as awesome? Fresh, local, food. So feel good and do good by indulging in a fresh picked plate, supporting local farmers, and satisfying that vegan friend of yours at Brooklyn Street Local.

My journey in Detroit has only just begun–and so has my exploration of bites, brews, banter and brunch in the city. Stay tuned for updates on more of my Detroit grub discoveries and head out on your own adventures with this masterfully crafted checklist by D:hive.