Brunch is the most important meal of the week. You get to sleep in, take extra time to get dressed, complain about work and gossip about mutual friends – basically ‘de-fluster,’ as I like to call it. In a country where most meals are a grab-and-go kind of affair, brunch is the one occasion when a meal can, and is encouraged to, stretch out into two or three hours. It is also a time when one can get daytime drunk and not be thought an alcoholic for it. For these reasons and more, brunch is a tradition to be cherished.

Here’s what my friend Paige and I sampled during a recent brunch at this downtown Brooklyn cafe.

A Bloody Mary is a brunch-time must. Most bartenders have a difficult time mixing this drink well but it’s worth it to do the legwork and find the ones that are worthy. This one was not great as it was of the pre-mixed variety but the good news is that it did not give me heartburn!

I had the pressed pulled work sandwich with Fontina cheese and roasted garlic aioli – with a choice like this, it’s clear that I was nursing a hangover. The pork was less juicy than most of the pulled pork I’ve had but I didn’t mind. This sandwich is perfect, especially for the pork aficionados out there.

Paige had a croque madame – look at how awesome and sloppy it is! Layers of thinly sliced ham, melted cheese, and thick bechamel sauce sandwiched between slices of brioche, broiled until crispy and topped with runny eggs… Croque madame always, always hits the spot.

And to top things off, a glass of champagne!

Cafe Luluc does not try to seem like something that it’s not. It’s a popular neighborhood restaurant where the food is simple, satisfying and generously portioned. It’s also super affordable. If I lived in cobble hill, this would so be my go-to spot.

Note: No credit cards accepted.