One of the loveliest places to brunch in Boston is Bistro du Midi, a tiny restaurant across from the Public Garden serving southern French fare.

In Boston, we brunch (verb) and it's something we take quite seriously in my household.    And if you happened to walk down the Boylston Street side of the Public Garden around noon on any given Sunday, there's a fairly good chance you will find me sipping rosé on the patio of Bistro du Midi  in my best hat and dress.

Located in the posh Heritage on the Garden building, Bistro du Midi was opened in 2010 as a joint venture between Boston restaurateur Kenneth Himmel (of Grill 23, Harvest, andPost 390) and the London based Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation.  Named for the Midi region of France, the restaurant showcases simple yet elegant Provence fare.  While a sophisticated menu is served nightly in the upstairs dining room, it is the restaurant's bistro cuisine that makes my heart yearn for the Côte d'Azur.  Simple classics such as salade Niçoise and Citrus-Cured salmon Benedict are expertly executed and complemented by an impressive wine list that is curated monthly by head Head Sommelier, Todd Lipman.

Reminiscent of a true French cafe, well-behaved pets are tolerated on the patio; allowing me to indulge four of my loves (my shih-tzu, brunch, outdoor dining and all things French) and cementing my loyalty to this lovely establishment.