Almost Isn't Good Enough?

Whoever said, "Almost isn't good enough," is full of shit. I call your invalid statement and raise you this: Almost is more than good enough.

The best things arose in response to situations that revolved around 'almost.' When it is almost lunch and just past breakfast there is this wonderful meal called Brunch. And when it is almost time to go out partying, but not quite, we can indulge a little earlier at Happy Hour. Brunch and Happy Hour are the miracle children spawned by 'almost.' Necessity is the Mother of invention.

Why am I so fond of these two almost-meals? Partially for the food, partially for the drink, and partially because I am impatient. Honestly, I could retire the breakfast and lunch hours altogether. Who needs them? I think 9am is a perfectly civilized time to rise and by 1030am (much more immediate in my case, like 9:05am. Remember: Hungriest girl alive) a slight growl is creeping up from the stomach. Brunch accepts that you are hungry and doesn't expect you to wait. Brunch doesn't limit you either. Maybe you are weird and you are upset that you overslept and missed breakfast. That's OK, brunch offers all that and more. And by "more" I mean an omelet station. Any fixings you want, eggs done any which way, and an assortment of toast and spreads. Anyone who attended college knows the need for brunch runs much deeper than this. Brunch also has a cleansing, atoning, and enlightening effect.  Too much can be said here so I must, regrettably, move on.  Now, maybe you are upset that your cat was running the Penn Relays across your face and woke you up too early. So, it's 1030am and you're starving but don't fret. Brunch menus list magnificent sandwiches and you can have fries, too (reference Facebook page, photo album: Parc). Let's not forget the beverages. It is kosher if you order chocolate milk, coffee, or champagne. There will be no judgements passed, only a basket of warm croissants and danish. 

After eating brunch you are too full for lunch and all sorts of anxious to get your Saturday night started. However, it is only 5pm. Happy Hour has you covered. Small plates and discounted drinks can get you through until it's officially party time. I'd rather munch on delicious pub wings and sliders and sip cold, draught beer than go through the strenuous motions of getting ready to go out at a later hour. There is definitely no dress code at Happy Hour (ahem, No Shower Happy Hour at the Ocean Drive). What is better than snacking and getting buzzed while the sun is still out?  It's actually genius because you get a hangover sooner and the sooner you get it the sooner it's gone. Just in time for brunch the next morning. Now this could backfire and you could run the drinking marathon until the next morning, but that is at your own discretion. While, on the weekends, it helps bridge the gap between lazy afternoons and crazy nights, Happy Hour is most necessary during the work week. It gets us through. That half-priced extra dirty vodka martini with 4 olives helps us remember that every little thing is gonna be alright and helps us forget that we have to start all over again tomorrow.

"Almost" is looking better and better, wouldn't you agree?