Hangover Helpers

Prescription: Bloody Mary at Red Star

Active ingredients: Tomato juice, vodka, hot sauce, Old Bay and other spices

Deductible: Brunch for two with Red Star's famous "bottomless" bloody Marys will run you around $40.

Symptoms: Was it five, no wait, six vodka martinis? No one remembers. The good times at Emerald Tavern in Parkville were followed by shots of Goldschlager back at the house (plus some cherry NyQuil to fight this stupid cold). In addition to a loss of memory (and perhaps some dignity), other symptoms included a case of uncontrollable laughter, the inability to stand up straight, a headache, cotton mouth and bed head.

Diagnosis: "Bring on the bloody Marys, and keep 'em coming," my date and I told our waitress at Red Star. We were ready to test the "hair of the dog" theory, and treat our vodka hangover with even more vodka. In addition to the spicy drinks, brunch included the farmer's frittata with bacon, mushrooms, cheese and potatoes. By the time the second round came to the table, we were already feeling much better and definitely more awake. We could even laugh about how I'd almost killed myself on the nightstand as I tumbled out of bed.—Lisa Wiseman