by Jennifer Olvera - 3381 Reviews - 45 List
Forget about the bunny trail, Easter is about hopping down Chicago's best brunch--at least if you're in search of eggs and a short-stack. Beyond the carte blanche for protein- and carb-loading, it's a chance to join family and friends while ushering in the idea of warmer, sunnier days. And this April 4, Chicago certainly needs all the help it can get putting this chilly winter to bed.
Updated: April 01, 2010
A special a la carte brunch menu--think strawberry waffles, lemon pancakes and blueberry French toast--plus a mimosas and a DIY bloody Mary bar make this Frenchie feel festive. The kiddos will love it, too, since they'll walk out with an Easter basket full of surprises.
Embrace the season's bounty at this stylish spot in the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, where a $55 four-course prix-fixe (or $25 for a special kids menu for ages 5-12) emphasizes local produce. Among the choices: baked farm eggs with morels, white asparagus and white truffle roam, house-cured sturgeon with crisp Belgium waffles, caviar and lemon creme fraiche and lamb tournedos with artichoke barigoule, sun-dried tomatoes and Nicoise olives.
When nothing but the classics will do, hit this casual haunt with a carving, waffle and omelet station. If that's not enough, know the spread will include maple-glazed sausage, pecan-praline French toast, bacon and scrambled eggs ($26.95 adults, $14.95 kids under 12). Need some hair of the dog? There will be a bloody Mary bar, too.
Score one for boozehounds: A mimosa or bloody Mary comes with this buffet ($49.99), which will be loaded with waffles, king crab legs and cooked-to-order omelets. But there's another perk: It's free for as many as two children under 13, for each paying adult. Can't make it to the city? The Schaumburg offshoot offers a similar affair.
Did the Easter bunny forget to stop at your house? Catch up with your furry friend while indulging in eggs of all kinds, smoked salmon and chocolate fondue from the elaborate brunch buffet at this gussied up Glen Ellyn banquet hall ($15.95-$34.95).
Glean the skyline from another vantage point, this time aboard an elegant boat. With a brunch buffet ($64.90 for adults or half off for kids 3-12) and three-course sunset dinner ($79.90) including dishes like blue cheese-crusted strip steak and seafood ravioli gratinee, live entertainment only serves as the tip of the ? iceberg.
Bring your camera on April 3 at 11am when the famed bunny makes an appearance at this family-friendly park. An Easter egg hunt, crafts and face painting are among the festivities, some of which require advance registration. (Most, fortunately, are free.)
