Bites Asian Tapas Offers an Inspired Pan-Asian Easter Brunch Celebration

Bites Asian Tapas has a unique Asian Brunch which will make your Easter Celebration delicious and memorable. This creative new Asian Fusion restaurant at 3313 N. Clark St. in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood (telephone 773-270-5972) will offer brunch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday, and every every Saturday and Sunday. Guests can count on owners Chef Marita Tantivirasut and Asana Nakornchai to dazzle them with delicious beautiful small plates that bring forth the flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, Korea and India. Their Asian fusion cuisine is so unique and inspired, you'll be glad that it's so reasonably priced, giving you the opportunity to enjoy and share many dishes.

Start your brunch with one of Bites' creative specialty cocktails such as the Bloody Rooster ($7), Bites' take on the traditional Bloody Mary, or Mimosas with choice of orange, lychee or mango variations. Other cocktail favorites are the Tom YUMtini ($8), made with vodka, Tom Yum syrup and lime; the Ms. Gardenia ($7), created with gin, simple syrup, Rambutan juice, Midori and lemon; or the Hot Geisha ($8) made with Shochu, ginger syrup, lemon, lemongrass, mint, and Thai chili powder. 

 

Bites' food menu offers a wide variety of unique brunch selections-items you will not experience anywhere else. Start with Small Bites such as the Lemon Ricotta Fritters ($6) and the Watermelon & Lychee Salad ($7). Move on to Brunch Bites - main selections featuring the Green Tea Pancake ($8) with matcha, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, almond and green tea ice cream; the Pulled Pork Waffle ($9), Asian styled pulled pork with BBQ sauce, scallion, and cheddar cheese; Shrimp Tonkatsu ($10), shrimp cake, white bread, Japanese coleslaw and Tonkatsu sauce; the Grilled Rib Eye Bahn Mi ($10), grilled medium-rare rib eye, lettuce, pickled jalapeno, cilantro, and spicy mayo; and the Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich ($8), crispy boneless chicken, lettuce, radish, sesame seed, scallion, and teriyaki sauce. 

 

If you love burgers, Bite's Korean Burger ($12) with Korean marinated spicy pork, lettuce and fried egg with Bi Bim Bap Sauce and served with taro fries, is a dream come true. 

 

Bites also features its two favorite dinner time Ramen dishes at brunch, both large enough to share. The Spicy Miso Ramen ($14) is a hearty bowl with pork belly or tofu, egg noodles, bamboo shoot, mushroom, boiled egg, sesame and chili oil; and the Tonkotsu Ramen ($14) includes pork belly or tofu in a rich and creamy broth with egg noodles, bamboo shoot, ginger, mushroom, seaweed poached egg, garlic oil, and sesame seed.

 

Mac & Cheese fans will adopt A-Macaroni ($8) as their new favorite preparation. Bites prepares this indulgent dish with stir-fried macaroni, tofu, egg, mozzarella cheese and onion with an Asian tomato sauce. 

 

For those looking for more traditional brunch items, you'll enjoy Marita's creative take on a classic: Egg Benedicts ($9), with English muffin, Vietnamese ham, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce; the Omelet Crepe ($8), prepared with chopped chicken, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and spicy ketchup; and the classic "BLT" ($9), with crusted bread, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, two sunny side up eggs.

 

End your brunch feast with Last Bites (desserts): Coconut Crème Brûlée, Asian Churros or Mango Chili Sorbet (Organic, Gluten free)-all are $5.

Sunday Brunch, Baby Back Ribs Night and More at Maxwell’s at the Club

Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago IL; 312-527-5800) has long been the in-house eatery for Chicago’s East Bank Club. Chef Mike Lodes has developed weekly specials to intrigue a variety of appetites. No membership is necessary to enjoy any of these taste bud tempting meals.

Sunday Brunch

What’s better than Sunday brunch after a long work week? Maxwell’s at the Club offers its long time club tradition to the public, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. The menu includes a full omelet bar, a roast strip beef loin carving station, freshly made waffles, herb roasted salmon, salads, seasonal fruit and much more. This special brunch is priced at $28 for ages 11 years old and up, $12 for ages 7 -10, $6 for ages 4-6 and complimentary for ages 3 and under.

Baby Back Rib Night Thursdays

Imagine a pound-and-a-half slab of mouthwatering baby back ribs, served with corn on the cob, smashed potatoes and coleslaw. The only thing that could make this image more tempting is the price tag of $18. This special barbeque dinner is available Thursdays at Maxwell’s.

Italian Night Fridays

From an extensive buffet of Caprese Salad and Eggplant Caponata antipastos to the rich entrée items of Grilled Swordfish and Fire Roasted Chicken Breast, Maxwell’s at the Club’s Italian night will transform your evening into a flavorful culinary journey. Every Friday enjoy an exceptional selection of Italian antipasto, pastas, entrees and desserts for $28 ages 11 and up, and $12 ages 10 and under.

The dinner specials don’t end there, Chef Lodes also offers a Tuesday Lobster Tails special ($38.50), featuring cold-water twin lobster tails served with seasonal vegetables. Wednesday features Small Plates ($24) providing a choice of three picks off the special menu which includes Seared Ahi Tuna, Oysters on the Half Shell and Pork Belly Sliders. The evening is highlighted by the Flamenco guitar styling of Gypsy Influence. Reservations for any of these special meals can be made at (312) 527-5800 ext. 301 or at maxwellsattheclub.com. Start the New Year off right by taking advantage of the culinary treats at Maxwell’s at the Club.

Francesca's on Chestnut now offering brunch

Francesca’s on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800) is now serving brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The new brunch menu will offer some of Francesca’s favorites like the Pollo a Uova, Chrispy chicken confit & bacon hash with two eggs any style ($11.99), Sweet Pancakes, Blueberry, ricotta pancakes with blueberry-lemon compote ($10) and Baked Uova Florentina, Soft Baked Egg, fontina cheese, creamed spinach, white truffle oil and ciabatta toast ($10.99).  Also available are delicious brunch cocktails including the Bloody Mary, Peach Belini and Mimosa.

How to celebrate this Father’s Day in Chicago!

It’s that time of year again to appreciate dad and all he’s done with a Father’s Day celebration.  Some of the hottest restaurants in Chicago are on hand to assist you in all your celebration needs; from delicious dining experiences to shopping giveaways.  Read on the see what’s happening in Chicago this Father’s Day.

Father’s Day special at Elate: Land and Sea Benedict (and don’t forget the cocktails!)

Elate (111 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60654; 312-202-9900) is serving a brunch special this Father’s Day.  Bring dad to enjoy the Land and Sea Benedict, Braised hanger steak, butter poached lobster, fava bean puree and Meyer lemon hollandaise for $17.  In additional to the newly created dish for Father’s Day, dad can enjoy one of the other seasonal options for brunch or dinner including new small plate options such as Rushing Water Trout with housemade fettucine, fava beans, corn pudding and roasted red pepper and the Lamb Merguez Meatballs with tomato, fennel, cerignola olives, feta, and house made naan. Also available are an array of delicious cocktails including the Smoking Gun with Johnny Walker Red blended scotch whiskey, cherry heering, sweet vermouth and fresh orange juice, the Dark & Stormy made with Goslings Dark rum, fresh lime juice, rosemary-brown sugar syrup and ginger beer, the Bourbon Sour with Buffalo Trace bourbon, fresh lemon, simple syrup egg white and bitters.


Bring Dad to Fleming’s on Father’s Day and receive a $25 Dining Card as a gift

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069; 847-793-0333) will be celebrating Father’s Day  with special brunch and dinner hours, Sunday, June 17.  Opening early at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fleming’s welcomes you to bring the family and enjoy a three course brunch menu for $34.95 excluding tax and gratuity. An extensive choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts will be available for brunch and include starter options like The Wedge, with iceberg lettuce, grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese, or a Fresh Fruit Medley of berries, melon, pineapple, sour cream and honey sauce.  Entrée options include Filet Mignon Benedict with sliced filet mignon and egg on an English muffin with herb béarnaise sauce and tomato concassé and New Orleans-Style French Toast. Dessert choices include Chocolate Bread Pudding with bourbon crème anglaise and Walnut Turtle Pie, with house made caramel, walnuts and chocolate in a chocolate pie crust.  Fleming’s also will be offering its  Blood Orange Mimosa, a festive and refreshing sparkler with Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Mionetto Prosecco and freshly squeezed orange juice for $7.95.

A children’s brunch menu is available for $16.95, excluding tax and gratuity, for children 12 and under and Fleming’s full menu also will be available throughout the day and evening. Dad will receive a $25 Dining Card for dining on his special day; a wonderful gift for him to come back during his next night out on the town.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Call your preferred Fleming’s location or make reservations online at www.flemingssteakhouse.com.


Maxwell’s at the Club Annual Father’s Day Brunch

Maxwell’s at the Club (200 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-527-5800) will offer its annual Father’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, June 17. 

The brunch buffet will include delicious options like Chilled Shrimp Cocktail, Chilled Poached and Roasted Salmon, Green Bean and Tuna Salad, Wilted Kale and Farro Salad, Quinoa Salad with Berries and Watermelon, French Toast with Sautéed Peaches, Spinach, Bacon and Cheddar Egg Cups, Mesclun Green Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Dried Cranberries and Pecans, Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Berries, Chicken and Apple Sausage, and Four Cheese Ravioli.

In addition to the lavish buffet complete with waffles, omelets, pastries and a dessert bar, chefs will carve prime rib and roasted turkey breast to order.

Come enjoy brunch and celebrate Father’s Day at Maxwell’s for $45.  Children’s brunch is available for $15 for children 10 and under. For reservations, call (312) 527-5800, extension 301, or visit www.maxwellsattheclub.com.



Prairie Grass Cafe has delicious new items for Father’s Day brunch

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433) will be serving up a delicious spread for its annual Father’s Day brunch. Come and enjoy delightful options for only $42, excluding tax, gratuity and beverages, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17.  A children’s menu also will be available for children 10 and under. Brunch will include new options including New York Strip, with “River Valley Ranch” mushroom sauce, Potato Gratin, Guajillo Pepper Chicken over Rice with Avocado Pico de Gallo, Penne Pasta tossed in Bill Kurtis’ “Tallgrass Beef” Basil-Tomato-Meat Sauce with Parmesan and Bread Crumb Topping.  An omelet station also will be available with all the fixings such as peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, ham and spinach.  Additional buffet items include Grilled tomato with crumbled bacon, blue cheese topping, chives and chopped basil, Asian style sliced albacore tuna, Smoked Salmon Spread with mini bagels, Chopped vegetable salad of julienned carrots, cabbage, celery, cucumber, avocado and bok choy tossed in sherry & dijon vinaigrette, Grilled vegetable platter with basil remoulade and balsamic reduction and Marinated cucumber, spring onion, banana pepper salad with buttermilk dressing and garnished with pea shoots.  An artisan bread station and crêpe station round off Prairie Grass Cafe’s delicious Father’s Day brunch buffet.

Prairie Grass’ regular dinner menu will be available 5 p.m. -9 p.m.  For more information on the Father’s Day brunch, visit www.prairiegrasscafe.com.


Enter to win Dad a shaving experience he’ll never forget at Westfield Old Orchard

Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Center; 847-673-6800) wants to pamper Dad with The Art of Shaving Experience. Families can enter at the Westfield Old Orchard Concierge or via Westfield’s Facebook page for the chance to win him a Traditional Shave and a shaving kit from Westfield retailer, The Art of Shaving.  Enter to win runs from June 8- July 9.  For more information call 847-673-6800 or visit www.westfield.com/oldorchard

Brunch at Francesca's Restaurants

Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W. Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130, 708-771-3063) has been added to the list of Francesca’s restaurants that are serving brunch.  Delicious brunch menu items include Pollo e Uova, Crispy chicken confit and bacon hash with two eggs any style ($10.99) or Capicolla Spinaci Benedict, Spicy capicolla ham, parmesan, spinach, toasted English muffin with hollandaise and house potatoes ($10.99).  Sweet options include French Toast and Jam, Vanilla bean battered Texas hollybread, topped with red wine grape compote, mascarpone and toasted almonds ($8.99) and Sweet Pancakes ($9.00).

Mia Francesca (3311 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657; 773-281-3310), the flagship restaurant of the Francesca’s restaurant group, features a brunch menu including Italian breakfast favorites like Baked Uovo Florentina, soft baked egg, fontina cheese and creamed spinach on ciabatta toast and white truffle oil ($10.00) or Torta di Salviata, a fresh sage omelette with parmigiano regiano served with house potatoes ($10.00). Sweet options include Sweet Pancakes ($9.00), Blueberry ricotta pancakes with blueberry-lemon compote ($9.00) or French Toast and Jam. ($9.00). Mia Francesca also offers brunch cocktails like the Good Morning Sunrise with apricot nectar, the Sea Breeze Mimosa with cranberry and pink grapefruit or the Zing Zang Bloody Mary, each for $5.00.

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261) now has a brunch menu that features many of the same Italian classics, like the $5.00 Mimosa, with a few items unique to Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, including Savory Pancakes with polenta and bacon on sweet corn pancakes with maple butter, each for $9.00.

Francesca’s Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184) is offering a brunch options for city dwellers. Brunch cocktails include the Forno Bloody Mary with vodka and the Salty Dog, made with vodka, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and served in a glass with a salted rim, each for $6.00. The food options include Frutta e Granola, Milk & Honey Café granola with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries ($7.00), Bourbon-Soaked French Toast, challah with bourbon vanilla bean batter, maple crème fraiche and candied walnuts ($9.00) and a classic Breakfast Monte Cristo, made with an English muffin, fontina, crispy pancetta and a fried egg with spicy tomato jam and hash browns ($10.00).

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

For 364 days a year, moms everywhere balance jobs, kids, households and more. This Mother’s Day, give Mom a break and show her how cherished she is with a sumptuous prix-fixe brunch at  Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. For $34.95 per person*, families can enjoy three courses of classic brunch dishes and Fleming’s favorites In addition, an eye-opening brunch cocktail, Blood Orange Fizz, will be available, as well as Fleming’s traditional à la carte menu. As thanks for their hard work, mothers will receive receive a complimentary $25 Dining Card** to enjoy on a future occasion.

“Growing up, my dad and grandparents put extra care into making Mother’s Day dinner at our family restaurant,” said Russell Skall, Fleming’s Excutive Chef, who created the menu. “I wanted to continue that tradition and create a memorable menu for families to enjoy. Our entrées, including Filet Mignon Benedict and New Orleans-Style French Toast, are Fleming’s elegant twist on a classic Sunday Brunch.”

Guests will start brunch with Fleming’s signature Wedge Salad or a Fresh Fruit Medley, followed by one of five delicious entrée choices.

The tender Filet Mignon Benedict is cooked to order, topped with poached eggs and buttery béarnaise sauce with fresh lemon, shallots and tarragon. Fleming’s New Orleans-Style French Toast is made from thick slices of rich brioche bread soaked in Grand Marnier-flavored cinnamon batter, and topped with a generous dollop of housemade chantilly cream and fresh berries. A Sunday favorite at Fleming’s, Prime Rib, is slow roasted and served with a trio of sauces. Shrimp or Filet Frittata and a Steakhouse Filet Mignon Cobb Salad round out the main course offerings. All entrees are served with a choice of Potatoes O’Brien or Sauteed Green Beans.

To bring the meal to a sweet conclusion, guests can enjoy their choice of White Chocolate Bread Pudding with bourbon crème anglaise, Crème Brûlée made with creamy Tahitian vanilla bean custard and served with fresh seasonal berries,  or Walnut Turtle Pie featuring housemade caramel, walnuts and chocolate in a chocolate pie crust.

A prix-fixe children’s brunch is available for $16.95* for each child under 12 years old, and includes a fresh fruit salad followed by four kid-pleasing entrées, and a sundae or sorbet for dessert, plus a beverage.

Blood Orange Fizz, a brunch cocktail bright with citrus flavors, is offered at a special price of $6.95. Maeve Pesquera, Fleming’s Director of Wine, created the brunch cocktail with Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Stoli Vodka, fresh lemon juice and a splash of club soda served on the rocks.

Brunch hours on Sunday, May 13, are 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Mother's Day brunch is available at both Chicago-area Fleming's locations, 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, 312/329-9463 and Lincolnshire, 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, 847/793-0333. To make reservations, please visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com

*plus tax and gratuity

** $25 Dining Card valid May 14 – June 15, 2012

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH MENU, $34.95

Choice of Appetizer
THE WEDGE
iceberg lettuce, grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese

FRESH FRUIT MEDLEY
berries, melon, pineapple, sour cream and honey sauce

Choice of Entrée
FILET MIGNON BENEDICT
sliced filet mignon and egg on an English muffin with herb béarnaise sauce and tomato concassé

NEW ORLEANS-STYLE FRENCH TOAST
Grand Marnier battered brioche, maple syrup and country sausage

FLEMING'S FRITTATA choice of Shrimp or Filet Mignon
egg, mushroom, asparagus, onion, red pepper and gruyère cheese

STEAKHOUSE FILET MIGNON COBB
fresh greens with blue cheese, egg, bacon, avocado, tomato and red onion balsamic vinaigrette

PRIME RIB OF BEEF
slow roasted, served with a trio of sauces

Entrées served with:
POTATOES O'BRIEN peppers and onions
SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS mushrooms

Choice of Dessert
WHITE CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING
bourbon crème anglaise

CRÈME BRÛLÉE
creamy Tahitian vanilla bean custard served with fresh seasonal berries

WALNUT TURTLE PIE
housemade caramel, walnuts and chocolate in a chocolate pie crust

 CHILDREN'S BRUNCH MENU, $16.95 (ages 12 and under)

Starter
FRESH FRUIT SALAD
berries, melon, pineapple, sour cream and honey sauce

Choice of Entrée
CLASSIC FRENCH TOAST
served with sausage link or bacon

CHEDDAR CHEESE OMELET
made with two eggs, served with sausage link or bacon

STEAK AND FRIES
filet mignon and baked potato fries

CHICKEN STRIPS AND FRIES
crispy baked chicken breast strips with honey-mustard dipping sauce and baked potato fries

Choice of Beverage
2% MILK, SOFT DRINK or JUICE

Choice of Dessert
ICE CREAM SUNDAE
FRESH FRUIT SORBET

Volare offers special Mother’s Day brunch service

After a highly successful grand re-opening this April, classic Italian eatery Volare (201 E. Grand Ave., 312-410-9900) is open Sunday, May 13 for a special Mother’s Day brunch service.   The four course spread will offer an array of new menu items conceived by Executive Chef Massimiliano Campagnini, and allow guests to choose from a menu of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees and desserts for the cost of $28.95. Tax and gratuity is not included. The brunch menu will be available 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Reservations are required.  

For the first course, diners will choose their favorite option from a selection of appetizers including Ostriche Rockefeller, Fresh Oyster baked to perfection with Baby Spinach in a cream Pernot sauce, Fried Calamari Fritti, Calamari served with Cocktail and tomato sauce, Mozzarella in Carrozza, Fried egg battered layered Italian bread with Eggplant, prosciutto and mozzarella served in a salsa di Pomodoro sauce or the Pizza Magherita. 

Next a soup or salad course will be offered where guest will choose from a menu of Minestrone Soup, Crawfish Bisque, Insalata di Rape Rosse, Spinach, roasted Beets, Apples, Gorgonzola Dolce, oven baked Parmesan Egg and roasted onion vinaigrette or Radicchio di Treviso, More e Salmone Affumicato, Treviso Radicchio, Blackberries, Blood Orange segment and smoked Salmon, served with a Cilantro/ Lime vinaigrette.

The third course offers  an entrée menu featuring  Pappardelle alla salsa di Pomodoro e Ricotta, Handcrafted Egg noodle sauteed with Tomato sauce and fresh Ricotta, Agnolotti ai Funghi, Half Moon shaped Pasta stuffed with Mushrooms and Mascarpone cheese, served with chive and Black Truffle butter sauce Crespelle ai Sapori di Mare, Homemade crepes stuffed with Crab and Lobster meat, served with a Crustaceans béchamel sauce, Fregolata,  Fregola pasta in a Jambalaya style, sauteed with Olive oil, Shallots, Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Crawfish, Chicken, Sausage and a hint of creaole seasoning in a Brandy-cream sauce,  or Agnello al Forno Sliced slow cooked baby Lamb leg marinated in Garlic and Rosemary, served in an herbs demi-glaze sauce with Swiss chard and Potatoes Parisienne.

Finally the dessert menu features options including Crostatina di Fragole , Shortbread, Pastry cream, fresh Strawberries,  Pizzetta  alla Nutella, Baked mini pizza topped with Nutella chocolate and Mascarpone cheese,  Fruit & Cookies or Vanilla, Chocolate, or Lemon ice Ice cream.  In addition, a complimentary glass of champagne will be offered to adult diners.

April 16 is National Eggs Benedict Day - Celebrate at Elate.

Eggs Benedict is one of those delectable treats that should be enjoyed in all its sinful glory.

Don’t forget National Eggs Benedict Day is Monday, April 16. Elate's new Weekday Brunch menu will be spruced up on this day with Chef Michael Noll’s unique Country Fried Pork Belly Benedict ($13). Need we say more. Don't forget that Elate's bottomless Mimosa is always available at brunch for $20 with the purchase of an entree...a great way to celebrate. Elate, 111 W. Huron at Clark, 312.202.9900.

What are you doing for brunch this weekend?

Head on over to Mia Francesa’s  (3311 North Clark,  Chicago, 773-281-3310) to enjoy their fabulous new brunch Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t miss trying our favorites, Pollo e Uovo (Crispy chicken and bacon hash with two eggs any style) $10.99; Melanzane Parmigiano (Eggplant parmesan benedict with hollandaise)  $9.99 and the to die for Pancakes al Ricotta (Mocha ricotta pancakes, cinnamon whipped cream, drizzled with honey) $8.99. They have a lovely a la carte  brunch menu and special selections from the popular Mia Francesca dinner menu. Bon appetit!

Mimosas at Mia Francesca

Wicker Park’s hot spot Francesca’s Forno (1576 N Milwaukee Ave., 773-770-0184) popular for its small plates traditional Italian with a contemporary twist, is now open for lunch 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and brunch , 10 am – 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. They also boast a terrific late night menu available 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Our hot picks on the Forno brunch menu include the Bourbon-Soaked French Toast (Challah with bourbon vanilla bean batter, maple crème fraiche and candied pecans) $9, Savory Pancakes (Polenta, bacon, sweet corn pancakes with maple butter) $9, and the Breakfast Monte Cristo (English muffin, Fontina, crispy pancetta, fried egg with spicy tomato jam and hash browns) $10. Of course, you can build your own omelet, $12 and enjoy a fabulous Forno Bloody Mary (Vodka, spicy tomato juice, shot of beer) $6.

 Happy Brunching!

Weekend Brunch Buffet at Newly-Opened Act One Café in Rogers Park

Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) now serves an elaborate brunch buffet each Saturday and Sunday. The Rogers Park dining establishment, which opened May 21, adds brunch to its menu of dining options.

The brunch buffet reflects Executive Chef Jimmy Madla’s commitment to seasonal and regionally sourced items in their weekly selection of comfort foods and innovative dishes at the 110-seat Act One Café. Weekly items include Thick Cut Bacon, Pork-Maple Sausage and House Made Turkey Sausage, “Triple-threat” Country Gravy and Buttermilk Biscuits and Scrambled Eggs. In addition to these staples, Madla plans to mix it up each week with a variety of other dishes including French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, Chili Lime Pork Loin with Corn Salsa, Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder, Seasonal Vegetables, Salads, Smoked Salmon Lox with mini bagels and a variety of pastries, baked goods and fresh fruit.

Madla has been a prominent figure on Chicago’s culinary scene for nearly two decades, working in various kitchens before opening his own highly successful restaurant, Coobah, in 2002. Act One Café provides a second outlet for his creative cooking skills.

The hearty buffet is the perfect complement to the casual, welcoming atmosphere created by the management and service team at Act One Café.

Brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cost for adults is $12.99 and for children $6.99.

Guests can make it a more festive occasion with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5 during brunch.

“Act One Café is the perfect place to meet friends for a relaxing weekend brunch before launching into weekend errands or just enjoying a leisurely day,” says Madla. “We look forward to being the place our neighbors and friends think of when they’re in the mood for a great weekend brunch.

Act One Café is located at 1330 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. It is open for dinner from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit http://www.actonecafe.com/.

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar Now Serving Brunch

Not enjoying your friends lake house this Memorial Day weekend? If you’re sticking around the city hoping to enjoy some warm weather, then grab a seat outside at Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar (3358 N. Paulina; (773) 248-5222) and check out their new brunch menu, which will be served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. beginning May 24. I can’t wait to try the breakfast pizza which has three eggs over easy, sausage and cheese served on their homemade pizza crust and French toast made with a fresh baguette, YUM! For the health nuts out there Frasca will serve housemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit. The best part of the new brunch menu is the bottomless mimosa made with Italian prosecco. This is sure to be my new favorite brunch spot after a big night out!