The Easter Bunny, Easter Dinner Specials and More at Benny's Chop House March 31st

This Easter, Benny’s Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-626-2444) will host a festive celebration for adults and children alike. From noon until 9 p.m., Benny’s will offer a special menu full of traditional dishes with a signature twist.

Easter Sunday Dinner Specials
Benny’s Easter specials include a tender Herb Crusted Leg of Lamb accompanied by English peas, favas, baby carrots, spring onions and a rich mint infused lamb jus ($29.99). Another festive and delicious holiday dish is the locally sourced, farm raised Hickory Smoked Ham. The dish is complete with a sweet potato hash and a savory pancetta jus ($29.99). To finish off your Easter dinner, Pastry Chef Aaron Lindgren has planned a perfectly sweet ending featuring: Coconut Cake with Rhubarb Confit and Coconut Sorbet ($8.99). Benny’s Easter Sunday specials will be offered along with Benny’s popular a la carte menu, which includes their 100% USDA Prime natural, dry-aged and wet-aged steaks.

For our
“Tot Gourmands,”
Fun and Exciting Cookie Decorating and a Visit with the Easter Bunny

Also on Easter Sunday, Benny’s “Tot Gourmands” will enjoy our children’s menu plus cookie decorating with the Easter Bunny, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Easter at Benny’s is sure to be a memorable occasion for all members of the family. Don’t forget your camera as the festivities will be picture worthy.

Hop the Bunny Train and Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 23

The Metra isn’t the only train at the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Bring the kids and Hop the Bunny Train 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 23. The fun-filled ride will be followed by an Easter Egg Hunt from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, get a chance to meet the market’s special guest, the Easter Bunny. Be sure to also stop by a variety of vendors to sample some of their finest dishes.

April at Francesca’s Restaurants: Bunnies, bacon, beer & wine are only part of the fun at Francesca’s this month!

With signs of Spring blooming all around Chicago, Francesca’s Restaurants is planning for a colorful month.  Celebrate Easter with family & friends and meet the bunny himself, indulge in the decadence of Baconfest at Francesca’s Forno or partake in Beer & Wine Dinners at select locations. Everything’s coming up roses at Francesca’s this April!

Oregon Wine dinner at Francesca’s Famiglia

April 11, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027)

Spring is in the air and Francesca’s Famiglia in Barrington is hosting a fresh & inspired wine dinner event!  Featuring wine selections from the vineyards of Bethel Heights in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this 4-course menu is only $52 per person, all inclusive! Reservations are required.  

 

The meal starts with Whipped Burrata, tomato and rhubarb conserva paired with a 2011 Pinot Gris. This is followed by Roasted scallops, morels, ramps, English peas and bacon. This pairs excellently with a 2009 Chardonnay. The third course features Handmade toasted fennel seed and goat cheese gnocchi, crispy duck, fava beans, caramelized spring onions. A 2009 Pinot Noir makes a great pair for this course. The evening ends with Rosemary crusted rack of spring lamb, baby carrots and roasted root vegetables. This is the perfect companion for a 2008 Pinot Noir “Casteel Reserve”.

Goose Island Beer dinner at Francesca’s Vicinato

April 12, 6:30 p.m. – Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park, IL 60465; 708-671-1600)

Chef Mario Lopez of Francesca’s Vicinato serves a savory Italian meal with courses paired perfectly with famed Goose Island beers.  Jim De Bolt of Goose Island leads the meal, educating diners on food & beer pairings at this fun, festive dining event.  Reservations are required, $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

The evening starts with Crostini misti, an assortment of crostini’s paired with 312 Urban Wheat Ale. This is followed by Insalata Mista con Gamberi e Granchio, frisee, arugula, lemon & olive oil, jumbo shrimp wrapped in prosciutto stuffed with crab meat, pepper aioli and aged balsamic. It is a perfect pair for Summertime, German Style Kölsch. The third course features Papardelle con Anatra, homemade wide pasta, duck confit, asparagus, roasted artichokes, brown butter sage and parmigiano reggiano. A Nut Brown Ale makes the perfect companion. Next is Lombo di Maiale al Vicinato, grilled pork tenderloin, caramelized onion mashed potatoes, grilled peach and balsamic rosemary demi-glaze, paired with Matilda, Belgian Style Pale Ale. The meal finishes with Brownie alla Moda, chocolate caramel pecan brownie served warm with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce and vanilla gelato paired with Bourbon County Bramble.

Raise a glass to the end of tax season with a Wine dinner event at Francesca’s Bryn Mawr

April 17, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261)

Uncle Sam’s annual day of reckoning is upon us…. (drum roll please) TAX DAY.  If April 15^th is a day to celebrate in your household, chances are you are receiving a tax refund; but if you owe, the tone is surely not so upbeat.  Whether you are drowning your sorrows or toasting to your own financial windfall, we have an event for you.  “Uncle Sam meet Auntie Vino” is a 4-course wine dinner hosted by Francesca’s Bryn Mawr.  Guest speaker, Danny Kleiman, of Heritage Wines takes you through a guided tour of Italian wine varietals paired with an innovative Francesca’s menu.  $48 plus tax & gratuity, reservations required.

The evening begins with Citrus House cured Salmon with shaved fennel and extra virgin olive oil. This is paired with Voveti Prosecco DOC. Following this is English pea filled ravioli, soft poached hen egg, in a parmesan broth with browned butter asparagus, paired with Inama Soave Classico 2010. The next course features Prosciutto wrapped seared ahi tuna with braised pork cheeks, morels, and spring onions. The Endrizzi Teroldego 2009 wine pairs perfectly with this course. The dinner ends with Grilled lamb chop with sweet garlic puree, petit spring vegetables, anise scented lamb au jus. Tenuta Sant’ Antonio Valpolicella Ripasso Monti Garbi 2008 is paired with this course.

Lagunitas Brewery Beer Dinner at Francesca’s Passagio and Francesca’s al Lago – It’s “Doggone Good Beer”

April 12, 7:00 p.m. – Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600)

Whether your beer of choice is a pilsner or pale ale, Lagunitas Brewery is sure to make you a believer in their brews. Enjoy 5 beer selections expertly paired with Francesca’s food. Tickets are $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

 The beer dinner begins with Carpaccio di Cernia con Finnocchietto Selvatico e Pompelmo, grouper “Crudo” with shaved fennel, grapefruit sea salt, extra virgin olive oil. Lagunitas crispy wheat and pale malt A Little Sumpin’, makes the perfect companion. This is followed by Gambetta di Pollo al Rosmarino, citrus marinated chicken thighs pan seared in rosemary and chiles oil, paired with IPA, India Pale Ale. The third course features Agnolotti con Funghetti, homemade pasta filled with Prosciutto, caramelized onion in a mushroom sauce and Parmigiano. It is a perfect pair for Wilco Imperial, brown Ale. Next is Pesce Bianco Delicato con Faglioni, roasted Lake Superior Whitefish, French Beans, lemon-butter sauce, paired with New Dogtown, Super premium Pale Ale. The meal finishes Mousse di Cioccolato, chocolate Pot au Cream, and is paired with The Censored, rich Copper Ale.

 April 18, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000)

Whether your beer of choice is a pilsner or pale ale, Lagunitas Brewery is sure to make you a believer in their brews.  Come out on Wednesday, April 18^th and enjoy 5 beer selections paired with a menu handcrafted by Chef Sergio Lopez of Francesca’s al Lago. Tickets are $50 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and sure to sell out quickly.

The evening begins with Insalata di Spinaci e Pistacchio, spinach, radicchio, watercress, and pistachio in honey champagne vinaigrette, paired with PILS, Czech Style Pilsner. This is followed by Carpaccio di Mele, apple Carpaccio with brie cheese and cracked black pepper drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It is a perfect pair for IPA, India Pale Ale. The third course features Tagliatelle con Cozze, homemade pasta sautéed with mussels, slow roasted tomatoes, sliced shallots, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. An American Brown Ale, Wilco Tango Foxtrot, makes the perfect companion. Next is Branzino e salsa d’ Aragosta, roasted sea bass with grilled asparagus in tarragon lobster cream sauce, paired with Hop Stoopid Ale, Pale Ale. The meal finishes with Savoiardi con Cioccolata Fondente, lady fingers soaked in Cappuccino Stout with dark chocolate, topped with strawberry compote, and is paired with Cappuccino Stout, Big and dark Stout.

Make your Easter Egg-cellent with a family meal at Francesca’s on Easter Sunday

While all Francesca’s restaurant locations are open for service on Easter Sunday, some are hopping up the excitement with these celebratory Easter events.

 Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, 847-394-3950)

The Easter bunny will be visiting Francesca's Tavola from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on the two Saturday’s leading up to Easter (March 31st and April 7^th).  Activities for the kids include coloring contests and Easter egg hunts.  Parents bring your camera and snap a shot of your little ones visiting with the bunny himself.  Italian breakfast menu available throughout; reservations required for this sell-out event.

On Easter Sunday, a lavish brunch buffet at Francesca’s Tavola features a prime rib carving station, made to order omelets, whole roasted salmon, eggs, bacon, sausage, homemade pastries, salads, pastas, chicken and much more from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  ($24.95 for adults, $12.95 for ages 2-12 and no-charge for children under 2).  Standard Francesca’s ala carte menu from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dinner service.

Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St, Frankfort, IL 60423, 815-464-1890)

Bring the family out to Francesca’s Fortunato in Frankfort for a traditional Italian brunch featuring frittatas, omelets and French toast in addition to many of your Francesca’s favorites. The restaurant will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a visit from the Easter Bunny from noon to 3:00 p.m. Brunch specialties available through 3:00 p.m.  

Francesca’s Bellezza (75 S. La Grange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525, 708-579-3500)

Lunch with the Easter Bunny at Francesca’s Bellezza on Saturday, April 7^th noon to 3pm!  Make a reservation for you & the kids to dine with Peter Rabbit himself.  Kids will enjoy a pint-sized buffet complete with pasta, pizza and chicken fingers while their parents can order ala carte from the traditional Francesca’s menu.  The price of $8.99 per child includes lunch, beverage, Easter egg hunt, goody bag and a picture with the hoppin’ hare. Space is limited - reserve your table today.

The Easter bunny will also make appearances on Easter Sunday at Francesca’s Amici (174 N York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)  11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027) 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Francesca’s al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000) 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

TGIF at Francesca’s… Start your weekend out right with Friday night music events at Francesca’s

Francesca’s Bellezza (75 S. La Grange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525, 708-579-3500)

Sit back, relax & unwind with friends at Francesca’s Bellezza every Thursday 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. & Friday night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Live jazz, a glass of wine & a bite to eat will make the hustle-bustle of your work week seem like a distant memory.  Seats are first come, first serve and there is never a cover charge, so arrive early!

Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. La Grange Rd, Palos Park, IL 60465, 708-671-1600)

Fasten your seatbelts for a guided musical tour through rock 'n roll history with The Neverly Brothers at Francesca’s Vicinato. Live for one night only at Francesca’s Vicinato in Palos Park, mark your calendar for this can’t-miss, toe-tapping, sing-out-loud event on Friday, April 27th.  The restaurant recommends that diners make dinner reservations between 7 and 7:30 p.m. After enjoying a delicious meal, diners may keep their tables for the show. After 8 p.m. the restaurant will offer general seating. For more information on The Neverly Brothers, visit their website at www.theneverlybrothers.com.

Francesca’s Restaurants celebrates the Day of the Mushroom, April 16^th at all Chicagoland locations

Button, shiitake, oyster, wild, portobello, cremini, enoki, beech… with so many mushroom varieties to choose from how will you select just one to top your list for National Mushroom Day on Monday, April 16^th?  Celebrate the day of the mushroom with Francesca’s Restaurants and we’ll point you in the right direction with the Pasta Funghetto. Featuring the porcini and wild mushrooms, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, mascarpone cheese, white truffle oil, fresh oregano and brandy-veal sauce to create a rich, decadent pasta dish that will make you a believer.  Available for $10.99 at all Francesca’s restaurant locations for lunch & dinner on  Monday, April 16^th. 

 Support your community – Come out & get involved!

You can support your community simply by eating at Francesca’s. When you dine at any Francesca’s restaurant during their Eat and Earn promotion, a portion of your bill is donated to a charitable organization in the community.

Thursday, April 5, Francesca’s Tavola (208 S Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) is hosting an Eat and Earn program to benefit Hersey Jazz Band. For more information on the Hersey Jazz Band, visit www.herseyband.com. They are also hosting an Eat and Earn program April 17 supporting Wright-Way Rescue Pet adoption Center. For more information on the Rescue Center, visit www.wrightwayrescue.net.

Francesca’s on Bryn Mawr (1039 W Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261) is supporting Edgewater Historical Society by hosting an Eat & Earn on Wednesday, April 11. For more information, visit www.edgewaterhistory.org. Emmaus Ministries on Thursday, April 12. For more information about the organization, visit www.streets.org  and Care for Real – local food pantry, on Wednesday, April 25. More information about Care for Real can be found at www.careforreal.org.

Monday, April 16, Francesca’s on 95th (6248 W. 95^th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007) is teaming up with Sons of Italy organization to raise money for children with autism. For more information, visit www.osia.org.  

Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600) & La Sorella di Francesca (18 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706) are supporting Dine-Away Hunger Foundation on Wednesday, April 18. La Sorella also is hosting an Eat and Earn for Naperville Responds for our Veterans on Wednesday, April 11. The organization assists veterans in need by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinates the process of repairing, building and donating homes. For more information about the organization, visit www.nrfov.org.

Wednesday, April 18, all Francesca’s locations are participating in an Eat and Earn promotion to benefit Variety Children’s Charity, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children around the world. Variety of Illinois supports children with disabilities, as well as those who are underprivileged, or otherwise at-risk.  To learn more about this organization, please visit www.varietyofillinois.org.

Thursday, April 26, Mia Francesca, Francesca’s Forno, Francesca’s on Chestnut, Francesca’s Taylor & Francesca’s Bryn Mawr join together with nearly 75 other Chicago institutions in support of the city’s Dine Out for Life campaign.  In its 19^th year, Dine Out for Life’s mission is to provide housing and life services to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS.  Help us make a difference in these people’s lives by dining out on April 26^th; a portion of all lunch, dinner & carry-out sales will be donated to this great cause. 

Charities interested in learning more about Francesca’s Restaurants Eat and Earn restaurant should contact the manager of their local Francesca’s.

Thursday, April 26, Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027) is one of the local businesses in Barrington participating in a Relay for Life kickoff party for Purple Heels Sip and Shop event. Francesca’s will be offering complimentary Limoncello to diners that mention the charity.

Bacon Makes Everything Better… Baconfest & Francesca’s Forno!

Chicago’s hottest ticket in town is Baconfest on April 14^th.  If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket (they’ve been sold out for weeks), get in on the fun at Francesca’s Forno.  In conjunction with the event, they’ll be featuring their Baconfest creation in-house for restaurant guests on Saturday, April 14^th… Yes, the same creation to which only Baconfest ticket holders are privy.  Get your bacon-fix at Francesca’s Forno!

The Menu at Di Sotto Enoteca expands to include Desserts

Reeling from a nomination by Time Out Chicago for “Best New Bar in 2012”, Di Sotto Enoteca steps up their game and adds gourmet Italian desserts and premium Intelligentsia coffee to their already well-respected small plates menu.  Dessert selections include handmade truffles, lemon-ricotta fritters and zeppoles. These light and doughy Italian doughnuts are filled with decadent cheesecake or dark chocolate. Served alongside French press Intelligentsia coffee and “black cat” espresso, the desserts at Di Sotto Enoteca make the perfect after dinner treat.  Check out the full menu at www.disottoenoteca.com & indulge your sweet side with a visit.

Earth Day at Francesca’s Tavola

Earth April 22! April 16th- April 22nd, Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) will be featuring an Earth Day Cocktail.  This cocktail will consist of Muddled Organic Cucumber and Organic Lemons, Organic Vodka, St. Germain, Simple Syrup and club Soda. $1 from each cocktail purchased will be donated to The Nature Conservancy of Chicago.   http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/illinois/placesweprotect/chicago-wilderness.xml

Administrative Assistants Day at Francesca’s Restaurants

Call it a Hallmark holiday if you will, but Administrative Assistants Day honors a talented group of people that keep the wheels turning in any company.  Show the Admin in your department how grateful you are for their support with a special meal at Francesca’s Restaurants.  On Wednesday, April 25^th all Francesca’s locations are open for lunch service (with the exception of Mia Francesca, Chicago) and taking reservations. Can’t get out – show your thanks with the gift from Francesca’s – gift cards available to purchase in-store or online at www.miafrancesca.com.

Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) will be offering a lunch special. Guests can choose a two - course meal (appetizer, soup or salad and pasta, sandwich or entree) with a soft drink or iced tea for $10.00 or a three - course meal (appetizer, soup or salad and pasta, sandwich or entree, and a dessert), with a soft drink or iced tea for $15.00.

Francesca’s on 95^th ( 6248 W. 95^th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007) Are you a boss treating your admin to lunch or dinner? Bring them to Francesca’s on 95^th and you will receive 15% off your bill.

Davanti Enoteca spices up your weekend mornings with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar

Have you been bit by the Davanti bug? The hottest destination in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood just got hotter (or spicier) with the addition of a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar for Saturday & Sunday brunch.  You can choose from 10-15 different hot sauces, various pickled veggies such as cucumbers, carrots, white asparagus, green beans, cauliflower and of course the classic garnishes like limes, olives or celery. Sundays are “Sinful Sundays” you can enjoy this classic brunch beverage, made just as you like it for only $5. Brunch is served every weekend from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

Easter Brunch, Dinner and Spring Events in Chicago and surrounding areas

Spring is just around the corner, and with it are great holidays that give us an excuse to go to brunch. Whether it’s Easter, Mother’s Day, or just a weekend morning you’re celebrating, brunch is a great meal for celebration. We see a lot of brunches here at Kurman, so here are some of our favorite choices.

Celebrate early and take a trip around the Chicago French Market (131 N Clinton, 312-575-0306) March 31!  Bring the family and Hop the Bunny Train to take in the sights of the market.  After the trip, watch the kids scurry around during the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30 pm.  Throughout the day of fun, participants will get the chance to meet a very special guest: The Easter Bunny!  The Chicago French Market also will be offering market-wide tastings during the day. The train departs at 11 am.  So come out for a family day of Easter fun!

Chicago French Market vendor Delightful Pastries is offering a special Easter menu for your holiday gatherings.  Choose from a selection of sweet and savory dishes including Lamb Cakes with buttercream or dusted with powder sugar, Bunny Rabbits, Cupcake baskets, Mocha Chocolate Bundt Cake, Rum and Raisin Yeast Babka, Italian Ricotta Cheesecake, Rhubarb Strawberry pie, Lamb & Spinach Pie, Mushroom, Onion, Leek and Swiss cheese Quiche, Asparagus, Ham & Swiss Cheese Quiche and Salmon en Croute. Call ahead for all orders! All orders must be placed by April 2, 2012.

Elate (111 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60654; 312-202-9900) serves a delicious brunch menu Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Easter. They also will be adding an extra optional cheese and dessert buffet for an extra $12 per person. Elate’s a la carte brunch menu includes classics like Build Your Own Omelette ($13.00) and a Breakfast Burrito ($13.00) with twists on the classics, like their Banana Custard French Toast ($12.00), Breakfast Pizza ($13.00) and Vegetarian Black Bean Burger ($11.00). Elate also features an extensive Juice Bar during brunch with familiar favorites like orange juice, grapefruit juice and lemonade ($4.00) and some more unique options, like the Asian Rabbit, a mix of carrot juice and ginger ($7.00), the Sunrise, a combination of pineapple, strawberry and lime juice ($9.00), and the Chicago Cleaner with apple, beet and lemon ($7.00). 

For brunch, Elate also offers unique drinks from the bar like the Cranberry-Pear Bellini ($9.00) or a variety of signature coffee drinks in a footed mug. For an additional $20.00, Elate also will provide bottomless mimosas with the purchase of an entrée.

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) has special brunch hours and specials for Easter, April 8, Mother’s Day, May 13, and Father’s Day, June 17. Fleming’s will serve brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and feature three delicious courses for only $34.95 and $12.95 for children’s brunch excluding tax and gratuity. For Easter, Fleming’s also offers their Blood Orange Fizz Cocktail, a delightful mix of Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Stoli Vodka, fresh lemon juice and a splash of club soda for $6.95. To make reservations for your favorite spring brunch holiday, call your preferred Fleming’s location or make reservations online at www.flemingssteakhouse.com.

Several Francesca’s restaurants also have recently introduced brunch menus.  Brunch menu is served 10 am - 3pm.

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 ($9.99) or Frittata al Salsiccie, a fresh sage omelette with parmigiano regiano ($9.99). For those with a sweet tooth, Mia Francesca also offers delicious Pancakes al Ricotta, mocha ricotta pancakes with cinnamon whipped cream drizzled with honey ($8.99) or French Toast and Jam, French toast with vanilla bean butter, Texas toast, red wine grape jam, mascarpone and almonds ($8.99). Diners also have the option to build their own omelette for $12.99. Mia Francesca also has superb 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) is now serving brunch this month. Their brunch menu also features many of the same Italian classics, like the $5.00 Mimosa, with a few items unique to Francesca’s Bryn Mawr. Most notably Sweet Pancakes (blueberry and ricotta pancakes with blueberry-lemon compote) and Savory Pancakes (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 their unique take on brunch as well. Francesca’s Forno offers impressive brunch cocktails like the Forno Bloody Mary (vodka, spicy tomato juice and a shot of beer), the St. Germaine Cocktail (St. Germain and Prosecco) 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 at Francesca’s Forno during brunch hours are just as delicious and impressive. From simple Frutta e Granola, Milk & Honey Café granola with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries ($7.00), to decadent Bourbon-Soaked French Toast, challah with bourbon vanilla bean batter, maple crème fraiche and candied pecans ($9.00), or 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), there is an option for every palate at Francesca’s Forno for brunch.

Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Road, Chicago, IL 847-394-3950) is offering a special Easter Bunny Brunch Menu for families to come and enjoy along with a visit from the Easter Bunny!  Kids will enjoy their choice of Buttermilk or Chocolate Pancakes or French Toast, served with a piece of sausage or bacon, or the Egg Breakfast, served with a piece of toast and a piece of sausage or bacon.  All kid’s meals come with regular milk, chocolate milk or orange juice.  All kid’s meals are $6.95.  Adult brunch options include Bistecca con Vovo, 10 oz. Ribeye, served with two eggs, any style with roasted potatoes and toast ($16.99),  and Panettone, Italian French toast with mixed berries, sweet mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup, served with a choice of bacon or sausage ($10.99).

For more Francesca's brunch locations go to www.miafrancesca's.com.

Maxwell’s at the Club (200 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-527-5800) has an Easter brunch perfect for entertaining family, friends and guests available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 8. Brunch at Maxwell’s is $45.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 10 and under. As a special treat for the family, Easter Bunny will make a special appearance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Maxwell’s Easter brunch has something for everyone. For those who prefer a sweet Sunday brunch, the Bananas Foster French Toast, fluffy Waffles from the waffle bar or Sour Cream Pancakes are delicious sweet brunch treats. For those who say brunch is not complete without eggs, Maxwell’s also offer an Omelette Bar, Eggs Benedict or Eggs Florentine. The health-conscious in your brunch group will appreciate Maxwell’s wide variety of Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Granola and Yogurt. Maxwell’s also features an impressive Roast Beef Prime Rib Carving Station for brunch, as well as Shrimp Cocktail and Chilled Roasted and Poached Salmon. Go here for a complete Easter brunch menu.

No matter what taste buds enjoy, they are sure to find something to enjoy at Maxwell’s. For reservations, call (312) 527-5800, extension 301, or schedule at Maxwell’s website, using the Book a Table feature on the left.

In the suburbs, your best bet for brunch is Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433), with Chef Sarah Stegner and Chef George Bumbaris cooking for you!

Prairie Grass Café’s Easter brunch menu is a lovely combination of everything we have come to love about brunch. Every guest starts their meal with their signature “PGC Benedict” a poached egg with spinach and roasted tomato hollandaise. They are then able to take advantage of Prairie Grass’s amazing brunch buffet, which includes a made to order omelet station, hot waffles, Prairie Grass’s signature Moussaka (layers of eggplant, potato and braised lamb topped with Bechamel sauce), a variety of salads and fresh baked goods from French baguettes to croissants and Danishes, among other choices. To end their meal, diners will also have the opportunity to partake in a dessert buffet, including Prairie Grass’s famous Mom’s Homemade Banana Cream Pie, Cherry Crumble, Double Chocolate Cupcakes, a crepe station and a variety of fresh fruit. The variety of brunch options at Prairie Grass Cafe is sure to please every guest.

Prairie Grass’s Easter brunch hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8. Brunch is $42 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under.

Chef Massimiliano Campagnini has created specialty menu for Easter Dinner for classic Italian eatery Volare (201 East Grand Avenue, 312-410-9900).  Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood Volare will serve Easter dinner 12 pm -10 pm Sunday April 8.  The menu will include Crema d’Asparagi con crema fresca, an asparagus soup served with crème fraich ($4.00).  Pappardelle al Ragu d’agnello con ricotta affumicata, a house made Pappardelle pasta sauteed with Lamb Ragu and vegetables served with Lamb jus and smoked Ricotta ($21.00).  Trancio di Branzino su Fagiolini saltati in salsa Limone e Mandorle, a pan seared Sea bass filet served over sautéed green beans in a Lemon sauce with toasted Almonds ($30.00).  Costolette d’Agnello impanate al Parmiggiano su insalatina con olio d’oliva tiepido al Rosmarino, a pan seared Parmesan crusted Lamb chop served over a micro green salad with a warm Rosemary flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil for ($30.00) and for dessert Semifreddo all’Amaretto con Zabaglione, a semi-frozen Amaretto flavor parfait served with Sabayon ($6. 00). Classic Italian cuisine at its best!

Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Center, 847-673-6800) is providing Easter fun for North Shore and surrounding area families. April 7 marks Westfield Old Orchard’s annual Easter Egg Hunt!  You won’t want to miss this opportunity.  Kids will hunt for the Golden Eggs filled with prizes from Westfield retailers.  Participating kids can also enjoy a day of face painting and take home a piece of balloon art.  New York Life will be partnering with Westfield by providing free Child ID’s (name, picture and finger print) for parents to take home.  Registration for this free Easter event starts 10:30 am April 7 and is open to the first 150 families who arrive. Kids must be between the ages of 2-5 years old to participate. The festivities will commence 11:30 am in the Serpent Play area.  For more information, contact the Westfield Old Orchard Concierge at 847-673-6800.