Category Archives: Chicago brunch

Celebrating Thanksgiving Throughout Chicagoland

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There are countless ways to enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving in Chicago.  Whether dining in or out, these restaurants and businesses are offering specials that will make it easy to entertain.

Delightful Pastries. Bring home delicious, homemade pies from Delightful Pastries for all to

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie from Delightful Pastries

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie
from Delightful Pastries

enjoy this Thanksgiving.   Whatever is your fancy, Delightful Pastries’ new expanded pie menu will have something to suit your taste. Included are traditional selections like Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie and the not so traditional Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan. All pies ($25) serve 8-10 people; are made from scratch and use no artificial flavors or preservatives.

For those entertaining for the weekend, pick up a breakfast/brunch savory pie such as the Spinach Lamb ($58), Veggie Quiche ($42), or Ham Quiche ($42). Other items on Delightful Pastries’ to go catering menu include: winter and grain salads, mini-pastry trays, international cookie trays and brownie trays. Pre-orders are recommended and package pricing is available. Orders may be placed at all three Delightful Pastries locations:  5927 W. Lawrence Avenue, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood (phone: 773-545-7215); the Old Town Chicago location at 1710 N. Wells St., just north of North Avenue (phone: 312-255-0724) and the Chicago French Market location at 131 N. Clinton Ave. (phone: 312-234-9644).

Delightful Pastries’ International Cookies Are Perfect for Holiday Entertaining

macaron stack

Macaron’s from Delightful Pastries

November starts the holiday season and entertaining is on everyone’s mind. Delightful Pastries makes it easy, with an array of international cookies, all holiday favorites from around the globe. Available are Cucidati (Sicilian Fig Cookies), Viennese Almond Crescents, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Polish Kolaczki (Raspberry, Apricot, Cheese), Christmas Mice,  Rugula, Linzer and Italian Rainbow Cookies ($19/lb. or by platter, $20-$30). French Macarons ($30 lb.) and Chanukah Macaroons ($1.75 each) also are available.

 

maxwells thankgiving 2013

Maxwell’s at the Club Thanksgiving

The East Bank Club is hosting Thanksgiving dinner at its place this year and you’re invited. The East Bank Club’s signature restaurant, Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago), is offering a traditional turkey dinner buffet with all the trimmings, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., November 28.

Executive chef Mike Lodes is featuring a variety of appetizer and salad , a carving station with Roast Turkey served with gravy and natural jus, Roast Prime Rib of Beef with horseradish sauce, and Roast Leg of Lamb with mint jelly, and an abundance of side options. To finish off, guests will be treated to an impressive spread of seasonal fruits, assorted cakes, tortes, cookies, and cupcakes, and pies. The price is $45 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under. Reservations can be placed online at maxwellsattheclub.com or by calling (312)527-5800 ext. 301.

East Bank Club’s Food Shop’s Thanksgiving To-go

If you plan to entertain at home this Thanksgiving, East Bank’s Food Shop will be delighted to do the cooking. The Chefs at the Food Shop have put together a complete Thanksgiving menu to suit a variety of tastes. You have the choice of ordering a la carte from their entire menu or selecting the Thanksgiving Package. With the latter option the Food Shop chefs have curated their version of an ideal holiday meal. For the complete Thanksgiving menu visit eastbankclub.com, and to place your order call (312) 527 5800 ext. 318.

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Prairie Grass Cafe

Northbrook’s Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; 847-205-4433) chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris want to make your Thanksgiving dinner perfect and easy. The two award winning chefs have announced their “Thanksgiving To Go 2013” menu available for pre-order now. All orders must be received no later than Sunday, November 24 for pickup at the restaurant on Thursday, November 28 between noon and 3 p.m.

The à la carte menu includes everything you would want for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. Start with a whole Roasted Turkey and Gravy, serving between 10 and 14 people for $110 or half a turkey to serve between 5 and 7 people for $60.

Homemade Apple Sage Stuffing ($14/quart) and Homemade Sausage and Giblet Stuffing ($24/quart) are available by the quart, serving between 4 and 6 people.

A variety of homemade appetizers include Butternut Squash Soup (Serves 4/$20/quart), Organic Mixed Green Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Pumpkin Seeds and Pomegranate (Serves 6-8/$45); Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp with Homemade Horseradish Sauce ($42/dozen); cut vegetable assortment with Amish blue cheese dip (Serves 6-8/$35); or Smoked Salmon Platter with Cream Cheese, Cucumbers, Capers and Red Onions with Pumpernickel and Whole Grain Baguettes (serves 6-8/$65).

Prairie Grass Cafe Pumpkin Pie with Heirloom Pumpkin Pie low res et

Prairie Grass Cafe Pumpkin Pie

Side dishes include Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (pint/2-3 servings/$7; quart/4-6 servings/$14); Sweet Potato Puree (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Sautéed Green Beans (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts (pint/2-3 servings/$12; quart/4-6 servings/$24); and Local Cranberry Sauce (pint/2-5 servings/$8; quart/6-10 servings/$16).

A Prairie Grass Cafe Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without Mom’s Homemade Heirloom Pumpkin Pie ($24/pie/6 slices); Mom’s Pecan Pie ($24/pie/6 slices) or Double Chocolate Cake ($50/cake/10-12 servings).

Not in the mood to entertain at home? Bring your family and friends to Prairie Grass Cafe this Thanksgiving

Prairie Grass Cafe will be serving a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, November 28. The cost of $49 per person includes a choice of Butternut Squash Soup or Organic Mixed Green Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan, Pomegranate and Balsamic Dressing; Oven Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Homemade Gravy; Apple Chestnut Stuffing; Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash with Homemade Marshmallow Topping; fresh vegetable; local cranberry sauce, and choice of Mom’s Heirloom Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie or Double Chocolate Cake. Reservations are required.

Chicago French Market provides one-stop shopping for the Thanksgiving Holidays

Whether it’s a hostess gift, cooking supplies or a meal to go, the Chicago French Market provides opportunities for Thanksgiving shopping under one roof.

Abby Brown Artisan Soaps is featuring its ever popular Pumpkin Bars this month. A

Abbey Brown Pumpkin Soap

Abbey Brown Pumpkin Soap

perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving and the holidays at only $8.50 per bar, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan creates handmade natural Olive Oil soaps, soothing body oils and relaxing bathing essentials. They make all of their fine products in house, infusing homegrown herbs and botanicals with pure essential oils.

Picking out the perfect wine to pair with Thanksgiving dinner or to bring as a gift is difficult if you’re not wine knowledgeable. When seeking expert advice, look no further than Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine at Chicago French Market. Pastoral is the perfect shop to learn more and receive expert help in choosing the perfect wine. Staff is trained to know wine and how to pair to complement foods. Stop by Pastoral for advice throughout November.

Stop at Oh Olive! at the French Market and sample its delicious Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil. It’s a perfect enhancement for drizzling over turkey before roasting or for using it to make delicious and unique rye bread turkey dressing.

Not everyone serves a traditional turkey for Thanksgiving, according to the folks at Sam’s

Sam's Gourmet Lasagna

Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna

Gourmet Lasagna. Sam’s offers a delicious ground turkey lasagna and has introduced a Steak & Potato Lasagna just in time for the holidays. They have upped their to go pre-packaged offerings for holiday gift, entertaining and corporate events.

 

 

 

Mother’s Day: Time for a Sunday Drive and a Hearty Spring Feast in Chicago

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Mother’s Day is the unofficial beginning of spring. So hop in the car and enjoy a Sunday drive with the family, then sit down to a gracious brunch at one of these popular spots.

WEST: Glen Prairie, 1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 613-1250; www.glenprairie.com
Mother’s Day Brunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $29 for adults, $12 for kids age 5-12, kids 4 and under are free

One of Chicago Magazine’s top new restaurants in 2008, the beautiful Glen Prairie has won a large following with its top notch locally produced contemporary American fare.
Highlights: Salad Station, with Grilled Vegetable Salad with herb and balsamic glaze or Spinach and Berry Salad; Bakery Station, with assorted house baked breakfast pastries, artisan rolls and maple thyme butter; Farm Fresh Buffet includes Omelets Made to Order, Broiled Tilapia, Scrambled Eggs with chives and aged cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Maple Sausage; Chefs Station offers Honey and Sage Roasted Turkey Breast with cranberry citrus relish and Herb Roasted Iowa Farmed Beef Sirloin with marchan de vin; Kids Corner, with French Toast Sticks, Amish Chicken Nuggets, Pasta with Marina Sauce, French Bread Pizzas and Fruit Cup. For dessert, indulge in the Sweet Table.

NORTHWEST: Birch River Grill, 75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL; (847) 427-4242; www.birchrivergrill.com
Mother’s Day Brunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $31.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids 5-10; kids under 4 are free.
Birch River Grill, with its comfortable lodge décor and rustic gourmet American cuisine, is a special restaurant in the Arlington Heights area.

Highlights: Seafood Station, with whole smoked King Salmon, whole smoked trout and peel and eat cocktail shrimp; Continental Station, with fresh baked bread, muffins, croissants, Danish, fresh fruit and berries; Made to Order Station featuring eggs, omelets, waffles, fresh Belgium waffles, country sausage links and peppered bacon; Carving Station, sirloin of beef and roasted turkey breast; Hot Buffet, fire roasted rainbow trout with wild rice pilaf and citrus butter; Salad Station; Kidz Buffet, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mac and cheese, pizza sticks, French toast sticks and fruit cups; Desserts, including their signature carrot cake, cakes and tortes.

SOUTH-SOUTHWEST: Courtright’s, 8989 South Archer, Willow Springs, IL; (708) 839-8000; www.courtrights.com
Mother’s Day All-Day Dinner, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; 4 courses, $55; 3 courses, $49; kids menu, $29.
Courtright’s has been a noteworthy fine dining staple in the southwest suburbs for years. It’s an attractive and welcoming restaurant, both inside and out, and the extensive wine collection is exceptional. Mother’s Day is an all-day feast, with 3- and 4-course menus and a special children’s menu.
Highlights: Starters such as Duck Terrine with Vidalia onion-rhubarb chutney; pan-seared scallops with artichoke-bell pepper terrine, tomatoes and basil-feta vinaigrette; or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with sauce gribiche; entrees include roasted Alaskan halibut with fennel puree, saffron brandade, roasted peanuts, pearl onions and mussel jus; roasted rack of lamb with minted lamb sausage, bacon-spring pea puree, braised baby carrots and lamb jus; and beef tenderloin with celery root puree, shiitake mushrooms and Cabernet sauce. Dessert includes Grand Marnier-marinated strawberries with a chocolate waffle and Chantilly cream.

NORTH: Restaurant Michael, 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL; (847) 441-3100; www.restaurantmichael.com
Mother’s Day Brunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; adults, $39; kids under 10, $19.50
Take the scenic route along Sheridan Road and then migrate to nearby Green Bay Road to enjoy iconic chef/owner Michael Lachowicz’s always amazing French fare.
Highlights: six appetizer choices including smoked salmon, Seared Scallops, Bacon and onion tarts, three entrées including Baby Lamb Chops, Roast Chateaubriand of beef tenderloin and Lobster Risotto, plus traditional omelets and Eggs Benedict, and four seasonal desserts.

WEST-NORTHWEST: Entourage on American Lane, 1301 American Lane, Schaumburg, IL; (847) 995-9400; www.entourageventures.com
Mother’s Day Brunch, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; adults, $36.95; kids 6-12, $15.95; kids under 5, free
Entourage is one of the best suburban restaurants to open in the past few years. It’s spacious and stylishly contemporary, with excellent food and creative drinks.
Highlights: Chef-carved prime rib, turkey and ham, omelet station, smoked salmon, cocktail shrimp, oysters on the half shell, egg specialties, lots of salads, French toast, pasta dishes, Hawaiian chicken, a children’s table and a decadent dessert station.

NORTH-NORTHWEST: Karma, 510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Illinois, 847-970-6900, www.karmachicago.com
Mother’s Day brunch, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; adults, $27.95; kids, $12.95; kids under 5 free
Karma is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the Chicagoland area. For Mother’s Day, Karma will offer an eclectic brunch featuring contemporary American dishes as well as their signature pan-Asian fare.

Highlights: Seafood Station with citrus poached King Salmon and Creole Seafood Salad;
Omelet Station; Hot Food Station with Asian BBQ seared Salmon and Mustard Crusted Roast Pork Loin; Carving Station with Herb and Garlic Crusted Roast Beef and
Oak Roasted Turkey Breast; Dessert Station with assorted mini French pastries and bakery fresh Tortes and Pies

IN THE CITY: Dine, 733 W. Madison, Chicago, IL (312) 602-2100; www.dinerestaurant.com
Mother’s Day brunch, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; adults, $39; kids, $15; kids five and under, free
Dine’s generous, tasty brunch has been popular in Greektown for quite awhile. For Mother’s Day, they’re turning it up a notch with a down-home comfort food feast.

Highlights: Carving Station, with smoked bone-in ham, oven roasted turkey and beef tenderloin; Build Your Own Omelets; Breakfast Selections with peppered bacon and sausage links, biscuits and gravy, waffles with maple syrup, smoked salmon, fresh fruit and berries; Lunch Entrees, including stuffed chicken marsala, poached salmon, beef stir-fry; Build Your Own Pasta, featuring homemade sauce with fresh meats and vegetables; Assorted Seafood, including shrimp, oysters, clams and mussels; Kids Station, with macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, cheese pizza and creamed corn; Assorted Gourmet Desserts.