SAVOR River Roast jazz brunch

Hicks is one of a rotating line-up of blues artists at the weekend brunch at River Roast (315 N. LaSalle St.; RiverRoastChicago.com). I’m sure the other musicians sound great, but it’s hard to top the vibe Hicks put out on the day my friend and I attend—thanks to his substantial set list of R&B classics from acts such as Sam Cooke, The Commodores and Otis Redding. (Many attendees, including myself, ended up singing along—not too loudly—or, at the least, tapping their feet.)

Of course, the music is just part of the allure: River Roast has a pretty impressive culinary menu as well. The local beets salad is a rather tasty concoction that will especially appeal to those who like those particular root vegetables. I also really liked the shrimp-and-crab toast that’s topped with avocado.

The mascarpone French toast was a solid item, but wasn’t revolutionary in concept or execution. But the items that give River Roast its name were spectacular, as usual. A whole chicken was brought to our tableside (prompting a guy at another table to say “That’s so cool”) and the server sliced the piping-hot bird for us—and it was just as tasty (and succulent) as advertised. (Some of the other roasts include fish, beef, pork and the “boatload of veggies.”)

The only possible caveat is the price. The chicken (which serves two) is $39 and the pork roast (also for two) is $43; throw in a couple appetizers and a cocktail, and the bill could be more than you might expect.

Other places have their own musical brunches. (For example, the House of Blues has a legendary gospel event every Sunday.) However, those venues will have to work hard to top the music-and-cuisine combo at River Roast—especially during summer, when people can listen to great music and enjoy the view of the Chicago River.