Thankfully, Chicagoland restaurants are providing a variety of ways to celebrate them. (And you'll only have a week after celebrating Cinco de Mayo to get it together.) Here's what a few restaurants have to offer, with something for every budget:
—Gold Coast restaurant Alpana, 831 N. State St., is offering a two-course prix fixe brunch for $40/person and $18/child. (Bottomless mimosas are $25/person.)
Highlights at this spot owned by former Check, Please! host Alpana Singh include first-course options such as lobster bisque, strawberry salad, avocado toast or vanilla Greek yogurt. Main-course choices include quiche forestier (melted leeks, goat cheese, mushrooms and a small salad), striped sea bass, turmeric-roasted cauliflower, strawberry shortcake French toast, and steak and eggs, among other items.
The children's menu has crispy chicken tenders, cheeseburger with fries, scrambled eggs and cinnamon French toast. See https://www.alpanachicago.com for more info.
—The French steakhouse La Grande Boucherie, 431 N. Dearborn St., will offer a unique Mother's Day menu consisting of salmon and smoked salmon rillettes with apple and fennel salad ($26); roasted scallops, zucchini velours, gnocchis and arugula ($44); and a Charlotte (vanilla Malagasy mousse and pain de Genes, cherry heart and vanilla cream; $18).
Its sister spot, the Italian restaurant Olio e Piu, 445 N. Dearborn St., is offering a meal consisting of Ravioli di Ossobuco with diced vegetables ($35); a casserole of mussels, squid, shrimps, monkfish, potatoes and other vegetables, served with crostini ($42); and a Charlotte (vanilla Malagasy mousse and pain de Genes, cherry heart and vanilla cream; $18).
At both restaurants, full menu options will be available.
— Start mom's day off on the right foot with a latte and pastries from Daisies' Logan Square cafe, 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Executive Pastry Chef and Partner Leigh Omilinsky is stocking the pastry case with all the classics like croissants and kouign-amanns as well as seasonal treats just in time for spring. Planning to brunch at home? Pre-order one of the orange olive oil bundt cakes, cinnamon coffee cakes, or the fruit-and-almond tarts. See https://www.exploretock.com/daisieschicago/ for more info.
—Gaijin, 950 W. Lake St., is offering a one-of-a-kind experience at Chicago's only okonomiyaki restaurant by Chef Paul Virant.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake, griddled and customizable with choices like cabbage, noodles, veggies, pork, shrimp, fried eggs, "dancing" bonito flakes and various toppings. There will also be mochi donut holes and other eats as well as unique cocktails.
See https://gaijinchicago.com/.
— Bar Pendry, 81 E. Wackler Pl., is offering a boozy tea party for Mother's Day (so maybe you can continue from Cinco de Mayo).
On Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the lobby-level cocktail lounge inside luxury boutique hotel, Pendry Chicago will offer its usual selection of Rare Tea Cellar blends along with sweet and savory bites such as a flaky asparagus phyllo tart, an angel food cake topped with fresh berries, and a festive Mother's Day macaroon. Boozy options include vintage and sparkling wines, plus a collection of boozy tea cocktails such as the Sunday Morning Sour—a sweet and citrusy sipper crafted with Gentleman Jack, honey syrup and coconut milk.
Reservations are recommended. Visit "Bar Pendry" on OpenTable.
—Prime & Provisions, 222 N. LaSalle St., invites guests to celebrate Mother's Day with a grand buffet-style brunch on Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The brunch menu will feature made-to-order breakfast offerings, a carving station, and a Ferris Wheel of Decadent Desserts. Priced at $95 for adults and $35 for kids aged 7-12, brunch reservations can be made at https://www.primeandprovisions.com/.
—Northbrook restaurant Prairie Grass Cafe has one of the more popular Mother's Day events in Chicagoland so you might want to check it out.
Taking place May 12 at 10 a.m.-1;30 p.m., the huge buffet will include various salads, parmesan-crusted whitefish, chicken wings with ranch dressing, artisan breads, skirt steak, a crepe station, and marbled bread pudding with creme anglaise, among many other items. There's also a takeout package for two ($144) with, again, a stacked menu; dinners must be ordered by May 9 for a Mother's Day pickup between 4:30-5 p.m. And dinner reservations are also available, starting at 5 p.m.; the regular menu is available along with Mother's Day specials.
Regarding the buffet, the cost is $85 per adult, and $54 for each child 10 and younger (not including beverage, tax or gratuity). Call 847-205-4433 or visit http://prairiegrasscafe.com.
—The upscale Mexican restaurant Tzuco, 720 N. State St., will have some unique dessert and drink options to mark Mother's Day.
The venue is celebrating with "Fuego," crafted especially for the occasion. This dessert features a coconut financier soaked in mezcal and served with a mango-tajín sorbet. Accompanied by mango and raspberry caramel, coconut ash and chocolate logs, it promises a unique taste experience.
Also, each mom will receive a complimentary mimosa; there will be four varieties—strawberry, hibiscus, mango and the classic. Also, Tzuco will introduce a special cocktail called the Zacapa Velvet that features Zacapa 23 rum, nixtamalero, mole demerara, hoja santa bitters and chili ash. Visit http://tzuco.com to make a reservation.
— Consider spring tea at LondonHouse's Bridges Lobby Bar, 85 E. Wacker Dr.
Crafted by Chef Elizabeth Sweeney and Pastry Chef Thomas Gorczyca, the menu features a selection of Rare Tea Cellars teas, lemon poppy and honey chamomile scones, savory offerings like the sushi crepe and sweet treats such as the Cherry Blossom Dome. This culinary experience is available daily at 12-3 p.m. Reservations can be made at https://londonhousechicago.com/happenings/2024/03/29/spring-tea-is-in-full-bloom/.
—Perry's Steakhouse & Grille—which has restaurants in Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills—is celebrating Mother's Day on May 12 at 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Perry's is featuring its 10 oz. filet-stuffed roast ($49), three-course pork chop Sunday Supper ($49) at 4-9 p.m, and off-the-menu brunch-inspired cocktails ($13 each; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). A kid's menu is also available. (Pricing does not include tax or gratuity.) Visit http://perryssteakhouse.com.
—Uptown spot Marina's Bistro, 4554 N. Magnolia Ave., is celebrating Mother's Day by launching the restaurant's brand-new brunch menu.
Bites include ham and cheese, or mushroom and cheese croquetas; and pastelillos de huevos y longaniza, made with egg, cheese and Puerto Rican pork chorizo empanadas. Patrons can select from three authentic Puerto Rican sandwiches; waffles con fruta tropical (Belgian waffles topped with seasonal fruit and cinnamon syrup; waffles de coco (coconut waffles, chicken thighs and guava sauce). Moms with a sweet tooth can indulge in the sorullos de maiz con queso (Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters with cheese) or the pina a la parrila (rum-spiked grilled pineapple with toasted coconut and homemade ice cream).
Brunch is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit https://www.marinasbistrochicago.com/.
—The Goddess and Grocer (various locations) has some enticing options for Mother's Day.
The Mother's Day Cake ($65) is a lemon sponge cake with lemon curd and strawberry mousse; in addition, it's frosted in vanilla buttercream and piped with bright and beautiful florals. There are also floral cupcakes ($4.95 each) and a Mother's Day Cookie Kit ($45) that lets you make six assorted hand-decorated shortbread cookies. Last (but not least), the chain offers a Mother's Day Spa Basket ($65) that features an array of spa day goodies, a Mosser Glass keepsake, an artisan beverage and a handmade shortbread cookie to enjoy after her relaxing spa-like experience.
Select items in store or order via https://www.goddessandgrocer.com/.
—The popular restaurant The Dearborn, 145 N. Dearborn St., will offer brunch specials, crafted by Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri, starting at 10 a.m. on May 12.
Patrons can enjoy a petite seafood platter with all the fixings (oysters on the half shell, Maine lobster tail, Alaskan king crab, jumbo shrimp cocktails, mignonette, cocktail sauce and lemon) or the spring omelet with morel mushrooms, spinach, gruyere cheese and chives, followed by carrot cake with white chocolate-cream frosting and candied pecans.
To RSVP, visit https://www.exploretock.com/the-dearborn-chicago/search.
—Gene & Georgetti, 500 N. Franklin St.—Chicago's iconic steakhouse since 1941—will offer a special Mother's Day brunch menu alongside the classic lunch and dinner menus.
Mother's Day brunch includes caviar service from Sterling California sustainable caviar, with blinis and all the fixings (select for $95 and royal for $140); the Seafood Tower with oysters, colossal shrimp, lobster tail, snow crab, king crab and mussels (feeds two to four people, $175); 'The 'Della Smash, smashed croissant, burrata, mortadella, pistachio and balsamic ($24); and a Build Your Own Mimosa with bottle of La Gioiosa Prosecco and a choice of two favorite juices ($48).
Reservations are strongly encouraged; visit https://app.tablz.com/gene-and-georgetti.
—The always festive Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, will offer brunch for longer hours than most other spaces on May 12: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
And there will be plenty. There will be a seafood bar; seafood, churrasco carving, breakfast, salad and side stations (with the latter offering cheddar grits, potato hash, sweet plantains and other items); paella and Spanish charcuterie; and pastries and dessert (with everything from passionfruit cheesecake to churros to a sundae bar). There will even be a cotton candy station.
Making reservations is strongly urged. For more info, visit https://www.carnivalechicago.com/calendar/mothers-day-brunch-2024.
—Cindy's Rooftop, 12 S. Michigan Ave., will offer some brunch highlights on May 12 in addition to its classic sweeping views of Millennium Park and beyond.
The Mother's Day special will be strawberry-stuffed French toast ($18), with white chocolate, mascarpone and Champagne anglaise. Brunch highlights include smoked salmon, Cindy's Breakfast Platter (sausage or bacon with home fries and scrambled eggs), crab-cake toast and the "Not So Secret" Secret Burger.
See https://www.cindysrooftop.com/.
—Rock out Mother's Day with brunch at Hard Rock Cafe Chicago, 63 W. Ontario St.
On Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., guests can enjoy a special event tailored just for moms. The celebration includes a breakfast buffet featuring all-time favorites and the "Build-Your-Own Bouquet" station, where they can create a beautiful flower arrangement to take home. There will also be a mimosa bar.
Priced at $23 per adult and $12 per child, tickets include entry and access to the delicious brunch buffet. Guests can enhance their experience by adding on the Build-Your-Own Bouquet Station for $45 per person. The Mimosa Bar will be available for purchase on site. Tickets can be purchased at EventBrite.
—Gemini Grill, the new River North restaurant from Ballyhoo Hospitality that's located directly across from Holy Name Cathedral, will host an a la carte brunch on Mother's Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Menu highlights include Ooey Gooey Monkey Bread, French ham Benedict, fluffy pancakes with macerated berries, the Chicago omelet (caramelized onion, crumbled hobbs sausage, butterkase and hot giardiniera, with a simple salad) and avocado toast.
Guests can also enjoy Gemini Grill's signature weekend bottomless beverage offering for $25/person. See http://www.geminigrillchicago.com.
—The Duck Inn, 2701 S. Eleanor St., has some unique offerings for Mother's Day (or any weekend brunch).
Options include the Egg McDuckinn, Croque Ma'Spam (housemade spam with sunny-side egg and truffled gruyere cheese on brioche), whitefish tartine, The Bridgeport Breakfast (duck-fat potatoes with eggs, bacon, toast and jam), the Chicago-Style Duck Inn Dog and even Cap'N Crunch milk punch.
Visit https://theduckinnchicago.com/ for more info.
—Marisol, located at the Museum of Contemporary Art (205 E. Chicago Ave.), will host a brunch on May 12 at 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. All mothers will be given a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as a part of their brunch experience on Mother's Day.
There will be treats such as a floral lavender granola with house yogurt, cherry esme and chamomile syrup; Marisol's signature sunflower hummus with artichoke, oregano and flaxseed crackers; or a classic stack of buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon butter and maple syrup. Complete the day with a visit to the museum to take in current exhibitions.
To make reservations for Mother's Day, visit Marisol's Resy page.
—Avondale restaurant CheSa's Bistro & Bar, 3235 W. Addison Ave.—which specializes in gluten-free Cajun and Creole items—will offer a Mother's Day Brunch on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12.
Brunch specials include lobster Benedict ($35), fried chicken Benedict ($21), salmon croquettes and a garlic lamb chop ($35), all with sides. They will be served along with CheSa's regular brunch menu. Brunch will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 11 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 12.
Catering is also available from CheSa's Gluten Free Food Truck & Catering.
—Delightful Pastries, 5927 W. Lawrence Ave., has sweet and savory selections for Mother's Day. Items do not need to be pre-ordered.
Items include a trio of gateaux ($23.97) that feature a raspberry mousse with a berry compote, passionfruit mousse with passionfruit custard, and chocolate cremeux with candied orange; finger sandwiches ($80, serving either) with varieties such as egg salad, cucumber with tuna, and turkey, among others; and a Mother's Day gift basket ($40) with blood orange marmalade, Madagascar vanilla strawberry jam and chocolate orange tea bread, among other items.
Call 773-545-7215 or visit https://www.delightfulpastries.com/shop/mothers-day.
—And for something a bit different: Time Out Market Chicago, 916 W. Fulton Market, is holding a flower-making workshop with Blissful Blooms on Wed., May 8, at 6 p.m. Guests can craft floral arrangements for the special women in their lives.
A ticket includes flowers and foliage, a gift box, clippers (which must be returned) and a $25 Time Out Chicago gift card.
Also, floral arrangements can be made for attendees for pick-up. Please coordinate 48 hours in advance. Tickets are $90 each; visit https://www.timeoutmarket.com/chicago/event/flower-arrangement-workshop-with-blissful-blooms/ or see "Flower Arrangement Workshop" on Eventbrite.
If you have tips, hot news, constructive criticism or something else, email me at future3733@yahoo.com. Be sure to put "SAVOR" in the heading.
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