Thu. May 2, 2013
By Rick Karlin
Mother's Day is the third most popular date for dining out, right after New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day. If you plan to treat Mom to a day off from the stove, check out some of these options.
Wave, 640 N. Lake Shore Dr. in the W Hotel, is offering a brunch buffet that includes carving stations and omelets station, smoked salmon and a chef's selection of mini pastries. It is $35 for adults and $18 for children. Call ahead for reservations, (312) 255-4460.
The Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva hosts a fabulous spread at The Geneva ChopHouse. Cinnamon roll French toast, carving stations, made-to-order omelets, and an elaborate dessert display featuring spring fruit strudels, cookies, and other sweet treats. The buffet is $42; $21 for children ages 6-12, $6 for children 2-5. Call (262) 249-4788 for reservations.
Hash House A-Go-Go, 1212 N. State, specializes in over-the-top comfort foods, with menu items such as roast chicken Betsy, a take on eggs Benedict with spinach, mushrooms, roast chicken, scrambled eggs and basil pesto cream. If Mom likes to knock back a few, the BLT Bloody Mary and the ruby grapefruit mimosa, are certain to please. Brunch is served from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and reservations are suggested, call (312) 202-0994.
For sheer elegance, you can't beat Lockwood in the Palmer House, 17 E. Monroe. The brunch buffet menu includes shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce; beef tenderloin, pan seared duck breast, marinated artichokes, heirloom tomatoes and olives Provencal, or roasted tomato orecchiette. Complimentary four-hour parking is available at 55 E. Monroe. The buffet is $68 ($55 for seniors), $35 for children (6-12), free for children less than six. Reservations are recommended; call (312) 917-3404.
A reservation at Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S. Michigan Ave., is one of the toughest to score. Oddly enough, on Mother's Day, your chances are better at the Catalan-inspired restaurant. A special three-course menu begins with compressed melon salad, for the second course, Mercat eggs Benedict with grilled chorizo, garlic shrimp and bacon-wrapped dates with Marcona almonds. The third course features chicken and chorizo paella with artichoke and tomato salad and jumbo prawns. Kids will enjoy the build-your-own pancake station. Not bad for $35 per person, call (312) 477-0234
Treat Mom to a Japanese-inspired brunch or a special tasting menu dinner at Roka Akor, 456 N. Clark. Choose from either the Chef's Brunch or a four-course tasting menu and Mom gets a $25 Roka Akor gift certificate for her return visit. Call (312) 477-7652 for reservations.
The InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Ave., has whipped up a brunch buffet offering an endless array of gourmet specialties. Set inside the hotel's gorgeous fifth floor Renaissance Ballroom, Mother's Day brunch will offer two seatings at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. A jazz trio will provide live music for the afternoon. To capture memories of the occasion, Rick Aguilar Photography will be available to take family portraits as a unique memento for mom to take home. Call (312) 944-4100 for reservations.
Take Mom to Maxwell's at the Club in the East Bank Club, 500 N Kingsbury, for some celebrity spotting along with the buffet brunch. Everything from breakfast pastries and appetizers to salads and dessert are offered for $45 for adults and $15 for children. Call (312) 527-5800 for reservations.
Sixteen, 401 N. Wabash, offers up an elaborate brunch, featuring a raw bar with Alaskan king crab, snow crab claws, and oysters on the half shell. The buffet will also feature chef stations featuring hand-carved prime rib of beef as well as made-to-order pancakes and risotto. Mothers will also be presented with a take home pastry treat. The brunch is $145 per person, $40 for children. Reservations are recommended; call (312) 588-8030.
If Mom's a sports fan, what better place than Michael Jordan's Steak House, 505 N. Michigan Ave.? Executive chef James O'Donnell is serving up a special for moms who love steak with his Wagyu rib-eye with ramp hollandaise, blue crab and haricot vert. Finish the meal with the 23 layer chocolate cake to give Mom the ultimate experience. Call (312) 321-8738 for reservations.
Horizon Café, 3805 N. Broadway, is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to show Mom some love. On Mother's Day, they're offering a Canadian bacon and cheddar omelet, triple cheese Florentine quiche and crème de menthe brioche French toast all for only $ 8.99 each. Stop in say hello to Nick and his Mom. Call (773) 883-1565 for more information.
Mom's a rock and roll queen? Take her to City Winery, 1200 W Randolph, where Aerin Tedesco and Andrea Bunch team up to create Little Queens, a passionate tribute to the magical music of Heart. It's $10 music only or $25 with a pairing of five wines. Call (312)-733-WINE for more information. Dinner service is available.
(Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12, 2013)
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