Breakfast & Brunch » Chicago Bites

Glenn’s Diner: The Crossroads of Brunch

Posted by Tammy

Sep 282012

Eggs Benedict with seafood

Like most people in Chicago, I engage in the weekend sport of brunch. I like to time the tables, either getting there so early to qualify for “late breakfast” or so late that places have run out of their specials. I hate waiting in line for breakfast a la weekend, especially when there’s no real waiting area.

I make the occasional exception for Glenn’s Diner (1820 West Montrose Avenue). It’s a near-perfect crossroads of breakfast and lunch, ideally situated betwixt downtown friends and neighborhood friends so we all have an equal stake in the grumbling to move in the morning. I like a little seafood for breakfast, and the choice between coffee and a cold brew is not perfunctory. Just writing about it makes me long for Sunday morning. Plus, when the food ranges from cold cereal to smoked trout, you know it’s good. I can’t lie, I love this place.

Got a favorite brunch spot that works for you? Let me know! Otherwise, finish reading about my recent Glenn’s Diner experience at Chicago Like A Local. Yum!

Time to get coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs

South of the Border Brunch: Mercadito

Posted by Amber

Jul 172012

Mercadito is launching a new hangover cure: ‘Comfort Sundays’ with a special tacos de canasta menu. Taco flavors will change frequently, and be served exclusively on Sundays from 11:30 am – 4 pm. A basket of four tacos costs $15.50.

You can find a rather large selection of tacos already on Mercadito’s normal brunch menu, so what’s so special about these? The corn tortillas are lightly fried in oil after they are steamed, for a delicate crunch. Plus, they’ll be served in a basket, a la Mexican street food vendors. I had the chance to try three different flavors: chicharrón with salsa roja, chicharrón with tomatillo and huitlacoche tacos.

Tacos de Canasta

The huitlachoche was my favorite, and anyone who loves mushrooms will enjoy the buttery shiitake, cremini, huitlacoche and oyster mushroom medley used to make this taco.

The chicharrónes, on the other hand, became quite mushy in the taco. Instead of a nice crunch, I had a soggy mouthful of fatty pork skin. Not a huge fan, but with rotating flavors,

Huevos Ahogados

My favorite savory dish from the brunch menu, though, are the Huevos Ahogados (translation: drowned eggs). This Mexican take on eggs benedict, with perfectly poached eggs atop a dense and crispy cornbread, is topped with chipotle hollandaise. I thought the cornbread had the perfect touch of sweetness to offset the spicy sauce.

Pan Mexicano

On the sweet side, I really enjoyed Pan Mexicano, a Mexican French toast with cajeta sauce and diced apples. The bread was so soft and as juicy as a bread pudding.

Manchego Cheese Pancakes

Pancakes made with Manchego cheese sounded promising, but were lifeless and dry, especially compared to the lemon ricotta pancakes at Prairie Grass Cafe. The Manchego flavor was barely perceptible, although perhaps I layered the cinnamon butter on a little too thick.

Mercadito

108 West Kinzie Street

Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 329-9555

I was invited to Mercadito as a member of the media. All food was free.

Brunch at Prairie Grass Cafe

Posted by Amber

Jul 122012

I fondly remember a delicious birthday brunch at Prairie Fire two years ago, so when the restaurant closed in December, I was pretty disappointed. Luckily, chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris are still serving their signature lemon ricotta pancakes and other yummy treats at Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

It’s a little out of the way for me, and there’s not much to do around the cafe, but it is just off the Edens Expressway and worth the trek. The restaurant is bright and spacious, with private rooms available for parties. There were lots of families, in a friendly, bustling atmosphere.

Prairie Grass excels in both sweet and savory options, so I tried to find a balance of both for my meal.

Panko-crusted portobello mushrooms are the perfect substitute for English muffins in a benedict topped with a surprisingly tasty tomato hollandaise sauce. I normally ask for hollandaise on the side, and try just a little dip before discarding it. This hollandaise actually complemented the poached eggs and eggplant without being cumbersome.

Portobello Mushroom Benedict

On the sweet side, the classic lemon ricotta pancakes are always a treat, so light and fluffy that syrup or butter becomes superfluous. A fresh berry and Greek yogurt is a nice starter, presented elegantly in a glass with a drizzle of honey. That same honey is used in Prairie Grass’ homemade honey ice cream, served with fresh raspberries. There’s always room for ice cream. It just seeps into the cracks of my otherwise full stomach.

Fresh Fruit Yogi with Honey

Honey Ice Cream with Raspberries and Mint

Prairie Grass Cafe

601 Skokie Boulevard

Northbrook, IL 60062

(847) 205-4433

I was invited to Prairie Grass as a member of the media. All food was free.

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