Brunch at Fornetto Mei Take Two

Posted by chicagobites at 11:23 pm

Apr 082010

Eggs benedict

Fornetto Mei has long been one of our favorite downtown hideouts. Located in the Whitehall Hotel, it’s an easy distance from the Magnificent Mile, but it’s often overlooked. That means you can always find a seat even on holidays!

Fornetto Mei offered a $35 four-course Easter brunch that was tasty. The service was good too — even if the servers were a little over-zealous — clearing the plates while we were still nibbling. Still, that’s infinitely better than being ignored, and the dining room was so quiet that day that it’s no wonder our party got a little extra attention.

Easter ham with citrus fig sauce on the side.

You don’t need a special occasion to swing by Fornetto Mei for a bite. In fact, you’re better off ordering off the regular menu. Our initial review is still on target. Dinner at Fornetto Mei is better than brunch, but both menus are solid. Don’t let it’s unassuming exterior fool you. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Fornetto Mei
105 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 948-4255 | Make Reservations
Get directions

Brunch at The Bull and Bear

Posted by Bridget at 11:23 pm

Mar 162010

Poptarts served in style!

I was never one to get up early for Saturday morning cartoons as a kid because I liked sleeping in more than watching “Inspector Gadget.” Not much has changed on that front over the years – I still love lazy weekend mornings much more than planned ones. That’s one of the reasons I feel so at home in Chicago. In this fair city, I never miss brunch because it’s served into the late hours of the afternoon. My kind of town!

So when we were invited to the Bull and Bear for brunch on-the-house last Sunday at the crack of 11 a.m., I figured I could rouse myself for the occasion. And good thing I did. This bar has an extensive brunch menu worth getting up for!

The homemade poptarts, served at the table in a toaster, are particularly noteworthy. One bite, and your inner child will be happy. But never fear, there are treats that cater to adult tastes too, from fruit flavored mimosas to an excellent Bloody Mary bar.

Create your own Bloody Mary with a variety of choices.

We also tried the Banana’s Foster French Toast, the Serrano Ham Eggs Benedict, and the breakfast quesadillas stuffed with pork, eggs, cheese and peppers. All were very tasty, and served up by an attentive pajama-clad wait staff. The coffee was hot and plentiful, but we recommend asking for extra cream up front if you like to doctor up your caffeine infusion.

The space a the Bull and Bear is pleasant, with high ceilings, comfy booths and big windows that let in a lot of light. Some of the booths even have a beer tap built right into the table, and these tables can be reserved in advance for groups of five or more.

Eggs Benedict... a classic favorite.

There was no sign of morning cartoons on the walls of TV screens throughout the bar, but we were completely content watching the Blackhawks game instead. All and all, the Bull and Bear is well worth a visit for brunch. It is a distinct step up from bar food and hits the spot!

Bull and Bear
431 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 527-5973
Get directions

This was a media brunch and all food was provided to us free-of-charge.