Mother's Day might be right around the corner (on Sunday, May 14) but there's still time to make reservations at some of the coolest spots in Chicago.
Here are a few spots/ideas to consider for Mom's special day:
—The Albert (228 E. Ontario St.; thealbertchicago.com ): I've been to this spot a couple times, so I know how great the food is. Chef Steve Chiappetti is a certified genius with his items—and this year's Mother's Day line-up includes an antipasti buffet (with a roasted vegetable salad, Italian meat boards and a crostini bar); entrees such as balsamic lamb chops, apple pancake and vegetable egg frittata; and sweets like olive-oil cake, Emily's tiramisu and an Italian meringue bar.
—CheSa's Bistro & Bar (3235 W. Addison Ave.; www.chesasbistro.com ): CheSa's is an Avondale restaurant that opened last October—and that specializes in gluten-free Cajun and soul items. Brunch specials will include crab-cake, lobster and fried-chicken Benedicts; bone-in pork chop; bourbon peach-cobbler waffles; and avocado flatbread, among other items. There will also be entertainment from a DJ at 11 a.m.-4 p.m. so Mom can get her groove on.
—All Too Well's picnic baskets (352 W. Armitage Ave.; www.alltoowellchi.com ): For a different idea, people can try this Lincoln Park sandwich shop. Picnic baskets ($40) are available May 10-14 and consist of two sandwiches and one dip or spread; in addition, there are two desserts from West Town Bakery. Sandwich options include Cin's Eden, with house chicken salad, nuts and seeds on tomato focaccia; T & Bree, with prosciutto, salami, Brie cheese, pickled golden raisin and fig chimichurri on ciabatta panini style; Cousins, with tomatoes, feta, beet pesto, baba ganoush, sliced red onion and arugula on tomato focaccia; and more.
—Tanta (118 W. Grand Ave): This Peruvian restaurant, in Chicago's River North area, is offering a special Mother's Day brunch menu. The buffet will feature all-you-can-eat cold and hot stations with Peruvian classics such as cebiche, shrimp and salmon, salad, tequeños, poached eggs, fried pork belly and more. Guests will then be able to order one entree that will be served tableside, with selections including Peruvian rotisserie chicken, linguini and stir-fry, among others. And, of course, there will be a dessert station. Visit https://www.tantachicago.com/mom.
—The Dearborn Tavern (145 N. Dearborn St.; www.thedearborntavern.com ): This prized Loop spot may already be sold out for Mother's Day—but try to reserve a spot or two, anyway. To celebrate co-owners/sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless as well as host/brother Jean Paul Lawless, there will be cocktails to celebrate each generation of the family. There will also be three special food offerings: lobster and caviar deviled eggs, maple and pecan French toast, and blueberry and violet pavlova.
—Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club (3700 N. Halsted St.; kitkatchicago.com ): And for a truly different time, Kit Kat is offering bottomless drinks with dinner—and drag. The cost is $59.95 per person and seatings are at 6 p.m. as attendees can have a Caesar salad and a choice of one dinner entree; drink selections include rose white wine sangria, strawberry lemonade martini, bellini and … the Porn Star Martini.
To find out even more options, visit the new Substack column SAVOR with Andrew at future3733.substack.com/ .
—Andrew Davis
