Easter Buffet Roundup

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Apr 8, 2009 6:40PM

Today marks the start of Passover, which means Easter is right around the corner. Easter is also one of the most popular brunch days of the year, if only to see a parade of silly hats.

While the Seder ham is still in the oven, here is a list of Easter brunch specials for you to choose from, should you decide to head out.

• BIN 36's (339 N. Dearborn, 312-755-9463) annual Easter brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. includes a build-your-own omlet bar, Eggs Benedict, Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, Chilled Shrimp, Asparagus Salad, Citrus Glazed Ham, Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream, Artisanal Cheeses, as well as breakfast favorites such as Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon and Sausage, and desserts. For cocktails, enjoy Bloody Mary Flights ($12) and Mimosa Flights ($12) for grown-ups and Juice Flights ($3.50) for the kids. $38 per person; $19 per child under age 12 (excluding tax, beverage and gratuity); children under 4 eat for free. Reservations required.
• The Easter brunch at one sixtyblue (1400 W. Randolph, 312-850-0303) includes Tropical Fruit Salad with “Angel Food” Croutons, slow-cooked Pork Belly with buttermilk biscuits and spicy sausage gravy, and an interactive waffle station with made-to-order Belgian waffles and toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and sprinkles as part of its $35, 3-course prix fixe special.
• L2O has a 3-course, $90 fixed price dinner for Easter from 4-10 p.m. featuring Asparagus, Truffle Vinaigrette, Olive; Lamb, Rosemary Crumble, Zucchini; and Caramel, “Egg,” Chocolate. (2300 Lincoln Park West, 773-868-0002)
• The pricey $115 Easter brunch from Sixteen at the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago (401 N. Wabash, 312-588-8030) includes offerings such as Artichoke and bacon soup; Seared sea bass with blood orange salad and wilted mustard greens; Veal loin with sweet Vidalia onion jam with fava bean and ham ragout; Soba noodle salad with poached salmon and cucumber-mint salad; Grilled asparagus with goat cheese, candied walnuts and truffle vinaigrette and Lamb roulade with mint pesto, pine nuts and roasted red pepper. Scheduled Easter Egg hunts will also be offered for the kids at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Shaw's Crab House's $49.99, hotel-style Easter Buffet from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. will feature a hot buffet line with classic breakfast fare, plus Shaw’s specialties. The brunch buffet will include the Omelet and Waffle Kitchen, a make-your-own-omelet and waffle station with 13 available ingredients, The Carvery, a carving station with beef tenderloin and herb-roasted turkey, The Cold Seafood Bar, a seafood bar featuring sushi, oysters, Alaskan king crab bites and much more on Shaw’s Grand Buffet. (21 E. Hubbard, 312-527-2722)
• Brasserie JO (59 W. Hubbard, 312-595-0800) offers a traditional French brunch from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. They'll also provide complimentary kids entertainment and activities in the Salon. Activities to include games, crafts, DVDs and more.
• Chef Mark Mendez has crafted a special Easter Brunch menu at Carnivale (702 W. Fulton, 312-850-5005) available from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Old Town Brasserie (1209 N. Wells, 312-943-3000) has a 3-course, prix fixe jazz brunch from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost is $29 per person.
• Eve (840 N. Wabash, 312-266-3383) has a $30, 3-course Easter menu focusing on local ingredients for spring from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Chris Pandel at the Bristol (2152 N. Damen, 773-862-5555) has a 2-course, $21 Easter brunch special from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.