Francesca’s Restaurants in St. Charles, Elmhurst and Naperville have a new lunch menu with quick combo meals. For $9.95, choose a soup or side salad with a half-portion of entrees like ravioli or linguine and panini/ciabatta sandwiches. Or splurge on a Davanti burger—roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, arugula, bacon jam and garlic aioli—for $15.95.
A local brewery has won international accolades by a panel of beer judges from 33 countries. Widely regarded as the “Olympics of beer,” this year’s World Beer Cup judges scrutinized over 8,234 entries from 2,515 breweries.
Nevin’s Brewing Company—a Plainfield-based brewery owned by Sonas Hospitality—won a gold medal for its Midnight Pig “Hook and Hatchet,” a Vienna-style lager that features a variety of high kilned, crystal and roasted malts producing a copper-hued, pretzel, malty brew with a hint of caramel.
“Having just launched the Midnight Pig beer brand last year,” says Sonas Hospitality CEO Ed Carrella, “it is an honor for our team that our new creation has taken home gold.”
Listen to a variety of musicians and try the award-winning “Hook and Hatchet” at Nevin’s Brewing Company’s Midnight Pig live music series on Thursday nights.
Le Pain Quotidien
The Belgian bakery and restaurant opened its first suburban Chicago location last month. LPQ spring specials include a breakfast sandwich, spring pea and goat cheese frittata and gazpacho.
204 South Washington Street, Naperville | 331.215.5789, lepainquotidien.com
Che Figata
Diners can view the unique cooking equipment from the chef’s counter adjacent to the dining room. “Italy to table” menu items include homemade pasta, Roman-style pizza and rustic dishes from a wood-burning grill.
2155 CityGate Lane, Suite 103, Naperville | 630.579.3210, chefigatakitchen.com
King’s Café
Chef Terrell Cole has opened a new daytime eatery (open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday) in the Centerstage Theater space.
1665 Quincy Avenue, Suite 131, Naperville | 630.470.6972, centerstage-theater.com/kingscafe
Santo Cielo
The name of Bien Trucha’s fourth restaurant—which means “good heavens”—is a play on its views of the Riverwalk atop Hotel Indigo. Global culinary influences and local, seasonal ingredients will pair with sleek monochromatic interiors at this eclectic dining concept.
120 Water Street, Suite 509, Naperville | 630.323.0700, stcielo.com
After 21 years in the craft beer scene, Two Brothers joins the list of local distillers creating craft sprits—but product development didn’t happen quickly. “We’ve spent months practicing and testing our processes and recipes to create great products right from the start,” says co-founder Jason Ebel. “We made sure to take our time and do it right.”
The first liquor line includes vodka, citrus vodka, gin, coffee liqueur and beer-barrel-aged amaro. The company’s head stillman Jeremy Bogan is also developing a whiskey, featuring a base wash created by the brewing team, as well as seasonal offerings like summer gin and fruit brandy.
Purchase the spirits or try the full line of cocktails made with Two Brothers Artisan Spirits at The Craftsman (16 West Jefferson, Naperville).
As if we needed another reason to enjoy live music in the bar at Sullivan’s, the steakhouse recently launched a fun new Bar Bites menu. Savor filet Wellington bites, tuna poke shooters or chorizo-stuffed dates before a night out, or commit yourself to a full bar meal—including a Benko burger with hand-cut fries or IPA-battered shrimp and chips.
GM Spenser Tuzzo says Sullivan’s developed the Bar Bites menu to provide guests with elevated, shareable dishes to enjoy while socializing at the bar. “The menu invites guests to try something new,” he says, “while sipping one of our signature craft cocktails.” Pair the bites with a Fig Rosemary Smash or Hibiscus Cosmo and you will be swinging at Sully’s.
Black Rock Bar & Grill
Cook your steak on a sizzling 755-degree volcanic rock at this interactive-concept restaurant that took over the space previously occupied by La Hacienda.
2740 West 75th Street, Naperville | 630.445.8648 | blackrockrestaurants.com
Wine lovers have a new restaurant and private event space to enjoy on Naperville’s Water Street. SixtyFour Reserve Room, situated just east of its sister company SixtyFour – A Wine Bar, is now open for nightly dining Tuesday through Saturday. Although the space has been open for private parties since New Year’s Eve, owner Lauren Beadle says, “Many of our guests voiced they would be interested in a quieter, more reserved space.”
Executive Chef Patrick McLaughlin created a special menu for the space, including dishes such as smoked duck pot stickers, French onion soup gratinee, grilled salmon with ricotta gnocchi and shaved fennel, Papparedelle pasta with an arugula basil pesto and beef tenderloin.
Allgauer’s Restaurant
This award-winning brunch features over 100 decadent items, including unlimited Champagne, sushi, a carving station, biscuits and gravy, smoked salmon and more. Non-alcoholic drinks included. Reservations required. 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $45.95/adult, $22.95/child 6 to 12 (complimentary for ages 5 and under). Hilton Lisle/Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. www3.hilton.com
Arrowhead Golf Club
A carving station, seafood station including shrimp, sushi and crab cakes, and traditional brunch favorites will be on hand, as well as $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $45.95/adults, $22.95/child ages 5 to 12 (complimentary for ages 4 and under). 26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton. arrowheadgolfclub.org
Atwater’s Restaurant
Located in the lobby of the Herrington Inn & Spa, the Atwater offers a variety of breakfast and brunch specials, including biscuits and gravy, brioche-stuffed French toast and Dover sole. Enjoy views of the courtyard and the Fox River. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Reservations required. 630.208.8920. 15 South River Lane, Geneva. atwatersgeneva.com
Bobak’s Signature Events
Brunch includes traditional offerings along with ethnic choices, a carving station, chocolate fountain and gourmet sweets made by the in-house pastry chef. The Easter bunny will be on-hand to greet young guests. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $37.95/adult, $15.95/child ages 3 to 12 (complimentary for ages 2 and under). Phone for reservations. 630.968.7778. 6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge. signatureevent.com
Bolingbrook Golf Club
Custom omelets, carving stations and a wide assortment of desserts make for a relaxing celebration at this Champagne Easter brunch. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $47.95/adult, $25.95/child (free for ages 3 and under). Discount for members. 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook. bolingbrookgolfclub.com
Brookfield Zoo
Bring the family for a gourmet Easter Champagne brunch that includes carved meats, made-to-order omelets, seafood, an extravagant sweets table and much more. 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. $41.95/adult, $31.95/child ages 4 to 11 (complimentary for ages 3 and under). 8400 West 31st Street, Brookfield. czs.org
CityGate Grille
Easter Brunch at CityGate Grille features an assortment of breakfast and lunch specialties, kids crafts, and photos with the Easter Bunny. 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Call for pricing: 630.718.1010. 2020 Calamos Court. citygategrille.com
Drury Lane
Dine Easter Sunday with food and fun for the entire family. Brunch features an elaborate buffet, mimosas, photos with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt in the indoor Easter Village. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $55/adult, $16/child ages 6 to 12, $10/child ages 3 to 5 (complimentary for ages 2 and under). 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. lucillerestaurant.com
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort
Over 1,000 guests are expected to attend Easter Brunch at the Oak Brook Hills Resort, featuring special guest the Easter Bunny in the Grand Ballroom, an outdoor petting zoo plus arts and crafts. 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. seatings. $49.95/adult, $19.95/child ages 5 to 12 (complimentary for ages 4 and under). 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook. oakbrookhillsresort.com
Hotel Baker
The historic Hotel Baker offers a breakfast and lunch buffet including roasted leg of lamb, smoked bay scallops, custom waffle station and an assortment of desserts. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $55/adults, $27/child (complimentary for ages 3 and under). 100 West Main Street, St. Charles. hotelbaker.com
Le Chocolat du Bouchard
Delight in French-inspired brunch items including pot pie, macaroni and cheese, chicken salad croissants and French toast. Save room for chocolate desserts and more. $34.95/adult, $17.50/child. 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 127-129 South Washington Street. lechocolatdubouchard.com
Mesón Sabika
The station-style brunch includes an assortment of its most popular tapas, carving station and a complimentary mimosa for each adult. Easter egg hunts will take place throughout the day, weather permitting. $46.95/adult, $19.95/child ages 7 to 12 (complimentary for ages 6 and under). 10:30 a.m. 1025 Aurora Avenue. mesonsabika.com
The Morton Arboretum
Celebrate Easter overlooking Meadow Lake with chef-carved prime rib, made to order omelets, pasta and more. 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. seatings. $59/adult, $34/child (complimentary for ages 3 and under; discount for members). 4700 Route 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org
Pheasant Run
Resort guests and locals alike are welcome at family events including two Easter Egg Hunts, a petting zoo for the kids, and crafts for the kids. The Easter Bunny himself will visit both the Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Day Brunch. Brunch: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Egg hunts: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Kids crafts: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $42.95/adult, $36.95/senior 65+, $19.95/child ages 5 to 12 (complimentary for ages 4 and under). 4051 East Main Street, St. Charles. pheasantrun.com
Please verify brunch details with restaurant; details are subject to change after press deadline.
Geneva’s Primo (29 South Third Street) has extended its afternoon tea from mid-January through Mother’s Day. Held daily from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the adults-only afternoon tea menu includes sweets, savories and gourmet teas, as well as sparkling wine and Champagne. Featured sandwiches include cucumber and mint, smoked salmon and dill, cheddar thyme and ham, egg and cheese. Chocolate dipped banana bread, orange marmalade scones, cocoa truffles, macaroons, cookies, fruit tarts and petit fours are served alongside six tea selections.
Roka Akor
One of just a few Chicagoland restaurants to offer certified Japanese wagyu beef (alongside seafood and sushi), Roka Akor is a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant with a slew of accolades.
166 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook | 630.634.7652 | rokaakor.com
The Burger Social
Upscale burgers—made with a proprietary brisket blend—plus soup, salads and sandwiches comprise the fare in this remodeled downtown Wheaton space with an urban, industrial vibe.
108 North Hale Street, Wheaton | 630.480.0458 | theburgersocial.com