Top spots for Easter dining in Chicago: menus, prices

City Tavern will offer a special family-style brunch service on Easter Sunday, March 31. From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests may choose the regular a la carte brunch menu, or enjoy a multi-course shared meal with fellow friends and family ($25 per person, four person minimum).A holiday brunch cocktail, The Hopper, will be featured for $10.Dinner will be available from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Executive Chef Robert Hoffman will feature specials in addition to the dinner menu.Reservations are encouraged at 312.663.1278.Easter Cocktail“The Hopper” $10 - Absolut Hibiscus, Briottet Creme de Cassis, Poema Cava, Grapefruit BittersEaster Brunch Menu served family-styleFresh Fruit SaladLamb Biscuits and Gravy - slow roasted lamb shoulder, olive oil, feta, oregano biscuits, tumeric spiced gravyDuck Hash - braised duck leg, caramelized onion, Kennebec potato, mustard greens, parsnip puree, sunny up eggsDeep Fried Bread Pudding - molasses caramelized banana, cinnamon sugar, orange mascarpone creamBuckwheat Pancakes - pear syrup, pickled plum compote, walnut brittleBacon-Cheddar Scramble - slow scrambled eggs, Nueske bacon, Widmer cheddar, charred scallion, fried tomatoCity Tavern1416 South Michigan AvenueChicago, Illinois 60605312.663.1278Due Lire Vino and Cucina, located in the heart of Lincoln Square, will hold Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the authentic Italian eatery will feature a variety of a la carte breakfast selections (mascarpone and banana stuffed brioche; frittata; pasta carbonara). Then at 4 p.m., Due Lire will begin dinner service, featuring specials (lamb chops, salmon) and the regular menu. Reservations are recommended, so call the restaurant at (773) 275-7878 to arrange a holiday table.Easter Brunch MenuPane Francese - Mascarpone Banana Stuffed Brioche French Toast, Maple Syrup $12Frittata Funghi - Mushrooms, Gorgonzola Cheese, Speck Omelet $10Frittata Asparagi - Asparagus, Oven roasted Tomatoes, Fontina Cheese Omelet $10Uova Monaco - Eggs Benedict, Pancetta, Toasted English Muffin, Hollandaise $12Pasta Carbonara - Spaghetti, Eggs, Cream, Speck, Parmigiano $12Crostone Prosciutto - Prosciutto, Taleggio Cheese, Grilled Bread, Arugula $12Insalata Finocchio - Spinach, Fennel, Grapefruit, Saba Dressing $8Pane Tostato - Grilled Italian Bread, Homemade Jams and Spreads $6ContorniSides $6Roasted Herbed PotatoesSmoked BaconRapiniFruit SaladDue Lire Vino & Cucina4520 North Lincoln AvenueChicago, Illinois 60625(773) 275-7878 The Chicago Firehouse will hold an all-day affair this Easter Sunday. On March 31, an elaborate brunch and dinner buffet will be offered from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Chef Chris Turano’s menu will incorporate an omelet station, breakfast dishes, pasta station, carving table, salads, entrees, seafood platters, sides, sweets and more. Friends and family will enjoy visits from the Easter Bunny (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and treat-filled eggs for little diners.The Easter buffet is priced at $49 for adults and $17 for children 12 and under (ages five and under dine for free). Tax and gratuity is not included in the price. Reservations may be made by calling 312.786.1401 or online at ChicagoFirehouse.com.The Chicago Firehouse: Easter MenuMenu items served 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.Omelet StationEggs BenedictSausage and BaconFrench ToastBreakfast PotatoesMenu items served 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.Carving Station of Prime Rib with Horseradish and Au JusCarving Station of Baked Ham with Honey Mustard SauceGrilled Atlantic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Tomato-Olive RelishChicken Limone with Baby Spinach and Lemon-Caper SauceAntipasti Station with Cured Meats & Artisan CheesesChilled Seafood PlattersGrilled Vegetables with Balsamic Herb DressingCold Smoked Salmon with Traditional GarnishesClassic Caesar SaladMixed Greens with Spiced Pecan, Bleu Cheese and Dried CherryRoasted Beet Salad with Baby Spinach, Ricotta Salata and Sherry VinaigretteShaved Fennel Salad with Red Onion, Valencia Orange and Extra Virgin Olive OilMixed Seafood SaladWild Mushroom and Garlic GnocchiRoasted Spring VegetablesMenu items served 2 p.m.-7 p.m.Pasta StationCajun Marinated Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Peppers and Peppercorn SauceRoasted Pork Tenderloins with Creamy Polenta and Cherry SauceBraised Lamb Shoulder with Roasted Potatoes and Carrots. Garlic Mashed PotatoesSweets Table (served all day)Mini Cupcakes, Mousse Cups, Cookies, Brownies, Mini Pastries, Fresh FruitThe Chicago Firehouse1401 South Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60605312.786.1401View the list »
Celebrate Easter, spring and the end of winter  with family and friends in picturesque Millennium Park. Park Grill, located in the plaza just beneath the “Bean,” will offer holiday dining on Sunday, March 31.From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the restaurant will offer a special a la carte brunch menu, bloody mary bar and children’s buffet. Then, Park Grill will hold dinner service (regular menu and seasonal specials) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended at 312.521.7275.StartersCrispy Calamari – peppers, shitake mushrooms, red chili dipping sauce $11Wild Mushroom Flat Bread – truffled ricotta, leeks, arugula, preserved lemon, aged balsamic$8Granola Berry Parfait – house made granola, mixed berries, rosemary scented yogurt $10Bang Island Mussels – white wine, house garlic fennel sausage, kale, tomatoes, ciabbata $12Soups & SaladsChicken Tortilla Soup – grilled chicken, tortilla strips $7Carrot and Apple Soup – caramelized apple, crème fraiche $7Crab Salad – avocado, mango, citrus dressing $16Garden House Salad – baby greens, tomato, radish, cucumber, white balsamic vinaigrette $7Park Grill Caesar Salad – parmesan, caesar dressing, garlic pepper crouton $9Chopped Salad – blue cheese, bacon, carrots, artichoke, asparagus, heart of palm, egg, heirloom tomatoes, jicama, roasted garlic herb vinaigrette $12EntreesCali Omelet – shrimp, avocado, roasted peppers, goat cheese $14Greek Omelet – spinach, feta cheese, olive tomato relish $12Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes – fresh berry compote, chantilly cream, syrup $14Smoked Salmon Benedict – poached eggs, english muffin, hollandaise, salmon caviar $16Chipotle Crab Benedict – english muffin, poached egg, hollandaise $16Roasted Ham – pineapple bread pudding, green beans, hazelnuts, spiced cherry sauce $15Spring Risotto – green garlic, spring peas, heirloom tomato, manchego cheese $15Seared Skuna Bay Salmon – brown sugar mustard glaze, roasted fingerling potatoes, broccoli $24American Kobe Burger – goat horn shitake relish, chili oil, cress, pretzel bun $17Filet Mignon – 6oz, grilled sweet potatoes, pearl onion, bordelaise $32Lemon Thyme Chicken – spring squash cous cous, roasted chicken jus $16DessertFresh Berries – micro mint, lemon blueberry whipped cream $7Peanut Butter Mousse – chocolate cake, caramel sauce, shaved chocolate $7Children’s Easter Buffet Menu $10HotScrambled EggsSausageBaconFrench ToastWafflesChicken TendersMac & CheeseColdFresh Fruit SaladPB&JDessertsRice Crispy TreatsBrowniesPeanut Butter Chocolate CookiesGummy Bears and Gummy WormsPark Grill11 North Michigan AvenueChicago, Illinois 60602312.521.7275

Restaurants newsletter

You can surely pop a ham or leg of lamb in the oven while young cousins rifle through your house looking for Easter eggs. Is that a black jelly bean smashed into your white sofa? Or, you can make reservations at one of these fine Chicago restaurants that offer inventive spring fare - some with fine views but all with lovely environments.

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  • Celebrate Easter, spring and the end of winter  with family and friends in picturesque Millennium Park. Park Grill, located in the plaza just beneath the “Bean,” will offer holiday dining on Sunday, March 31.From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the restaurant will offer a special a la carte brunch menu, bloody mary bar and children’s buffet. Then, Park Grill will hold dinner service (regular menu and seasonal specials) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended at 312.521.7275.StartersCrispy Calamari – peppers, shitake mushrooms, red chili dipping sauce $11Wild Mushroom Flat Bread – truffled ricotta, leeks, arugula, preserved lemon, aged balsamic$8Granola Berry Parfait – house made granola, mixed berries, rosemary scented yogurt $10Bang Island Mussels – white wine, house garlic fennel sausage, kale, tomatoes, ciabbata $12Soups & SaladsChicken Tortilla Soup – grilled chicken, tortilla strips $7Carrot and Apple Soup – caramelized apple, crème fraiche $7Crab Salad – avocado, mango, citrus dressing $16Garden House Salad – baby greens, tomato, radish, cucumber, white balsamic vinaigrette $7Park Grill Caesar Salad – parmesan, caesar dressing, garlic pepper crouton $9Chopped Salad – blue cheese, bacon, carrots, artichoke, asparagus, heart of palm, egg, heirloom tomatoes, jicama, roasted garlic herb vinaigrette $12EntreesCali Omelet – shrimp, avocado, roasted peppers, goat cheese $14Greek Omelet – spinach, feta cheese, olive tomato relish $12Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes – fresh berry compote, chantilly cream, syrup $14Smoked Salmon Benedict – poached eggs, english muffin, hollandaise, salmon caviar $16Chipotle Crab Benedict – english muffin, poached egg, hollandaise $16Roasted Ham – pineapple bread pudding, green beans, hazelnuts, spiced cherry sauce $15Spring Risotto – green garlic, spring peas, heirloom tomato, manchego cheese $15Seared Skuna Bay Salmon – brown sugar mustard glaze, roasted fingerling potatoes, broccoli $24American Kobe Burger – goat horn shitake relish, chili oil, cress, pretzel bun $17Filet Mignon – 6oz, grilled sweet potatoes, pearl onion, bordelaise $32Lemon Thyme Chicken – spring squash cous cous, roasted chicken jus $16DessertFresh Berries – micro mint, lemon blueberry whipped cream $7Peanut Butter Mousse – chocolate cake, caramel sauce, shaved chocolate $7Children’s Easter Buffet Menu $10HotScrambled EggsSausageBaconFrench ToastWafflesChicken TendersMac & CheeseColdFresh Fruit SaladPB&JDessertsRice Crispy TreatsBrowniesPeanut Butter Chocolate CookiesGummy Bears and Gummy WormsPark Grill11 North Michigan AvenueChicago, Illinois 60602312.521.7275
  • The Chicago Firehouse will hold an all-day affair this Easter Sunday. On March 31, an elaborate brunch and dinner buffet will be offered from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Chef Chris Turano’s menu will incorporate an omelet station, breakfast dishes, pasta station, carving table, salads, entrees, seafood platters, sides, sweets and more. Friends and family will enjoy visits from the Easter Bunny (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and treat-filled eggs for little diners.The Easter buffet is priced at $49 for adults and $17 for children 12 and under (ages five and under dine for free). Tax and gratuity is not included in the price. Reservations may be made by calling 312.786.1401 or online at ChicagoFirehouse.com.The Chicago Firehouse: Easter MenuMenu items served 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.Omelet StationEggs BenedictSausage and BaconFrench ToastBreakfast PotatoesMenu items served 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.Carving Station of Prime Rib with Horseradish and Au JusCarving Station of Baked Ham with Honey Mustard SauceGrilled Atlantic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Tomato-Olive RelishChicken Limone with Baby Spinach and Lemon-Caper SauceAntipasti Station with Cured Meats & Artisan CheesesChilled Seafood PlattersGrilled Vegetables with Balsamic Herb DressingCold Smoked Salmon with Traditional GarnishesClassic Caesar SaladMixed Greens with Spiced Pecan, Bleu Cheese and Dried CherryRoasted Beet Salad with Baby Spinach, Ricotta Salata and Sherry VinaigretteShaved Fennel Salad with Red Onion, Valencia Orange and Extra Virgin Olive OilMixed Seafood SaladWild Mushroom and Garlic GnocchiRoasted Spring VegetablesMenu items served 2 p.m.-7 p.m.Pasta StationCajun Marinated Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Peppers and Peppercorn SauceRoasted Pork Tenderloins with Creamy Polenta and Cherry SauceBraised Lamb Shoulder with Roasted Potatoes and Carrots. Garlic Mashed PotatoesSweets Table (served all day)Mini Cupcakes, Mousse Cups, Cookies, Brownies, Mini Pastries, Fresh FruitThe Chicago Firehouse1401 South Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60605312.786.1401
  • Due Lire Vino and Cucina, located in the heart of Lincoln Square, will hold Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the authentic Italian eatery will feature a variety of a la carte breakfast selections (mascarpone and banana stuffed brioche; frittata; pasta carbonara). Then at 4 p.m., Due Lire will begin dinner service, featuring specials (lamb chops, salmon) and the regular menu. Reservations are recommended, so call the restaurant at (773) 275-7878 to arrange a holiday table.Easter Brunch MenuPane Francese - Mascarpone Banana Stuffed Brioche French Toast, Maple Syrup $12Frittata Funghi - Mushrooms, Gorgonzola Cheese, Speck Omelet $10Frittata Asparagi - Asparagus, Oven roasted Tomatoes, Fontina Cheese Omelet $10Uova Monaco - Eggs Benedict, Pancetta, Toasted English Muffin, Hollandaise $12Pasta Carbonara - Spaghetti, Eggs, Cream, Speck, Parmigiano $12Crostone Prosciutto - Prosciutto, Taleggio Cheese, Grilled Bread, Arugula $12Insalata Finocchio - Spinach, Fennel, Grapefruit, Saba Dressing $8Pane Tostato - Grilled Italian Bread, Homemade Jams and Spreads $6ContorniSides $6Roasted Herbed PotatoesSmoked BaconRapiniFruit SaladDue Lire Vino & Cucina4520 North Lincoln AvenueChicago, Illinois 60625(773) 275-7878 
  • City Tavern will offer a special family-style brunch service on Easter Sunday, March 31. From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests may choose the regular a la carte brunch menu, or enjoy a multi-course shared meal with fellow friends and family ($25 per person, four person minimum).A holiday brunch cocktail, The Hopper, will be featured for $10.Dinner will be available from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Executive Chef Robert Hoffman will feature specials in addition to the dinner menu.Reservations are encouraged at 312.663.1278.Easter Cocktail“The Hopper” $10 - Absolut Hibiscus, Briottet Creme de Cassis, Poema Cava, Grapefruit BittersEaster Brunch Menu served family-styleFresh Fruit SaladLamb Biscuits and Gravy - slow roasted lamb shoulder, olive oil, feta, oregano biscuits, tumeric spiced gravyDuck Hash - braised duck leg, caramelized onion, Kennebec potato, mustard greens, parsnip puree, sunny up eggsDeep Fried Bread Pudding - molasses caramelized banana, cinnamon sugar, orange mascarpone creamBuckwheat Pancakes - pear syrup, pickled plum compote, walnut brittleBacon-Cheddar Scramble - slow scrambled eggs, Nueske bacon, Widmer cheddar, charred scallion, fried tomatoCity Tavern1416 South Michigan AvenueChicago, Illinois 60605312.663.1278
  • III Forks Prime Steakhouse will offer an Easter feast in Lakeshore East on Sunday, March 31.From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., a special prix fixe dinner menu will be offered. The three courses will incorporate choice of salad or soup, entree and dessert ($44.95 adults, $15.95 children 12 and under). Guests may also choose to dine from the Easter a la carte menu.Reservations are encouraged. Tax and gratuity is not included. Reserve at (312) 938-4303.Easter Prix FixeFirst CourseIII Forks Salad – our signature salad prepared with crispy green apple slices, local blue cheese, toasted pecans and field greens with our house made maple-walnut vinaigretteSteakhouse Wedge Salad – baby iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, apple wood smoked bacon and local blue cheeseAsparagus Soup – fresh tender stalks simmered with thyme in rich chicken broth and pureedEntree ChoiceChateaubriand in roasted shallot thyme veal demi-glace with whipped potatoes and asparagusPan-Seared Steelhead Trout in mango-green chile beurre blanc with coconut-lime jasmine rice and lump crab and corn salsaOregano & Garlic Lamb Chops with heirloom tomato salad nicoiseAirline Chicken Paillard with oyster mushroom and smoked bacon veloute, served with whipped potatoes and crispy Brussels sproutsDessert ChoiceTexas Pecan Cake – crushed pecans and shredded coconut in a moist white cake, layered with whipped cream frosting and candied pecansMandarin Orange Cake – satsuma mandarin orange segments & crushed pineapples, folded into moist vanilla cake, layered with vanilla whipped cream frostingEaster MenuBeginningsSeafood Medley $19.95Ahi Tuna $15.95III Forks Salad $9.95Wedge Salad $9.95Lobster Bisque $11.95Beef MarketFilet Mignon 8 oz, $36.95Filet Mignon 12 oz, $42.95USDA Prime New York Strip 16 oz, $44.95USDA Prime Bone In Ribeye 18 oz, $44.95Prime Rib 10 oz, $27.95Prime Rib 16 oz, $34.95Rack of Lamb $42.95Fish MarketChilean Seabass $35.95Cold Water Rock Lobster Tail MarketSidesSauteed Spinach $9.50Sauteed Mushrooms $9.50Off-the-Cob Cream Corn $8.50Mashed Potatoes $7.95Baked Potato $8.50Six Cheese Potatoes $9.50III Forks180 N. Field Blvd.Chicago, Illinois 60601312.938.4303
  • So, they're coming over anyway? One word - catering.The Goddess and Grocer has prepared an Easter catering menu complete with brunch favorites so you can enjoy a stress-free Sunday with the family.Begin the holiday, and the end to Lenten restrictions, with appetizers such as Goat Cheese Tarts ($24/dz) with caramelized red onion and rosemary, Deviled Eggs ($12/dz) prepared either classic, southwest or smoked salmon style, or Grilled Baby Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce ($42/dz).Treat yourself to brunch with the specialty Apple Bourbon French Toast ($45), brioche soaked in egg, vanilla and bourbon, baked and served with caramel apple sauce or a variety of Frittatas ($45)—breakfast, meat lovers, vegetarian, Spanish, Mexican or Italian.Spring salads include the Veggie Chopped Salad ($45) with romaine, grape tomatoes, avocado, garbanzo beans, cucumber, radish, broccoli, carrots, roasted corn and Goddess dressing, and Spring Pasta Salad ($45) with bowtie pasta, shrimp, peas, corn, red peppers, grape tomatoes and creamy lemon dressing.For main courses, select from the Beef Tenderloin ($32/lb) with roasted mushrooms and onions in a port wine reduction, Amish Roasted Chicken Dinner ($25/serves 2-3), a whole chicken marinated in herbs and white wine and served with roasted potatoes, peas and shallots, or Roasted Rack of Lamb ($24/lb) with an herb mustard crust and red wine sauce. Perfectly accompany the main courses with sides like garlic and parmesan Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes ($8.50/lb), Herb Roasted Potatoes ($7.50/lb) and Grilled Asparagus ($12.50/lb) drizzled with truffle oil.Goddess is baking divine desserts for this special occasion, featuring Easter Cupcakes ($21 for 6), vanilla, chocolate or red velvet decorated in a spring theme with pastel colored frosting, hand decorated Easter Butter Cookies ($4), a Strawberry Lemon Cake ($45/8”; $65/10”) with layers of white cake, strawberry jam, lemon curd and vanilla custard covered with strawberry buttercream and strawberry and lemon swirls, and Coconut Cream Cake ($45/8”; $65/10”) with tiers of white cake and vanilla custard, covered in buttercream and coconut shavings and housemade “peeps.”To place an order, contact Goddess at 773.292.7100 or catering@goddessandgrocer.com, or stop by one of the convenient neighborhood locations. Orders must be made by Wednesday, March 27 at 3pm and can be picked up in store Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31 or delivered for a fee.The Goddess and Grocer is located in the Gold Coast (25 E. Delaware Pl., 312.896.2600), Bucktown (1646 N. Damen Ave., 773.342.3200), on Elston (2222 N. Elston Ave., 773.292.7100), and on Larrabee (901 N. Larrabee St., 312.988.9870).
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, Chicago Dining Examiner

A lifelong Chicagoan, born in Bucktown and raised on pierogi, pizza and panuchos, Jacky has been a Chicago radio host, syndicated columnist, magazine travel editor and feature writer for Dining Out Magazine, AOL City Guide and the Daily Herald Chicago. Contact her: jacky@jackyrunice.com.

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