We've already given you a few reminders, but this time we mean it: Mother's Day is four days away (it's Sunday, May 10), and you really need to pick up the phone and make some reservations now (or be prepared to cook). Here are some Chicago-area restaurants that still have openings for the big day:
White hot West Loop restaurant Sepia will offer a gourmet, seasonal brunch indicative of its rustic-upscale style. Three courses will be served, including family-style first courses like quiche with roasted red pepper, leeks and goat cheese, and housemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit; a choice of four entrees (think: eggs Benedict with Swan Creek Farm ham, artichoke and Bernaise sauce, and olive oil-poached king salmon with asparagus and roasted mushrooms); and a family-style selection of desserts. 10:30AM-5PM $39 for adults, $20 for children.
An elegant three-course prix-fixe Sunday brunch will be served at the charming Old Town Brasserie, where live jazz piano and a hat contest will enliven the festivities. The stylish mother donning the best hat, as judged by Old Town Brasserie owner Bob Djahanguiri, will be awarded with a dozen long-stemmed roses. 11AM-3PM, $29 per person.
You and Mom can relive your Marshall Field's memories at the Walnut Room in the Macy's State Street store, which miraculously looks the same after all these years. The timeless restaurant will serve a classic Sunday Brunch for Mother's Day, featuring all the fixings: omelette and carving stations, smoked salmon, hearty breakfast items and the famous chicken pot pie. 11AM-3PM, $34.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids ages 3-10 and free for kids 2 and under.
The chic BIN 36 wine bar/restaurant in River North offers a sophisticated setting for Mother's Day. Executive chef John Caputo will offer an abundant Sunday brunch buffet, complete with eggs Benedict, blueberry-ricotta pancakes, citrus-glazed ham and roast beef with horseradish cream. Give Mom an extra kick with mimosa and bloody Mary flights featuring variations on the popular morning cocktails ($12 each). All mothers will also receive a special gift to take home. 10AM-3PM, $38 per adult, $19 kids under 12 and free for kids under age 4.
Celebrate with your family at Maxwell's at the Club, the welcoming restaurant at the East Bank Club. Maxwell's will serve a lavish Sunday brunch buffet on May 10, consisting of three separate stations. The first will offer cold items like shrimp cocktail, lox and bagels and fresh fruit. The second will feature an array of salads plus a carving station with roast beef and lamb, while the final station will be filled with breakfast entrees like French toasted cinnamon brioche, Santa Fe chicken-and-tortilla casserole and waffle and omelette bars. 10AM-2PM, $45 per adult, $15 for children under 10.
The new Tapas Valencia in the South Loop (Mom might be familiar with its sister restaurant in Naperville, Meson Sabika) will be putting out a lavish spread on Sunday, replete with a prime rib carving station, made-to-order omelettes and an array of breakfast and lunch entrees, along with non-alcholic beverages included. 10AM-4:30PM, $29.95 for adults, $12.95 children ages 6-12 and free for kids 6 and under.
Non-early risers will appreciate Farmerie 58's Mother's Day dinner menu. The farm-centric River North resto will serve a three-course prix-fixe menu along with its regular offerings. The festive feast will feature dishes starring seasonal ingredients, such as spring pea-and-asparagus soup, spinach-and-strawberry salad and a homemade cherry ice cream sandwich for dessert. 5-10PM, $33 per person.
A special Mother's Day tasting menu will be served during dinner at the South Loop's Via Ventuno, Jerry Kleiner's colorful Italian trattoria. The four-course meal features an appetizer, salad, pasta and a choice of a meat or fish entree. Moms will also receive a complimentary "Mother's Day Bouquet" cocktail made with Hendricks Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Peachcello and prosecco. Via Ventuno's regular dinner menu will also be served. 4-9PM, $29 per person.
