Good Morning all Day!

There are many great restaurants for breakfast or lunch in Chicago- most of these are only open during early morning hours through the lunch period ,serving what they do best- Brunch ( a combination of breakfast and lunch on the same menu). There is a “new kid on the block” when it cmes to this special type of cafe and it has the perfect name BRUNCH! While many of us think of Brunch as being a week-end and holiday fare, with a place like Brunch, a warm and friendly little sopt amongst the many new residents and smaller offices in the River West area ( on Erie and Orleans). You can enter on either Erie or Orleans and as you go up the few steps ( they do have a lift so that they are easily accessible), you will see a bright dining room filled with happy people, all in a good mood. Why? Well, one reason is the great coffee and the other the marvelous choices of food.

When we went over the July 4th holiday, we were greeted with a warm and friendly come on in by a staff member who was all smiles. There was a wait, but under what they had said ( always a positive) and while waiting and viewing the menu, as well as watching the servers bring platters of deliciousness to the diners in the dining area, we started planning what we would order. There were many choices, but we figured it would be best to try a number of things and share! Guess what?  Ryan Marks already thought of this! The menu has a section called “Sharefare”- great deviled eggs ( I think this is a rare art as they were perfect), Strawberry Stuffed French Toast ( “to die for”), ,Mini-pancake sampler, Brunch potatoes ( filled with sausage, salsa,Jaleno crema and aged cheddar) and a beautiful fruit tree.

There are skillets that  also can be shared- eggs are larger an dfresher than I have experienced in other spots and the “griddle” itmes are original “family type”recipes that will remind you of your youth ( no matter your age). The sandwiches, in particular the Brunch Burger will knock you for a loop, as this is one of the best in the city and all of the soups and salads are fresh and homemade.

Brunch is a “green” restaurant- energy effecient appliances and even a reusable coffee mug program. You donate an unwanted or used mug ( or even one that advertises your business) which creates a quirky an dunique look at every table and with your business logo on a mug, diners will see your name and possibly you will get additional business from the free advertising viewed by their diners who are seated for a meal with your name in front of their coffee drinking nose. You can drop off mugs at anytime.

Another feature of Brunch is their private meeting room, where you can hold a business meeting while enjoying great food or even baked goods ( pastries are amazing) and while waiting, get a shoe shine and read the news on their news ticker above the breakfast bar. Can’t stay? They have a carry out counter where you can get coffee, a bagel , a pastry or even a meal at the express station. Marks and his Executive Chef, Daniel Tibbetts and their staff have thought of everything.

You can try Brunch any day from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m.. Located at 343 West Erie, you can get their by public transportation, there are parking spaces ( metered) in the area and reservations are accepted ( I suggest it for Saturdays and Sunday) call 312-265-1411 or visit www.brunchit.com

Enjoy!