“The Brunchery”, a neighborhood eatery that has served Lincoln Park since 1938!

*****  There are a great number of dining spots/restaurants that have names with “brunch” as part of it, sort of describing that they indeed are open for breakfast and lunch menu items and that they will serve both during those hours. With all of them out there, it is hard to believe that we missed one that has indeed been around since 1938. YES! Almost 88 years. Just to clarify, the Brunchery, a dynamite eatery located at 2552 N. Clark Street, was once named Frances’ Deli, and was known for its amazing deli dishes ( potato pancakes, Corned beef  skillets and sandwiches), Matzah Ball Soup, and many other items). Eight years ago, the new management took over, retaining the majority of staff members who had been there for many years, retaining the decor with a few minor changes, and adding a new menu that was brought to Frances’ by Chef Rylon.

Chris Harris also kept the deli menu as it was loved by so many of the regular customers, and as the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, so they just brought on newer items that are far more creative than a typical deli and as Frank and I found out this morning, extremely tasty. The interior, for the most part has been kept as it was with a few exceptions, and of course, some reupholstery and modifications that go with the times. One of the items that we thought was great ( health wise) is that they procure their ingredients from local area farms and bakeries as well as butchers and markets. The list is printed right on their menu ( a two sided menu that also includes the bar items that are perfect for a “brunch”). Even their eggs are pasture-raised, organic and locally sourced. Their meats are slow roasted, trimmed, and sliced in house and there is nothing frozen- always fresh.

Another item that was of great interest to us- they do not vane a microwave oven. Nothing is ever “nuked” or re-heated. If something is not right, they prepare a new order, as they promise fresh, and deliver same. Frank and I sat in a corner booth which allowed me to peer into the kitchen area as well as see meals being carried to tables in the front of the room. I started humming “sitting in the corner, watching all the food go by” thinking, I can’t wait to return with Jane and my grandkids. They will go “bananas” with the great menu items.

As Frank and I drank our coffee, we learned a great deal about the building and the original concept. We then met the executive Chef Rylon ( who as credentials that will make your eyes pop) and he started having dishes brought out to us so that we could taste some of the specialty items on their menu, They started with some platters. The first was the “Robin of Loxley” center of Atlantic salmon, cream cheese, veggies, capers, avocado, diced egg, and giardiniera, served with two bagels- one plain and the other everything. I took the plain- this was delicious and I must say the added giardiniera added something very special.

The other platter, was the Bacon Flight: five different types of bacon that change during the course of the year, so unless you are adventurous, I suggest ( as do they) to ask your server what is on rotation that day. The five flavors we enjoyed were perfect , and even though one had a little “kick” it was a pleasant kick.

While we were thinking of the Waffle/Chicken combo and the “Benedict platter”, Chef Rylon wanted us to try his French Toast Flight- WOW! Was he right on. We had strawberry shortcake, lemon zest, blueberry crunch, caramel apple and the French toast of the week (peach). There was no need to add syrup as each of these had great flavors, with the fruits and nuts and some amazing fresh home-made butter. Amazing!

Our host, Chris felt that we needed to try one more dish. A dish that is one considered a special ( which we do not try to talk about), but this was a combination of fish, potatoes, salad and poached eggs- a true meal unto itself. It was on the blackboard as the “Executive order”; Mahi-Mahi with avocado, arugula, heirloom tomato salad, hash brown potatoes and two poached eggs. A beautiful presentation, and a marvelous and quite tasty dish. Eating the fish with the salad and a bit of hash browns together was a flavor explosion that woke up every taste but, and in spite of being quite full, I had to have a few more tastes before calling it a day.

The Brunchery is a definite dining experience that I highly recommend. The menu is vast and has something for everyone. Sandwiches galore, wraps, salads, even a build your own menu, triple decker club sandwiches, pancakes and great coffee. The food is “farm to table”- to your tummy, and a feeling like you are visiting a close relative ( that you adore). Take a look at the blackboard and see what Chef Rylon is offering. You might just find that his special is your delight. I know that both Frank and I were delighted and with the portions they serve, Frank’s brother, Neil, will also enjoy our The Brunchery Visit.

The Brucnchery is located at 2552 N. Clark Street, between Fullerton and Diversey and they are open EVERYDAY EXCEPT CHRISTMAS from  9 am until 3 p.m.

The phone number is 773-248-4580

www.brunchonclark.com

NO RESERVATIONS-

Remember- “All you need is brunch..and you will always find it at The Brunchery!”