Edition: Springtime Hotspots Uncovered
Quintessential Chicago
Author: Molly Fergus
The Windy City’s predictably unpredictable springs rarely guarantee warm weather. But that doesn’t mean Chicagoans stay indoors. From bike rides to brunches, the locals step outside as soon as the big thaw begins. Whether you prefer lavish meals or strenuous bike rides, Chicago’s prepared to quell your cabin fever.
Brunch on the Brain
The laziest meal around is a springtime classic, and Chicago’s brunch offerings don’t disappoint. Smooth jazz is on the menu at the Peninsula Hotel’s The Lobby (108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888). The posh, spacious eatery features live music each Sunday morning alongside its brunch fare, which includes decadent classics such as organic omelets and seafood. The waiting line outside Toast (746 W. Webster Ave., 773-935-5600) isn’t a surprise to locals who frequent the Lincoln Park eatery for its contemporary selection of egg dishes and French toast varieties. The menu boasts dishes such as mascarpone-stuffed French toast and pancakes, and filet mignon and eggs. What’s not to like about an all-you-can-eat buffet of home-style favorites like fried chicken, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, served with a side of live gospel music? Such is the brunch provided by the House of Blues (329N. Dearborn St., 312-923-2000).
Editor's Tip: Take the Metra up to the cozy northern suburb of Highwood and check out acclaimed Chef Gabriel Viti's brunch offerings at Miramar Bistro. This Cuban-French inspired spot serves up brunch favorites buffet-style and allows patrons to place their egg orders---everything from omeletes to Benedict---in Viti's spotless kitchen. Service, ambience, and the decadent offerings make it well worth the 30 minute trip. Sunday from 10 until 2. 301 Waukegan Ave., 847-433-1078.
Bicycles Built for Fun
Work off a heavy Sunday brunch the way locals do: grab a bike and hit the trails. Chicago’s lakefront paths provide myriad opportunities to stretch your legs, but Bobby’s Bike Hike takes the two-wheeling fun a step further with guided neighborhood tours. Choose from a Grant Park and Museum Campus tour, a nighttime ride or a city of neighborhoods tour. Call 312-915-0995 or visit bobbysbikehike.com to reserve tickets.
If you prefer blazing your own trail, stop by one of the Bike Chicago stations at Millennium Park, Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach or Foster Beach. The company rents regular bikes, tandem cycles, mountain bikes, strollers, and skates – but most eye-catching are its quadcycles. These four-wheeled pods are equipped with canopies and fit anywhere from two to eight people for a quick ride around town. The pedal-powered vehicles are ideal for groups or families who want to stick together, but still enjoy the feel of a lakefront bike ride.
