- Photos:
-
Not sure what kind of brunch your Mom would enjoy this Mother’s Day? Since we’re totally going through withdrawal from Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New York City,” we looked to the show for inspiration and matched those gaudy gals—plus some from Orange County—with their perfect Chicago Mother’s Day destinations. Note: If you see a little bit of your own mom in any of them, you might want to first seek counseling, then seek brunch.
Bring the Countess to Polo Cafe
The ladies liked to say that Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, married to a French aristocrat, was the only one on the show to offer “class." Maybe. But the New York socialite irked us when she insisted on being called “Mrs.” to underlings. Honey, take it down a notch with a little South Side hospitality. Despite its name, there’s not a polo horse in sight at this Bridgeport spot—the 21 Club it ain’t. You’ll benefit from down-to-earth touches such as bloody marys and an all-you-can-eat-buffet. Click here for more details
Bring Alex McCord to Brasserie Jo
We have no problem with a woman who treats her husband like a Gucci handbag—what a great accessory! It’s those damn kids she needs to do something about. Alex, not only will your little ones be able to show off their perfect French pronunciation with words like steak au poivre and croque madame, but the restaurant also offers a kiddie activity area during brunch, complete with crayons, paints, toys and movies. That means Mom gets a break from the kids—and so do your dining companions. Click here for more details
Bring Jill Zarin to Fiorentino's Cucina Italiana
Jill, we like the fact that you’ve at least attempted to bring your daughter into the family business. Unfortunately, we don’t think your teenager has your ambition. Need some advice on getting the kid interested? Bring her to an alfresco dinner at this homey Italian spot, where owner Frances Fiorentino works with her adult sons, including full-time business partner Steven. Maybe she'll give pointers on working with your kids while you chow down a prix-fixe menu of Italian classics on the lovely garden patio. Click here for more details
Bring Ramona Singer to Violet and the Music Box
Ramona, there’s a little movie we’d like you to see. It’s called “Mommie Dearest.” Don't freak: We’re not saying you're as bad as Joan Crawford when it comes to your daughter. We just think you and Joan share a certain manic energy—we were so grateful there was no axe at that reunion special. You also dress like a drag queen. So why not make the most of it with brunch-bitch package? Start with a meal at Violet, followed by campy fun at the Music Box. There's a Joan Crawford lookalike contest (there's gotta be a few queens there, right?), and a screening of the Faye Dunaway's camp classic afterward. Click here for more details
Bring Vicki Gunvalson from "Real Housewives of Orange County" to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Cava sangria! Bloody mary bar! Screwdriver bar! We don't want to leave our "Real Housewives" original cast out of the Mom's Day fun, so Mt. Prospect/Palatine native Vicki, this one's for you. We can here your shrill “whoo-hooing” already! At this boisterous spot, you can sip, you can shout, and you can sit on the patio—it's just like being back in the OC. Of course, if you're so inclined, you can eat too: The Sunday brunch gets lots of new items for Mom's Day. Click here for more details
Bring the entire cast of the Orange County to the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
Speaking of the Real Housewives of Orange County, what's with the gated community, ladies? Expand your horizons with a Mamala's Day group outing to the new Spertus Museum. The Michigan Avenue building looks like it was designed by Harry Winston, the brunch in the Spertus Café is by Chicago's queen of kosher cooking, Laura Frankel (you'll never miss the cream cheese in her luxe lox made with wild Alaskan salmon with horseradish aioli). Best yet, the current exhibit is Imaginary Coordinates, artwork inspired by Spertus's collection of maps from the Holy Land designed to "question national borders, as a way of charting new spaces, fostering conversation, and imagining new communities." Click here for more details
[ Chris LaMorte is the Metromix dining producer. ] clamorte@tribune.com
