The scene: A bit hidden away near the back of the still-under-construction BurrRidgeVillageCenter, Topaz offers a dazzling interior that far surpasses its plain-vanilla retail surroundings. Every surface manages to look and feel opulent, from the slate-tiled entryway to curvy booths covered with graphic orange fabric to the floor-to-ceiling wine cases glowing with golden light. Sculptural light fixtures and warmly hued abstract paintings add an artsy, elegant feel. Expect to have the place practically to yourself for now; though weekend dinner hours have been bustling, Sunday brunch (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) has been super-quiet since it kicked off April 13.
The cuisine: Brunch classics rule the menu here, from Belgian waffles and pancakes to basic omelets. The most divergent option was a breakfast panini, which melted Gruyere cheese over scrambled eggs and black forest ham on semolina bread ($9). To tease your palate before the entrees arrive, order a few scones or croissants for the table. Our circular cinnamon scone was perfectly sweet and crumbly ($3 each). More lunch-like options include various sandwiches ($10-$14) and risotto with cherry tomatoes, eggplant, mozzarella and basil ($16).
Loved it: Studded with tiny bits of sweet onion, the breakfast potatoes served with our truffled eggs benedict ($10) were a standout.
Hated it: By being one of the very first brunch diners, we apparently missed out on the breakfast booze. Our server offered us either coffee or juice to drink, but as we paid our check, we spied another table being served bloody marys and mimosas. What gives?
Cost: Most entrees $8-$14; brunch cocktails $8-$9
Wait: None. [ Lisa Arnett is the Metromix suburbs and shopping producer. Metromix reviews are based on anonymous visits. Meals are paid for by Metromix. lmarnett@tribune.com ]
(14 ratings)
Write a review