It is essential for living.
Years ago, I learned what I thought the definition of brunch was from my dad: making everyone's favorite b'fast menu items at a necessarily later time in the morn (or early afternoon) as it is the weekend and we freakin' deserved it! My nose would wake first to the fragrance of bacon, while my ears followed to the flippin' and sizzle of the griddle. Somehow, I would find the kitchen without vision and my other senses strengthened to alien levels. Once cracked, my eyes would find every member of the familia in a similar state: groggy and ugly without care. Our Ryan Seacrest, 2008 hair would be bedhead messy, but not to perfection. Our outfits would be assembled from whatever was discovered on the path to bliss. The entree... pancakes, sometimes with the option for blueberry, with sides of bacon and eggs. Pair this meal with an OJ and we called it "brunch".
Fast forward to early 2014 and "oh my" has "brunch" changed. We got "all you can eat", "all you can drink" and even "all day" brunches! If there is a street fest in the neighborhood, first promotion is always "start the fest off right with brunch!" If there is a sunny day forecast, "get some sun on our sun-soaked patio!" If you are lazy, "come in your PJ's and get a free mimosa!" No matter the call, there is always an answer.
One of my favorite spots to brunch with the best has to be Angelina's Ristorante. Located at the cross streets of Broadway & Addison in East Lakeview, Angelina's provides quality service with unbeatable offers. There's only one catch.
"But what makes it so worth the unbearable hassle of paper" you may ask?
Bottomless Mimosas.
Now of course it's against some random law to serve unlimited drinks, so it's really "There's a bottom but you won't find it" Mimosas. Glassed in tall cylinders, this concoction of OJ & Champaigne finds all brunch stomachs with immense pleasure. Oh, and if you don't like oranges, or hate Florida, you can delight yourself with another flavor! There's cranberry for the bitter Bettys, peach for the sweet suckers and Chombard for the alcoholics. Mix it up each round for ultimate diversity or play it safe with OJ all day. No matter what flavor combo, drink to your near-bottom fill!
But wait, there's more! If you order your close-to-bottom-without-ever-reaching-it mimosas, you with receive a complimentary meal of your choice from the delectable menu! From breakfast classics such as bacon and eggs to the treason ridden eggs benedict, b'fast is d'light! Hungry for lunch, there's even more options to satisfy the afternoon crowds! Lunch options range from savory salads & sands to rich prosciutto & pea pasta in creamy vodka sauce.
Most recently, I embarked on the waters of the fab life with the Bagel & Lox.
Chilly, smoked salmon, capers and creme cheese alongside a perfectly toasted bagel provides orgasmic mouth spasms surprising even the most provocative pallets. The tender fillet of Alaskan streams reminds me of the fall-off-the-rack ribs everyone craves where there is no need to cut, just lightly touch and the beauty separates into a perfect portion. The pink goddess melts on contact like a prepubescent girl touched by Harry Styles. You can hear the waves of screaming girls raving for more as you smile embarrassingly loud in a world all your own. You literally forget you're in public when you let out all of your inhibitions and neck knots with a milky moan.
Speaking of atmosphere, this quaint, two-sided space dwells in a mixture of fine dining and quirk. Two plastic ducks chilled on a bench next to an amigo while DollarTree beach balls hung from the chandelier lighting. Respectably fun, Angelina's is both for the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and for those with $30 to their name.
I know you're mouth is watering and seat is tingling so let me get you the deets. Price is $21, but with tip and tax I tend to come with $30. The wait ranges from ten minutes to an hour and a half, so have a "Plan B" or bring games. (Jax anyone?) Also, be prepared for the owner. He is an eccentric man and may be offensive, but is necessary to talk to put your name on the list. If you got a large party, you will have to wait for all to arrive to be seated. If you go alone, he may laugh and/or spit in your face.
Food recommendations: Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon, Garganelli Pasta and, of course, the Bagel & Lox Plate! I have a lot of favorite waiters, but none are better than Theresa. Love ya Theresa!
So, if your want to live life like a true Chicagoan, eat lavish brunches and never let go of the nipple. :)
Chi-Love,
J-ROD
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