117740 Sat Apr 30 11:51:51 -0700 2005 6 7 Chicago Area 0 642878 Can anyone suggest a good place for a leisurely expresso and pastries on a Sunday morning? After being trapped in hotel heck, my wife and I have a car and time for a morning excursion before our flight leaves in the afternoon. Not interested in a huge meal, giant brunches, etc. Just a place where we can pretend to be sophisticated and slow down. Thanks, and remember only you can save fellow Chowhounds from bad hotel food. David "Zeb" Cook Sat Apr 30 11:51:51 -0700 2005 0 David "Zeb" Cook 1 642879 Pierrot Gourmet connected to the Peninsula hotel. Very leisurely, beautiful pastries. Sat Apr 30 11:53:16 -0700 2005 642878 0 Greg 1 642880 If you don't mind a bit of a drive, Julius Meinl Cafe located at Southport and Addison,near Wrigley Field, offers huge steaming bowls of Viennese style coffee and pastry along with a couple of other breakfast options. If the weather is nice, you may even be able to enjoy your coffee and pastry on the outdoor patio. Linked below is an article about Julius Meinl that appeared in the Sun Times a while back. It gives you a good feel for the place. Link: http://www.suntimes.com/output/bruno/wkp-news-sweet18.html Sat Apr 30 12:14:28 -0700 2005 642878 0 YourPalWill 2 642885 Check the Cubs baseball schedule before attempting Meinl's - if they are playing a Sunday game, all of which are completely sold out, you'd be best advised to go elsewhere. Wrigley Field is just a few blocks east on Addison, and parking in that neighborhood is permit only - and CPD will be only too happy to tow your car if you park on any of the nearby cross streets. Sat Apr 30 23:30:39 -0700 2005 642880 0 peg 3 642888 I have also noticed that you may have 20 minute or so wait on the morning of a Cubs game. Good thought, Peg. Sun May 01 11:02:37 -0700 2005 642885 0 YourPalWill 1 642903 First, thank you everyone for your help. Julius Meinl was definitely our choice (no home game), until we decided to go for a more substantial breakfast. Following a recommendation, we went to Lula Cafe for brunch. Except for the unfortunate music choices playing (hip, arty music that did nothing but compete with any hope of conversation), the result was very pleasing. Initially my wife was disappointed she couldn't have the whole grain griddle cakes with poached pears and sage butter (made with honey, which she is allergic to), but she was perfectly happy with the biscuit, greens, eggs and gravy. The greens were stewed and sweetened and she loved the herb gravy and sunny side up eggs. I wasn't complaining about the eggs benedict with mustard greens, salty ham, gruyere hollandaise and herb roasted (fried?) potatoes either. The meal was topped with strong coffee (fortified by a shot of expresso). It reminded us both of one of our favorite places in Boston (Prose) for its use of fresh and local ingredients. Our biggest disappointment is that we can't go back and try more of their menu. Next time, pastries for sure! And thanks Chicago hounds. If I can help in the San Jose area, just ask. David Cook Mon May 02 01:15:16 -0700 2005 642878 0 David "Zeb" Cook 2 642906 Thanks for following up. It's always good to hear feedback from visitors who ask our advice. Mon May 02 08:26:30 -0700 2005 642903 0 YourPalWill