Leisurely Sunday Brunch

[valerie]

I'm coming to Chicago (from NYC) next weekend to surprise a very close friend for her 40th birthday. I'm arriving on Saturday afternoon, attending her party on Saturday night, and then we have most of the day to spend together on Sunday (I'm leaving Sunday evening). She has been sorta depressed (marriage not so good, considering divorce), so I'd like it to be a really nice day.

My friend lives on N. Lakeshore Drive and for brunch, I've narrowed it down to NoMi, North Pond, The Lobby at the Peninsula or maybe Seasons. I will also be making arrangements for some spa treatments in the morning before we have a (hopefully) nice and leisurely brunch. (For spas, considering The Park Hyatt Hotel or The Peninsula Hotel so any thoughts or suggestions for spas in that area would be welcome too!).

Not too concerned about cost, just really can't decide. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

[valerie]

I just wanted to report back on my one meal in Chicago -- Sunday brunch at NoMi.

We started off the day with massages at Kiva Spa at Water Tower, which was very nice and something I don't often do. I always say "I should do this more often" but it never seems to happen.

Then we had a 12:00 reservation at NoMi. When I told my friend where we were going, she said "wow, I'm impressed -- you've done your homework!"

The food was great. I started off with the breakfast items -- I loved the little pieces of french toast with bacon on the side. My friend opted for the sushi/seafood bar as a first round. Then we ordered from the menu. My friend had the spinach and mozzarella(?) omelette and I had the open-faced vegetable omelette. Both were very good, I liked mine a bit better since I thought that the spinach omelette was a little bland.

Next up for me was the sushi, etc, plus a mixed mushroom salad. My friend had some of the cold salads from the center table. Loved that they had inari -- many sushi places don't even have it.

Finally we had dessert. I liked how everything was bite-sized, so we were able to taste a whole slew of desserts.

What I really liked about the food was that while we were definitely stuffed when we left, the food somehow felt "lighter" than brunch food often does. It wasn't the usual greasy stuff that is generally found on buffets.

The restaurant is very pretty and comfortable and the service was terrific. As I said, we arrived at 12:00 and we left just after 2:00. It was just what I was looking for -- a leisurely Sunday brunch!

Thanks again...

[nsxtasy]

Those are four great places, and all offer a nice, luxurious setting. I've eaten at all four (although not all for brunch). One thing you may want to ask yourself is whether you want a buffet brunch or an a la carte, made-to-order brunch. At a buffet brunch like Seasons (I think NoMI does a buffet, too; I'm not sure about the Lobby), there's a tendency to eat more and leave absolutely stuffed (unless you make a conscious effort otherwise). This may be a good thing, or not. North Pond is strictly a la carte; it also offers its unique, exquisite setting in Lincoln Park. Although if you're going to a spa, eating in the same hotel offers convenience. So those are some of the things to think about. Any of those places should be fine for a nice and leisurely brunch, so don't agonize too much over the decision.

[valerie]

Thanks for your response (and your other posts which helped me come to these places!).

I think that I've ruled out North Pond, only because of the location. I realize that it's not *far* by any means, but I'd rather not get into a cab if we don't have to, since we'll likely wander around the stores following brunch (assuming won't .

I made a reservation at NoMi, since I didn't want to miss out on a table, and at this point, I'm really just considering Seasons as an alternative. Another friend suggested a spa at 900 N. Michigan, so once I decide where we will go for that part of the day, then I will figure out if either place works out better logistically. I should have it all wrapped up by tomorrow.

[jesteinf]

I think NoMi is a good choice, especially if you want to at least try to keep the meal a little light. The buffet is definitely smaller than Seasons, but is still very nice. They also have a small menu that you can order from.

At some point, you should get to the brunch at Seasons. It's pretty spectacular.

[valerie]

Not necessarily concerned about keeping it light (at least I'm not!), since it will most likely be the only meal of the day.

I don't get to Chicago that often (my friend prefers to visit me in NY), so it's not likely that I will get to any of the other places any time soon. Having said that, should I still stick with NoMi or would Seasons be a better choice (since you mention that the brunch is "spectacular"? Certainly I'd prefer quality over quantity, but if Seasons offers both, maybe we should go there?

[nsxtasy]

Seasons offers both quality and quantity. Their brunch is a buffet spread over several rooms, including hot entrees, a station where they make omelets to order, pastries, etc. Seasons, like NoMI, is a very upscale restaurant in a very upscale hotel, so when I say "hot entrees", I'm referring to the level of quality you would find in a high-end restaurant. I have only been to NoMI for dinner, but I'm sure their brunch is equally high in quality. Maybe Josh can give more details and thoughts.

[jesteinf]

If you want a super high-end, blow-out type brunch you should go with Seasons. A million different things on the buffet, all done quite well. That isn't meant to disparage NoMi's brunch. Their buffet offers the usual breakfast/brunch options, along with some nice sushi. As I said, they also offer some items off of a menu, so you can also get things made fresh for you. Last time I was there I ordered the lobster eggs Benedict, which was really good. Another advantage to NoMi is that you get the lovely view out on to Michigan Ave.

If I could only go to one brunch in Chicago, with cost/volume not figuring into my decision, I would probably go with Seasons. That's not to say NoMi is bad per se, it's just not really a "blow out".

[valerie]

Okay, thanks so much to both of you. I'm sure that I'm just making myself crazy since it sounds like either one will be a great choice. I'm leaning towards NoMi, since I think that my friend would probably prefer that to the massive buffet of Seasons (next time I'm in town with my husband, we'll try Seasons!).

The main reason that I'm trying to make a super choice here is that while I'm certain that my friend has been to NoMi (at least for dinner at some point), she, like me, has 2 small kids and the times that we each actually sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal (let alone with each other) are few and far between.

I will report back following my trip. Thanks again.