Easter and Passover in Chicago features Brunch, a Bunny Train and the Easter Bunny

CHICAGO - March 20, 2013 - PRLog -- Maxwell’s at the Club
East Bank Club’s resident eatery, Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL; 312-527-5800), has planned a robust menu for Passover. Enjoy a lavish Seder Buffet complete with appetizers, entrées and desserts for Maxwell’s Passover Dinner, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 25.

This traditional meal includes kosher wine and Haggadahs will be available for each table. The buffet features appetizers of Gefilte Fish with Beet Horseradish, Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Almonds, Roasted Beets with Kale Salad and more. Maxwell’s signature carving stations of Braised Beef Brisket and Roast Turkey Breast also will be present. The spread also includes entrées of Lemon-Olive Roasted Chicken Breast with Potatoes, Noodle Kugel, Braised Pot Roast with Oyster Mushrooms and Zucchini Potato Pancakes. The dessert offerings are just as expansive as the main courses with Charoset, Macaroons, Matzo Baklava, Orange-Almond Flan, Flourless Chocolate Cake, seasonal fresh fruit and more.

Maxwell’s Easter Brunch also is an extensive buffet, available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. As a special treat, the Easter Bunny will make an appearance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Classic breakfast items such as bacon, French toast, and Eggs Benedict will be offered along with signature treats including Sour Cream Pancakes and Chicken and Apple Sausage. For those looking for a more robust breakfast, the carving station will feature succulent Roast Beef Prime Rib, Baked Ham and Roast Turkey Breast. If you are looking for something light, Maxwell’s offers countless options, from Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts to Shrimp and Edamame Salad. No matter what you are looking for, Maxwell’s Easter Brunch will offer a memorable meal.

These two holiday feasts will be available for $45 for adults and $15 for children 10 years and under. To make a reservation, call (312) 527-5800, extension 301, or visit maxwellsattheclub.com.

Chicago French Market
The Chicago French Market (131 N Clinton, Chicago, IL; 312-575-0306) features many vendors who will be celebrating Easter throughout March. City Fresh Market is having its third annual Chance to Win A Chocolate Easter Egg contest. Estimated to be 36 inches in height, the egg will provide 13 pounds of chocolate to the lucky winner; enter through March 28.

Delightful Pastries is celebrating this Easter season by expanding its menu during March. New options include Lamb Cakes with Buttercream ($14 to $18), Bunny Rabbits Cupcake Baskets ($3.25), Mocha Chocolate Bundt Cake ($9.99), Rum and Raisin Yeast Babka ($7.49), Italian Ricotta Cheesecake ($20) and several seasonal pie options including Rhubarb Strawberry ($24). If you prefer savory items, Delightful Pastries has you covered with Lamb and Spinach Pies ($48), Asparagus Quiche ($40), Ham and Swiss Cheese Quiche ($40) and White Borsht Soup with Fresh Sausage ($6.99). To receive these delightful treats, orders must be placed by Tuesday, March 26 by emailing info@delightfulpastries.com or calling (312) 234-9644.

For a unique experience, Fumare Meats will be offering Pascal Ham. These locally produced hams are 1 to 2 pounds each and follow the tradition of eastern Europeans packing baskets with foods, such as the ham, to be blessed at church. Bebe’s Eatery will be celebrating Passover by taking catering reservations for their fresh and always kosher a la carte appetizers, soups, entrées and sides. All dishes are traditional in nature yet have a Bebe’s spin. Orders can be picked up or delivered through March 22. Further honoring the holiday, Bebe's Eatery will be closed throughout Passover (March 22 to April 3).

For families looking to add a new tradition to their Easter activities, guests can Hop the Bunny Train Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The fun-filled ride will be followed by an Easter Egg Hunt from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary samples from an assortment of vendors will be offered throughout the day. Additionally, get a chance to meet the market’s special guest, the Easter Bunny.

Prairie Grass Cafe
For those looking for the perfect brunch spot in the suburbs, Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433) will be a great place to spend the holiday. Easter Brunch begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. March 31.

Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris will serve a scrumptious Easter Brunch featuring their Signature PGC Benedict along with a generous and delicious buffet. The brunch includes made-to-order omelets available in a range of toppings such as: homemade crumbled Maple Creek Farm Chorizo, poblano peppers, spring onions, mushrooms and more. Prairie Grass Cafe’s puts its own spin on traditional brunch favorites with the Applewood Smoked Maple Creek Farm Bacon, Honey Glazed Bone-In Ham and Deviled Farm Eggs. The house moussaka, with layers of eggplant, potato and braised lamb topped with béchamel sauce also is available. Additionally, crab cakes, fresh salads and a mix of breads complete the spread. To end on a sweet note, the dessert buffet features sliced fruit, Mom’s Homemade Banana Cream Pie and a Crêpe station with two sweet filling options. Price for adults is $45 and $15 for children under 10 years.

The restaurant also will be open for dinner, offering both the regular menu and Easter specials. The Easter specials start with an appetizer of Wilted Dandelion Greens with local bacon and Parmesan and balsamic reduction on crostini ($9). As a main course, guests can choose from Sautéed Red Snapper with citrus and fennel salad and a citrus butter sauce ($34) or Spring Lamb Kabobs with Arugula Peso and Basmati Rice ($28). The dessert course features a Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting ($7). For Easter reservations call Prairie Grass Cafe at (847) 205-4433.