Easter brunch guide 2012

Belly Shack You’ve always wondered what Easter brunch would taste like if it were inspired by Asian-Latino street food, and today (as well as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day), Belly Shack provides the answer: slow-roasted pork loin with chilaquiles and crispy French toast with mango. 1912 N Western Ave (773-252-1414). Average main course: $9.

Bistronomic Relax! Nobody’s going to force-feed you ham here—the three-course Easter brunch on offer is completely customizable. And actually, straight-up ham isn’t even an option. Offered instead: quiche Lorraine, steak and eggs, croque-monsieur and pineapple crêpes. 840 N Wabash Ave (312-944-8400). Easter brunch: $29.

Bistrot Margot To get to the profiteroles (or bread pudding, or apple tart) at the end of this Easter prix fixe, you go through two other courses (choices include salmon tartare, onion soup, quiche) first. 1437 N Wells St (312-587-3660). Easter prix fixe: $26.95.

Davis Street Fishmarket There’ll be baked ham and roast beef, of course. But if you’re coming here for Easter brunch, you’re probably coming for the oysters, crab cakes, lobster claws and shrimp. 501 Davis St, Evanston (847-869-3474).

Mercat a la Planxa Carving station featuring rosemary-roasted lamb and cider-glazed salmon: check. Dessert station: check. Three-course prix fixe (paella, prawns, bacon-wrapped dates) in addition to these stations? Sounds crazy, but: check. 638 S Michigan Ave (312-765-0524). Easter brunch: $35.

Mon Ami Gabi Kids get an Easter basket full of holiday treats at this Lincoln Park bistro. And adults—they get quiche, crêpes and anything they want from the regular bistro menu. 2300 N Lincoln Park West (773-348-8886). Average main course: $32.

Osteria via Stato How do Italians celebrate Easter? With a buffet. David DiGregorio stocks this Easter feast with frittatas, French toast, strada, an omelette station and—are you even ready for this?—a ricotta doughnut station. 620 N State St (312-642-8450).

Sepia Andrew Zimmerman’s Easter offering takes the form of a holiday prix fixe, with dishes such as farmer’s cheese blintzes, a breakfast strada with ramps and shiitake mushrooms, and crunchy French toast with bacon butterscotch. 123 N Jefferson St (312-441-1920). Easter prix fixe: $45.

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