If you're like me and can eat breakfast any time of the day, then check out Oak Tree, located on the sixth level of the Bloomingdale's building at 900 N. Michigan.
However, patrons should not be deceived by the tony address; despite the ambience, some of the patrons ( "ladies who lunch" ) and spectacular window views, the attire is casual ( although I'd leave the cutoff shorts at home ) .
The service will also have people thinking that they're in a very upscale restaurant. Our server, John, was the utmost professional while the hostess, Gigi, was very courteous and informative.
Owner Hale DeMarwho pitched in and served diners as welltold Savor that the menu changes about every six months or so, as less popular items are removed.
Breakfast items cover a wide range of items, including tasty Eggs Florentine ( with spinach and hollandaise sauce ) ; chicken livers and eggs; Belgian waffles; and a wide array of pancakes and omelets. Lox and the fruit medley are popular dishes.
However, Oak Tree offers so much more. I know this from experience, having had the sandwiches. One of my favorites is ham with Roquefort, fig preserves, fontina and spinachit's a gustatory delight. Also try the one with bacon, smoked gouda, cheddar, Granny Smith apple, arugula and fig preserves.
In addition, there is a bakery that offers artisan breads ( e.g., honey wheat, jalapeno cheddar, French flute, raisin pumpernickel and caraway rye ) , cakes, muffins, rolls and other delectables.
All of the items are very reasonably priced; pancakes, for example, run about $9 and the aforementioned breads are $3.75-$6.50.
The restaurant is open 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. seven days a week, while the bakery is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Third Annual Taste of the Gold Coast took place Aug. 23 at the Sutton Place Hotel.
There were 13 participating restaurantsincluding Il Mulino, Cape Cod, RA Sushi, Chicago Q, Go Roma, Whiskey Bar, Carmine's, Pane Caldo, Gaylord, The Drawing Room, Saloon Steakhouse, Devon Seafood Grill and Hendrickx Belgian Breadin addition to Goose Island Belgium Style Ales. There was also live entertainment featuring Nan Mason & Terry Higgins and Lynne Jordan and the Shivers. In addition, a silent auction ( including items donated by Windy City Times photographer/columnist Steve Starr ) benefited the North Dearborn Association.
Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions hosted the event. Photos by Andrew Davis