Elate becomes the hot new power brunch spot in River North

March 22, 2012 - PRLog -- Chicago - Elate Restaurant, located at 111 W. Huron at North Clark in Chicago's River North (312-202-9900), has been receiving rave reviews for its excellent sustainable, locally sourced food. The restaurant, now in its second year, aims to break away from its "best kept secret" status by offering Chicagoans what they have been missing for a long time: a stylish, contemporary and conversation-friendly place to convene for a weekday morning business brunch or pre-shopping get-together. The new Weekday Brunch is served from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

"We've been serving a great brunch on weekends," said Luke Johnson, co-owner of Elate. "It's very, very popular, and so we decided to make it a signature offering throughout the week. We know that Chicagoans will be pleased there is a great place for brunch every day in River North."

The dining room is intimate, airy and captivating. The contemporary décor features earth tones, comfortable seating that can accommodate groups of all sizes, and striking floor-to-ceiling windows and re-purposed, sustainable fixtures and furnishings. It's also conversation friendly. Businesspeople can host larger groups in the fully equipped private meeting room that is adjacent to the dining room.

The Weekday Brunch combines the best of Elate's breakfast and lunch items, and is a treat for anyone who loves extraordinarily prepared fare at reasonable prices. Much of the food is made from organic and/or sustainable ingredients and everything is freshly made from scratch.

Elate's coffee is the perfect morning pick me up. Served in large mugs, it's a special blend made for Elate by Crop To Cup, a highly regarded local artisan coffee roaster. Elate also serves freshly squeezed Orange Juice and Grapefruit Juice ($4).

Those in the know always begin their brunch at Elate with the melt in your mouth Mini-Beignets ($6 for five), topped with cinnamon sugar and berry puree. The beignets are made fresh to order and arrive at the table hot and amazingly light.

Among the most popular dishes are the Banana Custard French Toast with peanut streusel and crème Anglaise ($12) and the Breakfast Pizza, a thin crusted treasure topped with smoked ham, truffle potato, gouda, caramelized onions and a sunny). Egg lovers will enjoy Elate's Steak and Eggs, with braised short rib, potato cake and béarnaise ($14), the Build Your Own Omelet with extras such as bacon, cheddar, tomato, scallions, and mushrooms, served with house potatoes and choice of wheat, white or sour dough toast ($13), or the straightforward Two Eggs How You Want 'em, served with bacon, turkey bacon or sausage, house potatoes and choice of toast ($10).

Those who prefer a meatless breakfast can choose the delicious, freshly made Organic House-Made Granola, with figs, macadamia nuts, cranberries and goat cheese yogurt ($10).  Breakfast sides include Toasted Bagel and Cream Cheese ($5), Brûlée Grapefruit ($6) and Bowl of Mixed Berries ($8). Side orders of Hand-Sliced Apple Wood Bacon, Turkey Bacon or Home Made Sausage Patties are also available for $4.

As the noontime approaches, many guests may prefer lunch style fare and Elate's Weekday Brunch certainly fills the bill. As a starter, enjoy the Daily Seasonal Soup ($6) or a Mixed Green Salad with fennel, orange, grape tomato and sherry vinaigrette ($9). Chicken can be added to the salad (add $3) or Salmon (add $4). The generous Felix Burger is a standout of the Weekday Brunch, served with creamed leeks, Apple Wood smoked bacon and herbed French Fries ($14). Another treat is the Confit Pork Baguette, with pickled slaw, toasted peanut and mustard aioli ($12). For those who prefer a vegetarian dish, the Vegetarian Black Bean Burger is a hearty, expertly prepared sandwich, served with whipped avocado and piquillo peppers ($11).  

Elate also offers full bar service during Weekday Brunch, including specialty cocktails such as the Homemade Bloody Mary ($7). The signature specialty of the house is the $20 bottomless Mimosa, which may be the perfect accompaniment for guests who are enjoying a day of leisure.

ELATE, 111 West Huron, Chicago, Illinois 60654, 312-202-9900, ElateChicago.com
Elate's menus offer organic wine, spirits and fare and the restaurant composts, recycles, and purchases as much local product as possible. The interior features reclaimed wood tables and flooring, high efficiency lighting, eco-friendly paint and 80% recycled drywall. Elate encourages the use of hybrid vehicles by offering those cars complimentary valet parking.

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