Best Brunch Restaurants in The Grove

Being an executive chef in the past, I’m usually not all that impressed with restaurants. I’m frugal. I figure if I’m going to spend money on someone else to prepare my food, I’d better be making yummy noises with every bite… RARELY does that happen. For our 34th anniversary, my wife and I decided to give Russel’s a go. The atmosphere was quiet and charming, intimate. The wine selection was well suited to the menu. We started with the baked ricotta… Simple, delicious, unctuous. Main course: I ordered the pork chops, my wife ordered the pot roast. Two simple, humble, basic entrées readily found in any home kitchen. THIS was not home cooking. Both meals were visually stunning. The pot roast was melt in your mouth, delicious. The hint of sweetness form the braising reduction, paired with the light bite of the horseradish, along the the creaminess of the potatoes was a perfect bite. My meal, the pork chops, ummm… WOW! A thick double chop, that I honestly thought would be on the bland side. However, the chef was able to pull flavor all the way through the chop. Cooked to a perfect med-rare center, without the exterior becoming even a little dry and chewy is a feat, but they did it. The depth of flavor was amazing, tasting different nuances in every bite. Yes, I made yummy noises with every bite, my apologies to the table next to us. As a chef, I’m usually left searching for that “extra something” in my food… it’s called “love”. The back of the house staff is obviously very skilled, producing an incredible plate, but they also put their heart into their craft, giving that “extra something” that we crave. Hat’s off, knives down to you Russel’s on Macklind. You’ve made this chef very happy.

Where do I begin? The main purpose of coming to the Preston this late in the holiday season is because the Chase./Sonesta decorates for the holidays up there with the Drake Hotel in Chicago, hotels in New York. It’s just beautiful and creates an ambience. The other purpose was to bring three girlfriends to a breakfast before the holiday madness, because we have a rich history of grandparents/relatives who lived in the CWE, growing up, so we remember when….. Alice was our server, and was so beautifully attentive, kind to take multiple photographs of us, gave us the space and the time we needed to see and visit with each other, which is very important not to feel rushed. We really liked the selection and choices for breakfast. We had Eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, and bacon, and ate every single bite. One friend noticed that the hollandaise on the eggs Benedict was far superior to any other breakfast place that she eats at. We normally have dinner at the Preston, which is always good, so this was truly a treat. Well done👏🏻

A delightful dining experience ! Ambiance and food were excellent. Ryan, our server, was very knowledgeable. Service was taken care of by a whole team, so we were well taken care of. We enjoyed the Fried Cauliflower, Roasted Hen of the Woods, and Albondigas. With a bottle of delicious white wine our bill was a little over $100. This is a real gem.

The experience was wonderful from start to finish! The server was welcoming & quick to get our drinks. We had several starters which were great. Cannot miss the French onion soup. We had burgers & a steak. The pommes frites are outstanding...a treat! Overall one of our favorite spots to dine with great cocktails & wine list.

Great experience - Excellent food!! Will definitely keep on my Go To list when in town.