Weekend brunch is a serious business in the Windy City. We know what we want, and are just as ready to go hard on bottomless mimosas as we are on a sweet morning classic like French Toast. That’s why it is always important to stay up on the latest and greatest of the best brunch spots in the city.
So, brunch-lovers, one place you should definitely have on your list is Mable’s Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}.
The Chef, Anthony Reyes, is a Chicago boy, who was named one of the “Top 20 Chefs in Chicago” by Chicago Style Magazine in 2016. He has worked alongside Michelin star winners like Emeril Lagasse, and has consulted and collaborated with Fig & Olive and the Del Frisco’s Frisco’s Restaurant Group in the past. Now that we have gotten his extensive pedigree out of the way, we can focus on his inspiration.
That would be his mother, Mable, the restaurant’s namesake, who always infused love into her meals. His menu is inspired by his mother’s recipes, with his own special twists and additions.
In explaining the soul of Mable’s Table, Reyes says, “While others collect stamps or knick-knacks, my mother collected hungry hearts—friends, family, strangers down on their luck. Our table was a never-ending banquet of characters, all with stories Mable would listen to as she cooked. She never met a stomach she didn’t want to fill with lovingly-prepared comfort food. It’s what fulfilled her and continues to do so to this day.”
It’s also fulfilling stomachs in Chicago! Their brunch stand-out has to be the Vanilla Crunch French Toast, made with a secret family ingredient. The rest of the menu, however, is just as good. Sweet tooth lover’s will melt over the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and Adele’s Oatmeal Brulee.
If you’re more into savory options, don’t miss their Seasonal Breakfast Risotto, and pair any meal with a side of their Hangover Cheesy Jalapeño Hash Browns. You can thank us later.
Every bite is prepared and presented with love, because, as Reyes says, “It is that love of food and personal connection, home-style cooking, and warm healing celebratory moments that were passed on from Mable’s table at home to me.”
This sentiment of family is evident in every part of the restaurant. In fact, the restaurant houses a table from Mable’s actual kitchen where Chef Anthony, his family and friends would gather. It is a true honor to sit there and dine. But here, any table is the best seat in the house.
For a spring-forward brunch, Chef Reyes brings outdoors, inside, with fresh herb gardens and flower boxes along the walls, many of which are used for cooking and decorating the plates. There’s nothing quite like knowing that “garden to table” is actually a garden you can see. It will make your brunch experience all the more personal and beautiful.
Idyllic for a midmorning meal, Mable’s is also the place to be for an intimate dinner. Chef Reyes’ team uses locally procured ingredients whenever possible, presenting a menu of small plates like an American Country Ham and Cheese Board and Zucchini Carpaccio with lemon olive oil and shaved grana Granao cheese. A renowned favorite at Mable’s is this Porchetta or Lemon Rosemary Chicken. And if it’s Mable’s favorite, you know it’s going to be great.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
All photo credits to Kaleigh Glaza
The post Let’s Do Brunch at Mable’s Table appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.