Hotel Baker, 100 W. Main St., St. Charles, 630-584-2100. More is more at this always-crowded brunch destination, where diners belly up to an 80-item buffet. But this isn’t just a place for a mega-meal. Architecture fans and history buffs will relish the setting, a quirky Spanish-Baroque-style structure built in 1928 as a luxury resort. Recently restored to its former grandeur, the Baker is drawing city-weary weekenders, but locals long have appreciated its unique charms, including the balconied Rainbow Room, with a glass-block floor lit from beneath by 2,600 brightly hued bulbs; the adjacent airy Trophy Room, a replica of a Moorish courtyard; and terraces overlooking the Fox River, where Baker guests once glided in Venetian watercraft complete with gondoliers. The classic champagne Sunday buffet includes carving stations, seafood, fresh fruit and pastries. 10:30-2:30 p.m. $19.98 adults, $12.95 children 3-12, or free if accompanied by a paying adult (one free child per adult). Special Easter and Mother’s Day buffets are $26.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 3-12.
Las Bellas Artes, 112 W. Park Ave., Elmhurst, 630-530-7725. Tired of a traditional take on brunch? Chef Gloria Duarte dishes up a sophisticated melange of Mexican specialties, including pork loin smothered with poblano peppers, and marinated venison sauteed with tomatoes and onions and topped with scrambled eggs. Finish with strawberry champagne sorbet. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. A la carte items or $15 prix fixe meal. Special Easter and Mother’s Day menus planned.
Trio, 1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston, 847-733-8746. Brunch is a work of art at Trio, where chef Shawn McClain’s stunning creations delight the eye as well as the palate. Gracious servers will guide you through a three-course prix fixe menu likely to include a warm mushroom and blue cheese strudel or smoked beef tenderloin with truffled eggs. Don’t miss the savory bread pudding with poached egg and foie gras hollandaise. And never mind the calories: You’ll be glad you surrendered to Della Gossett’s dazzling desserts, including the coma-inducing Venezuelan chocolate pave. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. $26. Special Easter and Mother’s Day menus: $38.
