Discovering Culinary Bliss: A Brunch Experience at Prairie Grass Cafe
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the savory scent of sizzling bacon, momentarily distracting me from the intense wave of morning sickness. “How am I going to eat this?” I wondered, gazing at the exquisite plate before me. I was seated at Prairie Grass Cafe, nestled in the charming Chicago suburb of Northbrook, joined by my friend Marina. It was an internal battle, trying to convince myself that I should, and could, enjoy this meal. As any mother knows, the first trimester often brings an aversion to almost anything edible. My first pregnancy had been kinder; the nausea would subside by noon. This time, however, the discomfort was an all-day affair, leaving me reliant on bland toast and crackers.
Yet, what lay before me was a symphony of colors and textures, a culinary masterpiece far removed from my usual bland fare – and a million times more appealing. The moment my lips touched the rich, velvety hollandaise sauce, light and fresh like a whispered secret on a Shakespearean summer night, the morning sickness vanished. A wave of pure joy washed over me, and my heart truly smiled. This, I thought, is the magic of great food; it has the power to transcend discomfort and elevate the spirit.
Prairie Grass Cafe: A North Shore Gem
Known as one of the North Shore’s most beloved weekend brunch destinations, Prairie Grass Cafe stands out not only for its exceptional dishes but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Marina and I had been graciously invited to explore some of their most celebrated brunch offerings. Accepting the invitation proved to be a pivotal decision; I instantly fell head over heels for their Eggs Benedict, and the rest, as they say, is history. It’s a place where every meal feels like a celebration, a testament to quality, flavor, and conscientious dining.
Prairie Grass Cafe is the brainchild of renowned Chef/Partners Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris. This culinary duo is supported by a dedicated family team, including Sarah’s husband, restaurateur Rohit Nambiar, who contributes to the daily operations, and Sarah’s mother, Elizabeth Stegner, whose delightful pies grace the dessert menu. Chef Stegner, a prominent figure in Chicago’s culinary scene, also serves on the board of directors for the Green City Market. Her culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in sourcing the finest seasonal ingredients available. This commitment has led her to forge strong, meaningful partnerships with small, regional family farms, ensuring the restaurant consistently receives fresh, in-season produce throughout the year. This farm-to-table approach is not just a trend for Prairie Grass Cafe; it’s a foundational principle that defines their menu and distinguishes their flavors.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Stegner. I was immediately struck by her humble demeanor and uncompromising honesty. It was evident that Chef Stegner is dedicated to remaining true to herself, both as a chef and as an individual—a quality I have come to deeply admire and appreciate over time. Her passion for ethical sourcing and culinary integrity shines through in every aspect of the dining experience at Prairie Grass Cafe.
An Ambiance That Feels Like Home
Upon entering Prairie Grass Cafe, my first impression was its remarkable blend of being run by a family and feeling like a true family-friendly haven. The interior exudes warmth and comfort. The lighting is soft and inviting, perfectly complementing the impressive wooden panels that adorn the walls. Classic, comfortable furniture is thoughtfully arranged, and a homely fireplace adds a welcoming glow, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. It’s a space designed to make diners feel instantly at ease, fostering a sense of community and relaxed enjoyment. Every detail, from the decor to the lighting, contributes to an ambiance that invites you to linger and savor the experience.
Brunch with a Soundtrack: Live Jazz Performances
To make brunch even more enchanting, Prairie Grass Cafe hosts live jazz performances on the first Saturday of every month, delighting guests from 10 am to 2 pm. We were incredibly fortunate to experience this special touch, enjoying our meal to the backdrop of soulful melodies. Brunch and live jazz? It’s an irresistible combination I’d gladly embrace any day of the week, not just on Saturdays! The vibrant music adds an extra layer of enjoyment, transforming a wonderful meal into a truly memorable event. It’s these thoughtful additions that elevate the Prairie Grass Cafe experience beyond mere dining.
A Menu Designed for Every Palate
The Prairie Grass Cafe (PGC) brunch menu is a testament to culinary creativity, featuring an impressive array of specialty options designed to satisfy every craving. For those seeking hearty and robust flavors, there’s the Ancho Marinated Skirt Steak, expertly served with eggs, perfectly seasoned breakfast potatoes, and a choice of toast. Another enticing option is the vibrant Chiliquiles, generously topped with eggs, creamy guacamole, and refreshing sour cream. And, of course, the renowned Prairie Breakfast, a signature dish featuring farm-fresh eggs alongside homemade ancho chile sausage, is a must-try for any hungry foodie on a brunch mission. Each dish promises a delightful adventure for the taste buds, crafted with care and high-quality ingredients.
For guests preferring lighter, yet equally flavorful options, the Egg White Omelet offers a refreshing choice. This omelet is packed with an assortment of fresh vegetables including mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, sweet onions, and crisp green peppers, all crowned with creamy avocado and zesty pico de gallo. It’s a guaranteed delicious and wholesome start to the day. The menu’s diversity ensures that whether you’re craving something rich and savory or light and fresh, Prairie Grass Cafe has something exceptional to offer.
To kick things off, my friend Marina ordered a matcha latte. Her verdict? Absolutely delicious! It was the perfect invigorating start to our culinary journey.
The Art of Benedicts: A Classic Reimagined
The Benedict section of the PGC brunch menu is a highlight, offering four enticing variations of this beloved classic. There’s the Signature PGC Benedict, a sophisticated creation featuring sautéed spinach, savory crumbled bacon, and a roasted tomato hollandaise sauce that adds a unique depth of flavor. For seafood lovers, the Smoked Salmon Benedict combines delicate salmon with a perfectly toasted English muffin and classic hollandaise. Health-conscious diners will appreciate the low-calorie Portobello Mushroom Benedict, which cleverly substitutes the English muffin with two panko-crusted portobello mushrooms, offering a delightful texture and earthy flavor. And then there’s the Traditional Benedict, served with Canadian bacon and the quintessential hollandaise. To truly gauge PGC’s mastery, I chose the latter, eager to experience their rendition of this timeless dish.
If I had to describe the PGC Traditional Benedict in a single word, it would undeniably be “wow.” I’ve enjoyed my share of Benedicts over the years, and often, the richness of the hollandaise can be overwhelming. However, this experience was strikingly different. The sauce was incredibly silky and supple, remarkably lighter than the poached egg itself. It was a golden river of fresh lemon and butter flavors, uncompromising in its elegant simplicity, and so delicious it could be savored on its own. Each component—the perfectly poached eggs, the savory Canadian bacon, and the toasted English muffin—was elevated by this extraordinary hollandaise, creating a harmonious and unforgettable bite.
Omelets Elevated: Beyond Expectations
My friend Marina was in the mood for an omelet, and just like me, she was delightfully spoiled for choice. The omelet section of the PGC brunch menu offers five distinct options. The Open-Faced Smoked Salmon omelet, featuring cream cheese and fresh scallions, promised a delicate and savory experience. The Mediterranean omelet, with its blend of feta, tomato, spinach, and onion, sounded like a refreshing journey to the coast. For a more classic American flavor, the Denver omelet included smoked ham, sharp cheddar, onion, and green pepper. The Local Omelet celebrated regional produce with farmer’s eggs, robust River Valley Ranch mushrooms, and creamy goat cheese. And for those with specific preferences, the “Create Your Own Omelet” option allowed for a choice of three personalized ingredients. In the end, Marina opted for the elegant open-faced smoked salmon variety.
This omelet was a revelation, benefiting immensely from a generous helping of high-quality smoked salmon. The salmon offered a subtle smoky flavor and aroma, with a fresh, meaty texture that was utterly delightful. I’m not typically one to rave about an omelet, but this was far more than just a breakfast dish; it was a genuine work of art. It showcased an unwavering commitment to authentic flavors and a clear desire to achieve culinary perfection. The superior quality of the ingredients shone through, culminating in a truly memorable omelet tasting experience that set a new standard for a dish often considered simple.
Sweet Endings: Desserts That Enchant
Despite my usual sweet tooth, on this particular occasion, I was a bit apprehensive about indulging further, fearing a resurgence of my morning sickness. Yet, the allure of one of PGC’s most highly recommended desserts—the lemon ricotta pancakes—proved irresistible. These pancakes were a marvel: perfectly tangy and sweet, yet astonishingly light. Served with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup and a dollop of whipped butter, they quite literally melted in my mouth. The fragrant notes of fresh lemon permeated the air, creating an invigorating aroma that compelled me to take another bite, and then another. I’ve made and tasted lemon ricotta pancakes before, but these were unequivocally among the best I have ever tried. Their pillowy consistency was spot on, while the lemon flavor was pure, unmistakable, and beautifully balanced, far from overwhelming. Simply exquisite!
To culminate our magnificent brunch, my friend and I decided to share a vanilla bean crème brûlée. Talk about pure decadence!
The moment my spoon broke through the perfectly crunchy, caramelized crust, I was transported to flavor heaven. The crème brûlée beneath was profoundly deep and rich, lusciously smooth, and an absolute joy to all the senses. Each spoonful delivered an intense burst of authentic vanilla bean, perfectly balanced by the sweet, burnt sugar. My husband, a lifelong aficionado of crème brûlée, would have undoubtedly adored this masterpiece, too. It was a flawless execution of a classic dessert, leaving a lasting impression of sophisticated sweetness.
A Lasting Impression of Excellence
Our brunch experience at Prairie Grass Cafe was nothing short of exceptional. We left the establishment with comfortably full stomachs and truly happy hearts. As I’ve often said, great food has an unparalleled ability to elevate my mood, and this occasion was certainly no exception. Despite my initial reluctance, which quickly transformed into enthusiastic commitment after the first delightful course, I completely forgot about my morning sickness. Instead, I reveled in a wonderful time with my friend, savoring each meticulously crafted dish, enjoying the captivating live jazz music, and experiencing the impeccable service. My admiration for Prairie Grass Cafe began with that exquisite hollandaise sauce, and I sincerely hope my love for this remarkable dining destination continues for many years to come.
*Disclaimer: While I received a complimentary tasting to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.