Only two weekends left to buy a last-minute costume or develop something that requires pedantic explanations throughout evening. This year, I thought I was being original ordering the “It’s Bubbly Champagne” costume, but it turns out that I’ll be looking like a just another common Halloween streetwalker. The $30 dress bears the type of rushed and careless craftsmanship only found within a professional sweatshop. Sigh, First World problems.

(Photo: Carly Fisher)

This weekend’s outlook isn’t looking so sunny, but luckily brunch takes care of two meals to ensure a healthy food coma and denting your favorite spot on the couch.

Brown Trout
(4111 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773.472.4111)
It took awhile, but it seems Brown Trout has finally come to to their senses and are now offering brunch. The restaurant’s brunch menu offers seven sustainable, lunch-heavy options for those who prefer a savory start.

Crepe Crave
(1752 W. North Ave.)
This Wicker Park creperie snuck up as quickly as an afternoon snack attack. And when the crepe craving calls, you cannot deny. Here’s to hoping this west side alternative can hold up against perennial favorite, Icosium, with set-ups in Lincoln Park and Andersonville.

Southport Grocery
(3552 N. Southport Ave.; 773.665.0100)
Among the chores that plague each weekend, grocery shopping is often a painful necessity. Why waste time running around when you can get brunch and shopping done at the same time? Southport Grocery offers a full-brunch menu to snack on some goodies and then conveniently pick up your gourmet staples.

— Carly Fisher