Before we delve into this weekend’s nutrition facts, I want to apologize for the recent content hold up. Since everyone is hibernating now that we have entered the time of frigid darkness, no one wants to leave the house — let alone bed — to grab food. Of course, there are still plenty of weekend brunch spots with revamped seasonal menus, so minimal CBB updates are technically not a result of shitty weather.

It’s going to be a long winter (Photo: Carly Fisher)

Confession time: two weekends ago, I made the conscious decision to watch all five seasons of Lost before the premiere in February. Obviously, this has sent me into a bit of a k-hole, with at least three deliberate cancellations for social events because of a gripping cliff hanger (there are just so many of them!).  Don’t believe me? I watched 13 consecutive hours last Sunday alone. Stop judging me.

Fear not, there are lots of great things in store. Funk/web master, Mark Hauge, is leisurely working on a new layout for the site. A post-NYE 2010 brunch guide is on the way. More chefs with great tips on how to rework leftovers. And what would this site be without more banal anecdotes? 

And so, without further ado, your weekend brunch guide.

High “C” Holiday Brunch at C-House
(Affinia Hotel, 166 E. Superior; 312.523.0923)
If your office does not play WNUA’s robotic Christmas jingle on repeat for a solid month, then you’re probably thrilled about the holidays! Get a jump start at C-House’s High “C” Brunch, featuring a prix-fixe menu of nostalgia-inspired items catered to adult tastes. Score a cocktail and three-course brunch for $25, featuring entrees such as gingerbread pancakes, seared trout or pork belly with poached eggs and raclette. Mimosas, Bloody Marys and sparking wine flowing at $5 a glass. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Sparkling Sunday Brunch at Chaise Lounge
(1840 W. North Ave.; 773.342.1840)
Let’s not fool ourselves here. The Miami-esque decor will never replace an 80-degree beach during a standard Chicago winter. But after a couple of drinks and Chef Cary Taylor’s Cuban Croque Madam, it might feel slightly less oppressive. Brunch served Sunday 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Petterino’s
(150 N. Dearborn St.; 312.422.0150)
Most of us downtown commuters adamantly avoid the Loop on weekends to skip any reminder of the work week plague. But Petterino’s weekend brunch menu might make you change your mind for one Sunday. What have you been missing? Crispy chicken hash with poached egg,  Alaskan king crab omelets and blueberry ricotta pancakes with lemon curd. ‘Nuff said. Brunch served Sunday 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

— Carly Fisher