Was this week as long for you as it was for me? This is what happens when you have a vitamin D deficiency on account of living in a gray winter wasteland. Moving the limelight away from another exciting episode of Carly’s Irrelevant Health Issues, it’s back to focusing on more important issues: brunch. But first, a quick moment of Lost coffee talk: What if Sayid if alive on account of Jacob possessing his body a la evil John Locke? Will parallel world Jack be less annoying than castaway Jack? And why won’t they kill off resident Island ho, Kate? dun dun dun LOST. Stick that on your English muffin and eat it.

Saturday is so close, yet so far away (Photo: Carly Fisher)

Here we are, back in the saddle again with another weekend of plowing through a bottle of aspirin and resorting to the loving embrace of a fluffy omelet. So many brunch spots, so little time. Here is where to brunch this weekend.

Hangover bento boxes at David Burke
When word leaked of Rick Gresh’s plans to unveil a new bento brunch menu at David Burke’s Primehouse (616 N. Rush St., 312.660.6000), I could hardly contain my excitement. Soft launched only a couple of weeks ago, the menu looks even better than expected. In addition to the Hangover Bento, there are six other themed boxes, including the curiously enticing Mystery Bento, in which you place your faith in Gresh’s ability to wow and dazzle. And if you hate it, tough cookies! Free will is a bitch. According to CBB reader, Jennifer S., “new bento box menu = yum!” so chances are it won’t be a problem.

Chaise Lounge out, The Southern in
Southern Florida should just secede from the Confederacy. Having spent most of my early years in Southern Florida, it’s completely understandable why no one would associate Miami with the South. Have you seen Cops? Even the breed of redneck is completely different. Chaise Lounge drops the Miami schtick, but keeps the menu south of the Mason-Dixon Line under new guise, The Southern (1840 W. North Ave., 773.342.1840), which starts brunch this Sunday. Menu highlights include shrimp and grits, chicken and biscuits and Ode to the Waffle House, a gourmet take on Waffle House classic Bert’s Chili featuring hand cut fries, venison chili, roasted tomato, red beans and cheese. Let’s hope it fulfills my Waffle House fantasy.

Come Schmear: Bagel on Damen
If you have been keeping this Wicker Park bagel shop on the back burner for fear of another run-of-the-mill lox sandwich — get over it! Sure, Bagel on Damen (1252 N. Damen Ave., 773.772.2243) has your standard fare, but they also offering a nice mish mosh of unconventional toppers like shitake and rosemary or white truffle and toasted pine nut spreads. Sandwiches hit close to the CBB home, including a trilogy of The Breakfast sandwiches (I, II, and “The Iggy”), The French Toast and The Brunch (!): an egg salad sandwich with tomato and greens on your choice of bagel. L’chaim.

Yelling at your television: Super Bowl Sunday
I don’t care about sports, sorry.

Free things: Denny’s
It’s like my birthday and Thanksgiving and tax refund day all at once!  FREE FREAKING BRUNCH. Yes, you heard right. Pedestrian brunch staple, Denny’s, is offering a free Original Grand Slam on Tuesday, February 9 from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The only downer is making it to the nearest Denny’s — and it ain’t close: Oak Park, Norridge, Melrose Park, i.e. not do-able for this CTA rider.

— Carly Fisher