So, I have some good news and some bad news. But because I prefer ending on a positive note, let’s start with the bad news.

Kinda Bad News

There will be no weekly brunch round-ups or information of any kind for the next two weeks or so on account of I’m going on vacation. Like, the type of vacation that I lose contact with the outside world  (except maybe an emergency contact number for my mother who will lose it if she’s unable to reach me to tell me about something she read in the Trib that was horrible and it could happen to me and did I pay all my bills this month? Do I need any laundry detergent? Why don’t I ever call? and so forth). Wah, wah. But turn that frown upside-down because the next order of business is:

REALLY Good News

Because I flaked out on Easter brunch and also because of aforementioned circumstances, I have compiled a monster brunch guide to Mother’s Day. Everything on this list is for May 9 and as an added bonus for the quintessential brunch day of the year, all listed restaurants are taking reservations (yay!). Seriously, this was a headache and a half, so hopefully you’ll find something you like. And if not, then, well, I guess you have a couple more ideas for where to brunch over the next few weeks.

RESTAURANTS

Prairie Fire
(215 N. Clinton St. | 312.283.8300)
What are we eating?: Pie. Mama Stegner’s pie, specifically. Chef Sarah Stegner will be serving up her mother’s famed banana cream pie as a dessert, along with a prix-fixe brunch menu that includes entrees such as peekytoe crab Benedict with asparagus and citrus hollandaise; crispy chicken schnitzel with potatoes, broccoli and caper-lemon sauce; Parmesan-crusted tilapia with creamed spinach and Three Sisters Garden micro greens; and ancho-marinated skirt steak with mushroom ragoût and potato wedges.
But how much?: $42 for adults; $16 for children 10 and under (tax, gratuity, and beverage not included).
When can we eat?: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Vermillion
(10 W. Hubbard | 312.527.4060)
What are we eating?: While I’m not one to quote a press release, I couldn’t resist as this one was a masterpiece. Wondering if this is aimed at mothers who look up to Joan Crawford? “For the avant-garde mom who does not do buffets; who finds mimosas dull and rolls her eyes at the ubiquitous Mother’s Day offering of a single red rose, but who relishes culinary adventures and the travel that promotes them, Vermilion will present a Globetrotting Gallivant on Sunday, May 9 from noon to 3 p.m.   The six-course, six country, two continent Mother’s Day meal will be a gustatory journey, making stops in Venezuela, India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Argentina and Mexico.”
But how much?: $55 per adult ($90 with wine pairings); $20 for children ages 5-12; free for children 5 and under.
When can we eat?: 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Sepia
(123 N. Jefferson St. | 312.441.1920)
What are we eating?: Sepia serves brunch once in a blue moon (i.e. your standard holiday brunch trinity) and is typically worth catching if you want to treat your mother to something nicer than IHOP (and you do). Chef Andrew Zimmerman will be offering a three-course menu featuring a choice of cider braised pork belly hash with poached farm eggs and sylvetta arugula; baked french toast with caramel mascarpone and blackberry compote; olive oil poached king salmon “nicoise” or locavore “croque madame.”
But how much?: $39 for adults; $20 for children ages 12 and under (exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity).
When can we eat?: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Terzo Piano at the Art Institute of Chicago
(159 East Monroe | 312.443.8650)
What are we eating?: Terzo Piano kicks off their weekly brunch service on Mother’s Day with a three-course menu with entrees like open faced egg sandwich with grilled ramps, wild mushrooms and house made lemon ricotta or steak with poached egg, gorgonzola dolce fonduta and spring vegetables. And because its located in the Art Institute, you have the added bonus of having a post-brunch activity located in a comfortably lazy distance.
But how much?: $35 on Mother’s Day ($30 for the following weeks). Drink pairings for $25.
When can we eat?: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

One sixtyblue
(1400 W. Randolph St. | 312.850.0303)
What are we eating?: This is another one-shot brunch deal (as is being open at all on a Sunday), so take advantage while you can. The restaurant is offering a three-course brunch featuring dishes such as flat iron steak with potato hash, asparagus and horseradish-red wine jus; ricotta and English pea ravioli  with Parmesan gratin; and eggs Benedict with Ibérico ham.
But how much?: $39 per person, with a $12 waffle bar available for children 12 and under
When can we eat?: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Nana
(3267 S. Halsted St. | 312.929.2486)
What are we eating?: Expect Chef Guy Meikle to whip out inventive dishes like orange and agave honey cinnamon rolls with yellow raisins and acai berries; Seedling Farms blueberry beignets with Capriole Farm goat cheese and peppercress; and Laughing Bird shrimp and morel mushroom crepes with fava beans, roasted spring onions and spicy shrimp cream. And if Mother Nature doesn’t screw over mothers everywhere with a rainy day, Nana will open up their 40-seat patio for some al fresco brunch action.
But how much?: A la carte; $10 range.
When can we eat?: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Hub 51
(51 W. Hubbard | 312.828.0051)
What are we eating?: Brunch buffet, the way Mother’s Day should be, featuring: smoked salmon; short ribs benedict; Belgian waffles; sushi buffet; dessert station; and circling mimosa and Bloody Mary carts ($6 each).
But how much?: $30 for adults; $15 for children 12 and under; free for children 4 and under
When can we eat?: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Sunda
(110 W. Illinois St. | 312.644.0500)
What are we eating?: Sunda’s new brunch menu, which launches on Mother’s Day. Expect South Pacific and Asian touches to classic brunch items such as the tempura French toast (this topped the list at the media tasting two weeks ago).
But how much?: A la carte; $12-15 range
When can we eat?: 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

Custom House Tavern
(500 S. Dearborn St. | 312.523.0200)
What are we eating?: A three-course brunch bonanza featuring entrees such as brioche French toast with Cara Cara orange and vanilla bean batter; arctic char with chickpea spaetzle, English peas, marcona almond and meyer lemon; or Wagyu beef sirloin “Grillade” style with fried farm egg, yellow corn grits. Added bonus: complimentary mimosas for ma. Awww.
But how much?: $32 for adults; $15 for children 12 and under (exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity)
When can we eat?: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Big Jones
(5347 N. Clark St. | 773.275.5725)
What are we eating?: Does it even matter? Everything at Big Jones is delicious, so who cares? That said, the restaurant is adding a few yummy specials including local asparagus and scallion quiche; roasted spring mushrooms and poached farm eggs with hominy-cheese grits; and Carolina golden eggs, poached farm eggs with roasted artichokes, fried oysters, Carolina golden rice grits and lemon hollandaise. All moms receive the obligatory glass of Champagne, but they’re also throwing in a box of house-made praline, truffle and toffee candies as a parting gift (someone must really love their mother!).
But how much?: A la carte; $10-15 range
When can we eat?: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Sola
(3868 N. Lincoln | 773.327.3868)
What are we eating?: Hawaiian brunch from Chef Carol Wallack, featuring entrees like the hame and cheese French toast with mustard honey and plum preserves. But wait! There’s more! The first 150 moms to dine at sola score a C.O. Bigelow gift bag (FYI: that doesn’t relinquish your duties to get her something nice).
But how much?: A la carte; $10 range
When can we eat?: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Eve
(840 N. Wabash Ave. | 312.266.3383)
What are we eating?: Three courses of all-American greatness (like, fresh-off-the-farm American greatness, not Denny’s classics) featuring entrees such a bitter orange and cured salmon Benedict with poached eggs, caramelized fennel and béarnaise sauce; asparagus quiche with smoked  Swiss cheese, leeks and balsamic gastrique; or duck hash with farro, ramps,  guanciale, kale and pickled red onions.
But how much?: $40 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
When can we eat?: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Markethouse
(611 N. Fairbanks Ct. | 312.224.2200)
What are we eating?: Thumbs up to the classic buffet featuring entrees wtih products straight from the farm such as eggs Benedict with Swan Creek eggs or the cream cheese and snipped chive stuffed pancakes with a side of Warm Oak Aged Vermont maple syrup and applewood smoked bacon.
But how much?: $35 for adults; $15 for children 10 and under (exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity).
When can we eat?: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

HOTELS

flickr.com/toestubber

Lobby and Avenues at The Peninsula
(108 E. Superior St. | 312.573.6695)
What are we eating?: Might as well start with the creme de la creme. What aren’t we eating? One of a handful of bourgie brunch buffets, expect only top-of-the-line decadence at each of the stations. Seriously, there’s an entire station just for meatloaf alone, featuring a fois gras and truffle meatloaf. Yeah, pretty sure my mom never made this. That said, I would LOVE to join you if you happen to want to pay for another friend to come.
But how much?: $125 for adults (ouch);$30 for children 12 years and under
When can we eat?: You best have reservations. Seatings available from 10:30a.m.-6:30 pm.

Elate at Hotel Felix
(111 W. Huron St. | 312.447.3440)
What are we eating?: Kinda a la carte, kinda buffet, this one wins the award for Most Complicated Ordering System but also wins Cheapest Hotel Brunch Buffet. It’s kind of like when Sandra Bullock walked away with the Oscar for Best Actress only days after winning a Razzie. A la carte options are at least plentiful, including: steak and eggs with short rib, potato cake and béarnaise; French toast with limoncello sabayon, blueberries and crème fraiche; and crème brulee pancakes with vanilla, caramelized sugar and berries, to name a few. A couple of stations will also be nearby for extra snacking.
But how much?: $29
When can we eat?: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m

WAVE at the W-Lakeshore
(644 N. Lake Shore Dr. | 312.255.4460)
What are we eating?: A brunch buffet that won’t break the bank — or your expectations: biscuits and sawmill gravy; brioche French toast with lemon curd; huevos rancheros with housemade queso fresco and corn tortillas; and beer-brined fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits. Those are just the entrees. The desserts are all kinds of dangerous with an entire bananas Foster station and a decorate-your-own cupcake stand.
But how much?: $35 for adults; children 12 and under pay their age (if only we were forever young!)
When can we eat?: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Lockwood at the Palmer Hilton
(17 E. Monroe St. | 312.917.3404)
What are we eating?: Brunch buffet, naturally. Mother’s Day brunch buffets are kind of a hotel tradition, like early bird specials. Mostly, I’m disappointed that Phillip Foss hasn’t included any dishes with Asian Carp. Otherwise, the rest of the menu looks solid: Harbor point smoked salmon; asparagus, portobello mushroom, tri color peppers, endive; pan seared duck tangerine with fresh ginger; spring Japanese butternut squash ravioli, first press olive oil, sage — just to name a few.
But how much?: $55 for adults; $45 for seniors; $25 for children ages 6 -12; children under 6 are free (prices are exclusive of tax and gratuity). An 18% gratuity will be charged for parties of 6 or more people.
When can we eat?: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m

Balsan at The Elysian
(11 E. Walton St.  | 312.646.1400)
What are we eating?: Balsan is skipping the run-of-the-mill Mother’s Day buffets, opting for a three-course menu instead. Expect dishes like steak and eggs with potatoes and arugula; goat cheese and truffle preserves omelets with house-made french fries; and brioche French toast with strawberries and lime cream. Throwing in what seems to be the best bonus for mothers, Balsan will be handing out $50 gift certificates good for any 60-minute treatment Elysian Spa & Health Club to all mothers who dine at the restaurant.
But how much?: $38
When can we eat?: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

David Burke’s Primehouse at The James Hotel
(616 N. Rush St. | 312.660.6000)
What are we eating?: Brunch in a box. Chef Rick Gresh will have a special bento box just for Mother’s Day, featuring a potato benedict nest with diced ham and a poached egg, house smoked salmon Caesar salad with crispy capers, buttermilk fried chicken drumsticks with cabbage slaw, and baby lobster bisque and an angry lobster dumpling with lemon.
But how much?: $23, as well as a la carte Bloody Mary carafes, juices and cocktails
When can we eat?: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Zest at Hotel Intercontinental
(505 N. Michigan Ave. | 312.944.4100)
What are we eating?: More bang for your buck. Given that the sashimi and sushi at Zest will most likely quality ranked several notches above your average sushi buffet, you’ve already have most of your value back at the sushi station alone. But entrees like grilled veal medallions with wild mushroom sauce and spinach or roasted halibut topped with gremolata and served with white bean-chorizo stew really make it worth the extra bones.
But how much?: $49 for adults (includes a complimentary mimosa); $20 for children
When can we eat?: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Aja at The Dana Hotel and Spa
(660 N. State St. | 312.202.6050)
What are we eating?: A taste of Asia (and maybe a Benedict). Skipping the buffet line, Aja is offering a three-course menu featuring Asian-inspired dishes like char sui pork buns; grilled shrimp cobb salad with Japanese ranch dressing; or keeping things classic with a good ol’ fashioned eggs benny with house-made English muffins, Neuskie’s Canadian bacon and hollandaise.
But how much?: $35 (excluding tax, beverages and gratuity)
When can we eat?: 10:30a.m.-3:00p.m

CRUISIN’

flickr.com/clevercupcakes

Odyssey Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise
(866.305.2469)
What are we eating?: Cruises are really more about the experience than the food (especially if you’re prone to sea-sickness, you know that won’t be staying down for long). But the menu here isn’t bad at all: black pepper crusted sirloin; mojito salmon and tilapia; house-grilled Belgian waffles and a chocolate fountain (statistically, mom’s love chocolate. It’s a fact). Odyssey will also treat moms to a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa and a rose.
But how much?: $64.90 for adults; children ages 3 – 12  are half-price; free for children 2 and under
When can we eat?: EARLY: Board 9:30a.m., Cruise 10:00 a.m.-12:00p.m.; AFTERNOON: Board 1:30p.m., Cruise 2:00p..m.-4:00p.m.

Spirit of Chicago Mother’s Day Brunch
(866.273.2469)
What are we eating?: A brunch buffet, of course. Mostly a two-hour cruise, but there is food: apple smoked bacon, Thai BBQ sirloin of beef, freshly baked muffins and Danish pastries and making mom feel like the lady she is, Spirit will be handing out spring flowers and a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa.
But how much?: $59.90 for adults; children ages 3 – 12  are half-price; free for children 2 and under
When can we eat?: Board 11:00 a.m., Cruise 11:30a.m.–1:30p.m.

Mystic Blue Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise
(877.299.7783)
What are we eating?: I love this one mostly because of the name: Mystic Blue. I have this image going through my mind of cruising across the lakescape to unchartered waters only a mile or two offshore. It’s magical, really. Brunch buffet featuring cheddar cheese omelets, Aloha roasted brisket (well, hello) and Mystic Seafood Boats (ooh!).
But how much?: $54.90 for adults; children ages 3 – 12  are half-price; free for children 2 and under
When can we eat?: Board 11:00 a.m., Cruise 11:30a.m.–1:30p.m.

What? Still not enough? Really? Check out last year’s guide.