Brunch Bites: Riva and River Roast

In this week's batch of brunch bites, Riva rolls out weekend brunch and River Roast implements brunch service. 

(Riva's Bloody Mary)

If there's anything that can provide impetus to visit Navy Pier on the weekends and endure the heinous melee of tourists, it's the siren song of brunch. Notably, Riva Crab House has rolled out weekend brunch service, featuring an array of American brunch classics with a tip of the toque to nautical stalwarts. Available from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, the menu showcases the handiwork of chef Luigi Garcia, cooking up dishes such as steak and eggs, crab cake Benedict, lobster corn bisque, calamari, and stuffed French toast. Oh and there's also an ample Bloody Mary bar for all your hangover needs. 

Hot on the heels of their grandiose opening, River Roast wastes no time rolling out brunch service. Starting this weekend, you can get your fill of riverside brunch courtesy of Tony Mantuano and John Hogan. The menu is just as rustic and American as the dinner fare, featuring items such as rabbit and waffles, shrimp and grits, red wine-poached eggs, lobster terrine, and something called hangover soup made with pork shoulder, dried chilies, and hominy. There's also oystes, large roasts of chicken, fish, and beef, and cocktails like beermosas and Bloodys garnished with cracklins. 

- Matt Kirouac