Brunch Bites: Balena, Tapworks, and Baderbrau

In this week's batch of brunch bites, Balena launches an epic-sounding brunch program and Tapworks partners with Baderbrau Brewing Company for brunch specials.
 

Balena
Crespelle with roasted grapes at Balena; photo credit: Eric Kleinberg



The folks behind The Bristol, GT Fish & Oyster, Formento's, and Perennial Virant know what they're doing when it comes to first-rate brunch. So it's not surprising at all that they've cooked up another stellar brunch program at Balena, the latest restaurant to join the brunch fray from B. Hospitality and Boka Restaurant Group. With chef Chris Pandel at the helm, you can bet your ass this is a brunch menu not to miss, featuring a wide array of Italian-tinged offerings like a porchetta sandwich with tomato jam, fried egg, and avocado; a sweet crespelle with mascarpone and roasted grapes; charred bean pole Beneidct with Balena hollandaise and tigelle; and basil panzanella with poached egg, grilled zucchini, and braised kale. Also, Balena now offerings extra opportunity to partake in their famed pizzas, in the form of brunchy options like a smoked salmon version with creme fraiche and capers, or one strewn with peaches, goat cheese, and pancetta. Balena even goes so far as to offer a solid kids' menu, featuring pasta, pizza, grilled cheese, and a pizza-themed Mad Lib. Brunch cocktails, wines, sides, salads, and pasta round out the menu for adults. Brunch is served Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 

 

Tapworks
Brunch with a side of beer at Tapworks



In boozier brunch news, Tapworks Tavern & Grill has partnered with Baderbrau Brewing Company for a month-long "Brunch & Brews" promo, wherein every weekend throughout October features a special Baderbrau beer pairing with exclusive brunch dishes. These offerings include Baderbrau Oktoberfest paired with beer-braised corned beef hash, tater tots, caramelized onions, peppers, fried eggs, and toast; Baderbrau Chicago Pilsner paired with a sunny side-up burger with crispy pork belly, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions; and the Baderbrau Lawnmower Lager paired with a fried egg sandwich made with bacon, cheddar, sriracha aioli, and tomato on multi-grain bread. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. 

- Matt Kirouac

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