Brunch Bites: Bar Toma and Parts and Labor

In this week's batch of brunch bites, Bar Toma raises the bar on Bloody Marys and Parts and Labor hosts a pumpkin-carving brunch.

 

Step aside, Bloody Mary mason jar and Bloody Mary glassware, the Bloody Mary Tower is the new king of brunch. And it's established its reign at Bar Toma, where boozy new beverage towers are the order of the day during weekend brunch. These group-friendly menu additions are designed to serve four people, bedecked with a piece of pepperoni pizza soaking inside for added flavor and spiciness. Naturally, the Bloody Mary is ideally matched with one of Bar Toma's brunch pizzas, like the "Not Mushroom for Improvement," made with mozzarella, mushrooms, and a fried egg. The tower costs $36 and is available during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.  

Perfectly apropos for fall brunching, Parts and Labor is getting into the festive spirit with a special pumpkin-carving brunch this Sunday, October 25. Taking place from noon until 4:00 p.m., the restaurant will provide the pumpkins. To receive one, attendees need only RSVP here. Between carvings, fuel up on brunch burgers topped with a fried egg, bacon, and vegetables from the Logan Square Farmers' Market. There's also a vegan burger and a vegan tofu scramble, for the meat naysayers. Heads up: if you carve a burger into your pumpkin, there might be a free burger in your future. 

- Matt Kirouac