Easter is this Sunday and no matter if you recognize the day for religious reasons or because you love a good chocolate rabbit, there are plenty of ways to allow Easter to be your reason to get out and enjoy spring. Grab your family for brunch or your friends all clad in pastels and celebrate with delicious food and Chicago views. From boozy tea parties to boat rides, and even an eat-your-dessert-at-home option, we have your Sunday covered, bonnet or not.
PINKIES UP FOR EASTER BOOZY TEA AT BAR PENDRY
DATE: Sunday, April 20
PRICE: $65/per person
DETAILS: This Easter Sunday, celebrate spring with an elegant boozy tea service at the two MICHELIN Key boutique hotel Pendry Chicago’s lobby-level cocktail lounge, Bar Pendry. After kicking off the celebrations with a welcome Bellini or Mimosa, enjoy your choice of tea from luxury purveyor, Rare Tea Cellars, plus a lavish, three-tier tea tower loaded with festive sweet and savory bites, including carrot cake with buttercream and pistachios, creamy panna cotta with strawberry and rhubarb, or a spring garden tartlet with spring pea, asparagus, pickled carrot, chèvre and mint. Tea-infused cocktails are available a la carte.
EASTER SUNDAY CRUISE: CELEBRATE THE SEASON ON THE CHICAGO RIVER
DATE: Sunday, April 20
DETAILS: Hop into Easter with a fun-filled outing on the water courtesy of Chicago Boat Company, known for its unique fleet of eco-friendly boats and self-guided cruises. Take in the scenic Chicago River and its iconic views of the city’s historic bridges and breathtaking landmark architecture like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, and more. Choose from boats of all shapes and sizes departing from Marina City Towers, like their spacious Pontoon Boats for up to 10 passengers or a relaxing luxury Duffy Boat cruise for up to 12 passengers. For bigger groups, liven things up with a Party Barge and Cycleboat cruise, perfect celebrations of 16 to 26 passengers, departing from the Riverwalk between the LaSalle and Wells Street bridges. Enjoy the company of family and friends and the freedom of a BYOB setup, allowing you to bring your favorite Easter snacks and drinks while jamming out with onboard Bluetooth speakers.
BUNS, BREAD AND PIE, OH MY! EASTER TREATS FROM PUBLICAN QUALITY BREAD
DATES: Friday, April 18 - Sunday, April 20
DETAILS: If you’re looking for a deliciously sweet treat to enjoy after your Easter feast, look no further than James Beard-award winning baker Greg Wade’s newest lineup of Easter pastries from his bakery, Publican Quality Bread! Pre-orders are now available for pickup over Easter weekend from both locations (West Town and PQB Oak Park).
PQB is honoring Good Friday with a fresh take on classic hot cross buns. Priced at $15 per order, each 9-pack of sweet rolls is flavored with allspice, candied lemon and golden raisins. Finished with a sweet apricot jam glaze, these rolls are baked in a decorative serving mold, making them picture-perfect for your Easter brunch spread. Available for pickup on 4/18.
For Easter Sunday, indulge in Greg’s take on traditional Italian Colomba di Pasqua bread ($40). Similar to a panettone, this light and airy dove-shaped bake symbolizes the peace and the return of spring. Finished with blueberries, almonds and candied lemon, the festive bread feeds five to six people. Available for pickup 4/18 - 4/20.
Rich, creamy, and truly show-stopping, Greg’s Easter Pie features a malted chocolate cookie crust layered with rich malted chocolate cremeux, fluffy peanut butter mousse, and a cloud of Chantilly. Available for pickup on 4/20, this $35 dessert is finished with delicate marbled chocolate shards, ensuring chocolatey goodness in every bite.
CELEBRATE EASTER THE BALKAN WAY AT AMBAR’S UNLIMITED BRUNCH
DATE: Sunday, April 20
DETAILS: This Easter, guests can experience an unforgettable Unlimited Brunch at the newly opened Ambar in River North. Priced at $36.99 per person, the brunch offers a variety of unlimited small plates inspired by Balkan flavors, with the option to add unlimited drinks starting at $14.99. Standout dishes include Cevapi, a Balkan kebab made with house-made beef sausages served with roasted pepper and feta cheese emulsion, Beef Prosciutto Benedict on an English muffin with ajvar hollandaise sauce and classics like Strawberry & Blueberry Waffles and much more. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.
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