Double Brunch Attack x IHOP x Ann Sather

Admittedly, brunch is probably my favorite meal of the day. Two reasons: One,  simply because it's situated between late morning and early afternoon -- the ideal hour to crawl out of bed. Two, brunch food is the best food there is. I'm a huge fan. So here I am - after missing in action for over a month - is finally back to share some of my interesting weekend brunch finds in the Chicago neighborhood.

First up, the International House of Pancakes...

"Being the "INTERNATIONAL" house of pancakes, they better be mind-flippin' pancakes" was the thought before embarking on the IHOP experience. All I can say is that they really do know how to make some kick-ass buttermilk pancakes... on top of the other great breakfast selection.

Split Decision Breakfast, price not listed online [I want to say it's slightly under $9 before tax]
Everything comes in twos: two eggs (got mine scrambled, of course) + two bacon strips + two pork sausages + two french toast triangles + two buttermilk pancakes
I can't mention enough how great this is for first-timers cause it lets you try almost everything! -- Almost like a sampler plate (sort of).

Spinach & Mushroom Omelette, price not listed online
Just showing you what my brunch buddy got. You get to choose a side with your omelette with either the three pancakes, hash browns, toast or mixed fruit. And of course, she had to get the pancakes!

With the food + tax + we each got coffee and tea + tip totals up to about $13 a head.

Find IHOP!

Category: Breakfast/brunch

Website: ihop.com - IHOP® Restaurants‎

Location:
3760 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613

Let's keep it rolling with the next place -- Ann Sather, which is a 5-minute walk from the Belmont red-line station (two thumbs up for the location convenience). I have not heard of this charming little breakfast place before this visit. And I'm surprised at the fact that I waited so long to be introduced to it. But all in all, it has become the my go-to place for cinnamon rolls -- a strictly childhood guilty pleasure of mine.

Warning: It's a legit eggs benedict fiesta up in this joint.

(Top) Traditional Benedict, $10.95
Poached Eggs, Country Ham and Hollandaise Sauce
(Middle) Steak & Eggs Benedict, $12.95
Poached Eggs, Sliced Tenderloin and Hollandaise Sauce
(Bottom) Smoked Salmon Benedict, $12.95
Poached Eggs, Norwegian Salmon, Fresh Dill and Hollandaise Sauce

If you're curious, I ordered the Traditional Benedict because I'm old-fashioned. The eggs benedict were nothing exceptionally mind-blowing, but it's good benedict. One thing to note: One of my friend's poached egg was overcooked, which was quite the let down. The only redemption to that epic fail is the fact that she eats around the yolk!

Two Cinnamon Rolls, $3.95
Now this is something special. I will not taint your expectations with words. All I can say is if you ever dine at Ann Sather, you'd be a fool to not give this a go! Since we each ordered a main, the meal comes with a selection of two sides of your choice. All of us picked the cinnamon rolls! But if you were to order it a la carte, it's $3.95 for two pieces.

The total bill sets us back to about $40. So under $15 per head.

Find Ann Sather!

Category: Breakfast/brunch

Website: Ann Sather Restaurants and Catering

Location:
909 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

xx
Carmen