According to the just-released results of the International Restaurant & Hotel Awards, we’re up there. Today the organization announced the winners of the best city, region, and country recipients. Jim and Liz “Baroness” Baron’s Blue Mesa took third place in the Best Brunch Value category while Fearing’s snagged second place in the Best Brunch Luxury category. Here’s the whole list of winners.
My typical Sunday Brunch is at Brooklyn Jazz Cafe on South Lamar which comes with live music, today’s being a terrific classic jazz set—singer, piano, base, guitar… no cover, carafes of mimosas or Kir Royales 9.95-10.95 (!) and omelettes the size of handbags filled with original combos served w/ wonderful spicy potatoes (or grits) and fruit… all $10ish. Great service, welcoming atmosphere and Chicago edgey undertone. All within the context of female African American / Cuban owner Lorna Tate’s diverse and gracious 2008 ambience.