The Gwen Luxury Hotel – Chicago Brunch is Sweet, Savory, and Boozy!
Written and Photos by Jessica Lewandowski
I was fortunate enough to be invited to The Gwen Luxury Hotel, in Chicago. One of our past contributors here at Hedonist Shedonist joined me and a group of lovely restaurant influencers to test out The Gwen’s new brunch menu! Anyone can enjoy the brunch. Just head to the Circa Restaurant and Lounge on the fifth floor of this gorgeous hotel. The entire interior of the building was dripping with modern art-deco designs. The lounge was expansive and open, and the dining area was tucked away in a quiet corner across from the bar. Us ladies sat down for what was going to be a very indulgent afternoon!
The brunch menu played off two styles: sweet breakfast foods and massively savory brunch classics. We started our meal with pink, bubbly mimosas! Our first course was laid out in front of us. We had Smoked Salmon Toast, Avocado Toast, Brioche French Toast, and a big bowl of Chilaquiles. My favorite of the bunch was easily the Brioche French Toast, which was piled with Caramelized Bananas, Whipped Cream, and Maple Syrup. This was followed by the Smoked Salmon Toast, but that’s because I’m a huge sucker for lox and cream cheese.
Did I mention there was a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar at The Gwen Luxury Hotel? Oh yes, and it’s not your average DIY bar. Garnishes included an array of Pickled Veggies, Shrimp, Bacon-Seasalt, and a yummy assortment of Hot Sauces. Heck yes!
The ladies and I piled up our bloody marys, and we sat down for course number two. This time, we dined on Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs Benedict, Fried Chicken and Egg Sandwich, and The Gwen’s Signature Sandwich (made with Roasted Pork). Hands down, the best dish on this course was the Fried Chicken and Egg Sandwich. Not only was it packed with a huge piece of crunchy, fried chicken, but it had just the right amount of mayo and juicy pickle chips. Honestly, I was in Heaven. Even the French Fries were perfect. This entire course was slathered in white gravy and runny eggs galore.
Our entire meal at The Gwen Luxury Hotel was scrumptious from start to finish. Although we had a very fun girl’s afternoon, you could easily enjoy a family brunch or even a low-key date before a day of shopping on the Magnificent Mile. The Gwen is located on Rush Street, mere walking distance from Chicago’s iconic shopping scene, theaters, and a slew of downtown tourist attractions. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.