The Chicago Traveler

Ah, family. There is a saying that goes… “Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.” We here at the Travel & Culture Channel are celebrating our nutty families this month. And while my own family may seem especially eccentric at times, I still love them nonetheless.

For several years, my paternal family would gather for breakfast every Sunday at Orbit Restaurant and Lounge (2954 N Milwaukee Ave). I think my grandparents liked it mostly because it served a primarily Polish cuisine… and because they had “clean bathrooms.” I remember this is where my affinity for eating lemons began as a kid, and where one of my white dress shirts had an unfortunate incident with a pile of blueberry pancakes.

However, the restaurant has since closed down and been replaced by a bank. Now, when my family gets together for breakfast (during the holiday season), we head to Ann Sather on Belmont, which just recently moved a few doors down from its old location. Their holiday menu is just a sample of their regular one, but it’s just as good. In fact, no matter what time of year, you may have trouble finding an open table on weekends.

Famous for their breakfast dishes, Ann Sather serves up Swedish pancakes with lingonberries and Swedish potato pancakes with applesauce. And while the food here has a Scandinavian touch, there are plenty of familiar favorites, including a variety of omelettes and eggs benedict options (tomato, crab cake, turkey, smoked salmon, traditional…). Dishes are served with your choice of hash browns, fresh fruit, or muffin… but everyone who’s here comes for the celebrated gigantic cinnamon rolls, an excellent sticky, sugary wake-up treat. I guarantee you it is impossible to eat both of these and finish your meal. You may as well ask for a carry-out bag before you even begin eating.

I’ve also been there (sans family) for dinner, when Ann Sather offers hearty entrees including roast duck, broiled salmon, and—you guessed it—Swedish meatballs. If you have any room left, it will be quickly filled by the rich double-fudge brownies, a must-have for any chocolate fan.

Now that I think about it, my family is probably like an Ann Sather cinnamon roll – big, sweet, and often more than I can handle.

Photo credit: Captivate.Photography, Don Gardner, gadgetgirl

Ann Sather ($): 909 W Belmont Ave; 773-348-2378
Mon – Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sat – Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free parking lot (!) down the alley a few doors to the west
Public trans: Bus # 8, 22, 77 or Brown/Purple/Red Line train (Belmont)
http://annsather.com/