Dining Out: Santa is ready to eat, ‘Wicked’ cocktails and more
For a guy with so much on his figurative plate, Santa sure does get around to share literal plates. He’s got plans for breakfast, brunch, high tea and dinner around the suburbs coming up. You can also quench your thirst for all things “Wicked” with cocktails inspired by the movie at Bonefish Grill locations.
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa has a number of suburban stops planned in the next couple of weekends to help him bulk up for the tasks ahead.
• You can grab breakfast with that right jolly old elf at Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace Fridays and Saturdays for the next two weekends, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, meet Santa and capture a family photo against the backdrop of Drury Lane’s 20-foot Christmas tree. Breakfasts are $45 for adults and $30 for kids 5-12. He’s also making a dinner stop Wednesday, Dec. 18. Carolers will perform holiday songs while you enjoy your favorite holiday dishes and a cookie decorating station. The festivities start at 5 p.m. and are $55 for adults and $30 for kids 5-12.
• Next stop St. Charles for holiday high tea with Santa at The Graceful Ordinary on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Enjoy an assortment of house-made sweets and canapés, unique tea blends and coffee. A holiday themed cocktail is available for purchase. You’ll also get a photo op with Santa on his big, red sleigh and go home with a gift from TGO. Tickets can be purchased via Resy for $66 for adults and $42 for kids 3-12.
• Fat Rosie’s in Naperville is hosting its annual brunch with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Get a complimentary photo while enjoying brunch and festive holiday music. Try their special holiday Mistletoe Margarita while you’re there.
• It’s brunch season at Wonderverse in Oak Brook, and they’ve got a couple still to come before Christmas. This Sunday, Dec. 15, they’ll host a Ghostbusters brunch, where you can make slime and meet the Windy City Ghostbusters while enjoying food, cocktails and other themed activities. Then, on Sunday, Dec. 22, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves will be in with plenty of holiday cheer.
Which witch, pink or green?
Can’t get enough of “Wicked”? Head to Bonefish Grill for a pair of cocktails inspired by the movie (which was inspired by the musical, which was inspired by the book). Choose which witch will inspire your drink: The pink Ozmopolitan features Absolut vodka, Malibu Coconut rum, cranberry juice, fresh sour, mango and a swirl of shimmer, while the green Oz’s Elixir is a mix of Absolut vodka, Malibu Coconut rum, pineapple juice, lime and green apple flavors with a touch of sparkle. Both are available until the end of the year at suburban locations in Algonquin and Schaumburg.
Lil’ bakers
Take your little chefs to Table at Crate in Oak Brook for two festive kids’ holiday cookie decorating workshops Friday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 22. From 9 to 11 a.m., they can unleash their creativity on cookie shapes from snowmen to reindeer with colorful toppings. Tickets are $15 per child and can be purchased through Tock.