Dining out: Holiday teas, spirits, Sunday brunch at Fat Rosie's & more
Tea time
Get dressed up for Hotel Arista's Holiday Afternoon Tea happening from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, now through Jan. 5. Enjoy traditional tea service plus finger sandwiches, scones and fancy cakes served in the Zorba Lounge at Hotel Arista, with service from Che Figata. Adults over 21 can opt for sparkling service, which includes a glass of prosecco. It's $26 to $32 for adults and $18 for kids 4 to 12. Make reservations at (630) 579-3210. Hotel Arista is at 2139 City Gate Lane, Naperville, hotelarista.com/.
In the spirit
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is gearing up for the season with new holiday cocktails that are available now through Jan. 23. Try the Clouds Over Tokyo (Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka shaken with Nigori Sake and fresh lemon juice and poured over cotton candy) for $9.50, Pineapple Crush Punch Bowl (Kai Lychee Vodka, Mugi Shochu, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, fresh pineapple and lemon topped with MIO Sparkling Sake) for two for $28, or the Passion Volcano (Bacardi Reserva Ocho and Don Q Passion Fruit Rums mixed with Campari, passion fruit puree, lime juice and ginger and served in a single bottle) for $8.80. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is at 310 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, (630) 627-6800 or rasushi.com/.
Breakfast or tea at Lucille's
Bring the family together for A Christmas Carol Breakfast at Lucille's in Drury Lane before a production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Breakfast starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 and 22, and includes pastries, a yogurt bar, a savory station (scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage), an omelet station, a sweets station (waffles, French toast), a made-to-order doughnut station and a hot chocolate station. Kids can write a letter to Santa that will be sent to the North Pole. The breakfast is $20 for adults, $15 for kids 4 to 12, and free for kids 3 and younger. Bottomless mimosas are $10 per adult. Tickets to the production are not included in the price. Breakfast/theater packages are available at (630) 530-0111.
If tea is more your thing, indulge in a special holiday afternoon tea at Lucille's. Enjoy seasonal music played by a pianist while noshing on fresh scones, holiday tea sandwiches and desserts and sipping seasonal teas and unlimited champagne. Reserve a spot (at least 24 hours in advance) for 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 or 22. It costs $35 for adults and $25 for kids younger than 12; tax and gratuity is not included.
Lucille's is at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 530-8300 or lucillerestaurant.com/.
Seasonal stop
If you're out for a day of shopping at Oakbrook Center Saturday, Dec. 15, stop by The District to warm up. From 1 to 4 p.m., patrons can enjoy complimentary holiday arts and crafts, Stan's Donut decorating, Mrs. Claus Storytime, holiday tunes and nostalgic games. While you're there, grab a seasonal snack or drink from eateries such as Stan's Donuts, Butcher and The Wok, Freshii, Cilantro, DMK Burger, David's Tea, Lolli & Pops, Greek Kitchen, Nando's and Potbelly. The District is at 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, oakbrookcenter.com/en/events/warm-up-24193.html.
Giving back
Turn a wish into a gift. This December, all Chicago-area Miller's Ale House locations are collecting wish list items to donate to the local Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides a place to stay for families of children facing complex medical needs. Through Dec. 13, patrons who bring in a wish list item to be donated will receive a free Zingers Card to use on a future visit to Miller's. For a list of requested items, see rmhccni.org/get-involved/wish-list/. Miller's Ale House has locations in Aurora, Chicago Ridge, Lombard, Norridge, North Riverside, Orland Park and Schaumburg. millersalehouse.com/.
Brunch it up
Looking for a new brunch spot? Fat Rosie's in Naperville recently started serving Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Choose from specialties such as Crepas Rellenas (Mexican crepes filled with ricotta, berries and a goat milk-caramel sauce) for $9; Hangover Torta (Mexican bread, black beans, chorizo, scrambled eggs, avocado, tomato, melted Chihuahua cheese, jalapeño aioli and french fries) for $13; Huevos ala Diabla (two poached eggs served in corn masa boats with black beans, tomatillo-habanero sauce, grilled steak, sour cream and queso fresco) for $15; and Pan Frances (brioche French toast with goat milk, caramel sauce and a strawberry compote topped with powdered sugar) for $8. Build your own Bloody Maria at the Bloody Maria Bar for $9 a glass. Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar is at 47 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 328-0060 or fatrosies.com/naperville.
Sweet deal
For a Monday night treat, head to Di Pescara in Northbrook Court for half-price sushi and wine by the glass or the bottle from 5 to 9 p.m. Chow down on classic sushi rolls such as the rainbow or California rolls. Or try some of chef Mychael Bonner's creations including the Ocean Roll (spicy tuna, crab, salmon, crunchy seaweed and sriracha); Sweet Potato Roll (avocado and tempura sweet potato); Crunchy Shrimp and Crab Roll with avocado, cucumber and soy glaze; or the Angry Lobster Roll (tempura lobster, jalapeño, cilantro and avocado). Di Pescara is at 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, (847) 498-4321 or di-pescara.com/.
• Email clinden@dailyherald.com with suburban dining events.