Let’s start with me saying that I LOVE a good Sunday brunch! I feel that it’s the best time to relax with friends over a midday meal as part of #SundayFunday and before the prep for the work week begins. I could even say that it’s a nice reset for the week. And really, it just makes me feel like a lady of leisure. 😛

That said, one of the most delicious brunches in the city can be found at OSTERIA LA MADIA on Grand & State. The restaurant is already cozy with it’s warm decor; add in a wood oven, fresh flowers and an awesome chef, and you have a really great spot that’s been serving Italian food for the past 8 years. Chef Jonathan Fox just updated the brunch menu and invited a group of us in to check out some of the new dishes.

Just glancing over the menu, I guessed what my favorites were going to be… and I was actually surprised at what they turned out to be! As you can see by the menu, though, it was a lot of food. But first things first… what’s a Sunday brunch without a mimosa or bellini!?

There was a pretty mimosa and bloody mary bar set up for us, and all we had to do was pick which we’d like, along with the juice we’d like. I love bellinis over mimosas, so I went with the white peach + prosecco option. I should actually word those two ingredients the other way around, because what was served was basically a glass of prosecco, with a splash of puree for sweetness… Yes, please!

Before the dishes were served, Chef Jonathan gave us a brief overview of the menu. As each course was served, he then described each dish as well. While I didn’t get photos of all the dishes, I did manage to get photos of my favorites.

GIANT BRIOCHE CINNAMON ROLL | saigon cinnamon, bourbon icing

POTATO FRITTERS | mortadella, scallions, yogurt, wine-soaked fruit, frisee

PRESSED BRIOCHE PANINI | prosciutto cotto, provolone, arugula citrus salad

FINGERLING POTATO & EGG YOLK PIZZA | caramelized onions, parsley, parmesan, garlic

BACON BOARD | can be ordered individually as sides, or as a board for tasting

Everything was really tasty – solid brunch options! My favorite dish, however, was a surprise! While I always love prosciutto, this plate was not only beautifully presented, but it just screamed SPRING. I think my body was craving it (and the Spring season), because I instantly fell in love with it. SO simple, yet SO perfect.

PROSCIUTTO & ASPARAGUS | avocado, breakfast radish, preserved meyer lemon

Aside from the delicious food and bellinis, can I just say that I think we had the best table in the place?! Talk about a perfect table of strangers who hit it off right away! I had the pleasure of meeting Samantha (Host of Small TALK), Jerry Nunn (writer/photographer) and their guests. Together with my sister and I, the 6 of us had amazing conversations while enjoying the dishes being served. It was truly a lovely afternoon!

If you haven’t been to OSTERIA LA MADIA in a while, please make a reservation on OpenTable to check out their brunch!

OSTERIA LA MADIA | 59 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654

{Huge thanks to Kurman Communications for the invitation!}