LINCOLN PARK — Italian restaurant Balena — known for its inventive take on rustic cuisine — is joining the brunch scene.
Beginning Sunday, Balena, 1633 N. Halsted St., will offer a full brunch menu including dishes like a crespelle with mascarpone and roasted grapes, basil panzanella with a poached egg, grilled zucchini and braised kale and a porchetta sandwich with avocado, tomato jam and a fried egg.
Wash it all down with beverages like a horseradish Bloody Mary or a Bicciletta, which is made with dry white wine and Campari. There are also non-alcoholic beverages like peach mint soda on the menu.
Both the food and drink menus were crafted by Balena's owner and head chef Chris Pandel, who also runs The Bristol in Bucktown.
This is the first time since opening in 2012 that Balena is offering brunch. Previously, the restaurant, which is across the street from the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St., only served dinner.
Check out some of the new dishes below:
Basil panzanella with a poached egg, grilled zucchini and braised kale. [All photos provided]
Porchetta sandwich with avocado, tomato jam and a fried egg.
Smoked salmon pizza with creme fraiche and capers.
Balena's New Brunch Menu by Mina Bloom
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