Help finding breakfast for 23-25 people in N. Shore!

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone knew of a place that could handle breakfast for such a large crowd. We have a family breakfast every month at either Omega's in Niles, Elly's in Glenview or Rise and Dine in Wheeling. I think we're getting a little tired of those places and want to try something different. Anyone have any suggestions? Nothing comes to mind other than those 3 so I was hoping someone on LTH could help. Pleas no places in the city...the adults hate driving down south past Touhy or east past McCormick

I would be grateful for any help!

Flapjacks on Dempster just east of Greenwood has a room in the back that I've seen large groups in before, although you may want to call in advance. If you want something really different but a bit "pricy", the Daily Grill in the (once again) Doubletree in Skokie has a really nice Sunday brunch, and can handle large groups. What's Cooking in Northbrook on Waukegan Rd. is a good breakfast option as well.

At the risk of giving up one of my favorite Saturday morning "secrets," I'd recommend Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook. Their food is terrific. They offer about 5 different variations of eggs benedict, customizable omelets, waffles, french toast, crepes and several healthier options, too (no American-style pancakes, though). There is usually a seasonal coffee cake or other special breakfast pastry on the menu, too. I love the hollowed out potato skins which are filled with scrambled eggs and topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, Nueske bacon and fresh-chopped scallions. Another great item is the house-made Ancho breakfast sausage, which is absolutely delicious. Their rendition of traditional eggs benedict is my all-time favorite. Since it is technically a brunch menu, they also offer several less 'breakfasty' items, too like salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish and chicken entrees and the like but we almost always opt for breakfast.

2-time Beard award winner Chef Sarah Stegner, who is one of the owners, started as a saucier (before Ritz-Carlton) and even though she isn't always in house on Saturday mornings, it's clear that she has imparted her sauce-making wisdom onto her entire kitchen crew. The hollandaise is terrific and the roasted tomato hollandaise that tops the 'Signature Benedict' (which includes sauteed spinach) is sublime.

The reason I describe it as a "secret" is because not many folks know that they are open on Saturday mornings. Their web site says they open at 9 am, but I believe they actually open at 10. Anyway, the dining room is usually wide open when we get there on Saturday mornings and it's a joy to park right in front, walk in, sit down and enjoy this great food without having to wait very long for it. Of course, they are also open on Sunday mornings, when business is typically more brisk. But even then, the potential, short wait is well worth it.

*Disclaimer . . . I have become friendly with the owners of PGC since it opened but I wouldn't eat there virtually every Saturday morning -- or as often as I do in general -- if their food weren't fantastic. Besides, who could be friends with someone who doesn't know how to cook well?

=R=

Prairie Grass Cafe
601 Skokie Blvd
Northbrook, Illinois
847 205-4433