Mercat a la Planxa

If you’re looking for something outside of the normal American breakfast continuum, head to Mercat a la Planxa on Michigan Avenue. Mercat is a cool little Catalan tapas joint on weekdays, but on the weekends it opens its door bright and early and serves up a specialized brunch menu with the exquisite, exotic flavors one would expect from a Catalan feast. We’re talking eggs with truffle hollandaise and chorizo links or bacon-wrapped dates with Marcona almonds alongside bellinis and cava and thyme mixers. It’s savory, sultry and a great way to spice up the pancake-and-omelette routine.