My husband and I always enjoy meals at Prairie Grass Cafe but we especially enjoy brunch there. And we enjoyed it even a little bit more on Sunday, December 2 because we had the chance to view and eventually purchase a unique handblown glass vase. It was red and white and we learned that if there is a red color, it comes from gold. Dan Sviland’s beautiful holiday hand blown glass gift collection was on display but only for the one day. Artisan Sviland, co-owner of Hot Shop Glass, a state-of-the-art glass blowing studio and gallery in Racine, Wisconsin, is the former longtime manager and mixologist at Prairie Grass Cafe who, over the years, also built a strong following for his beautiful handblown glass sculptures.
Prairie Grass Cafe co-owner/chef Sarah Stegner noted that she is very proud of Dan. Artisan Sviland, co-owner of Hot Shop Glass, a state-of-the-art glass blowing studio and gallery in Racine, Wisconsin, is the former longtime manager and mixologist at Prairie Grass Cafe who, over the years, also built a strong following for his beautiful handblown glass sculptures.
The regular brunch menu, always a treat, was offered. Prairie Grass Cafe favorites include the Local Omelet, with farmer eggs, River Valley Ranch mushrooms, and Capriole Farm goat cheese ($11.50); Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with maple syrup and whipped butter ($12) or topped with raspberry sauce and Crème Anglaise ($17); and Ancho Marinated Skirt Steak with two eggs any style, breakfast potatoes and choice of toast ($27).
My husband, Leon, began the meal with lovely apple cider produced just over the Michigan boarder, Virtul rose. It was light and flavorful.
Leon loves fresh fruit and ordered a Side of Sliced Fruit & Berries – delicious. The quality and flavor, as well as, the fruit selection were colorful and superb.
For someone who loves spinach and eggs what could be better than – Our Signature PGC Benedictlpful, Two Poached Eggs over Sauteed Spinach, Crumbled Bacon on an English Muffin, Roasted Tomato Hollandaise….. breakfast potatoes. This was so delicious, so flavorful, so good.
My dietary restrictions always present a challenge. Fortunately, our server, Nate was helpful suggesting items that were gluten free and vegetarian. I actually tried two items:
Chilaquiles with Two Eggs any Style, Guacamole, Sour Cream. I have ordered Chilaquiles in many places but it has never been so beautiful, plentiful or as delicious. What a treat in every way.
Local Omelet Farmer Eggs, “River Valley Ranch” Mushrooms, Goat Cheese (Local Egg Whites). This was not your typical egg white omelet. It was light and melted in my mouth and it was flavorful. It also had a lovely texture.
The Backlot Coffee was a treat- rich and hot in a large cup that Nate kept filled.
I was fascinated talking with Dan Sviland. He said that he has been working with stained glass since he was very young, maybe six or seven. Many years ago, his wife gave him a Christmas present of glass blowing classes and this headed him in a new direction. His involvement with Hot Shop Glass has taken many forms. Two years ago, he decided that his job at Prairie Grass and his commitment to his studio were too difficult and opted for full time at the studio.
The work he is doing there is beautiful and I also hope to visit the studio which sounds like a great field trip. If I lived closer, taking classes there would be fun.Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433)
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Photos: B. Keer
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