Dining Out

Holiday Brunch Brings Families to Anvil Club

For 66 years, The Anvil Club in East Dundee has been mysterious to many. No signage, no windows, a front door with the words “Members Only.”

Through all that time, The Anvil Club was a true supper club with members paying annual dues that ensured topshelf libations and gourmet meals could be enjoyed far beyond the big city.

Since it was founded in an old blacksmith shop in 1956, only members and their closest associates knew what sumptuous delights were enjoyed inside.

It was a setting where one could find suits and ties, nightclub couture, martinis, smoke-filled air and piano lounge standards. It was a place where the menu venerated Hearts-of-Palm salads, cheesy crocks of French Onion Soup and perfectly broiled prime cuts of meat. It was more than just a great meal; it was a place where deals were sealed and the gears of networking oiled with Old Fashioneds. Children were rarely seen, but for special occasions.

But things have changed. In 2020, the Club made a monumental shift and opened its doors to the general public. Since then, the Club has balanced its historic vibe with a modern freshness and inclusivity that make for a warm welcome and fine cuisine. And yet, for all of this change, one thing is still true: On holidays, the Club rolls out extravagant brunch buffets for the whole family.

It’s a Club tradition to have the Easter Bunny handing out treats to the kids at Easter Brunch. Moms and their entourages are treated like queens and their court at the Mother’s Day Brunch. In December, the Club sets aside several Sundays for Brunch with Santa.

Chef Tino serves up generous holiday brunches at The Anvil Club, in East Dundee. The Club still has a dress code, but children are welcomed every day, especially on Sundays when kids age 8 and under can eat for free. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling The Anvil Club or visiting TheAnvilClub.net. ❚ The Anvil Club is located at 309 Meier St., in East Dundee, (847) 426-7710.

Area Tulip Festivals Are Blooming Soon

Alittle piece of Holland is taking root outside of Chicago as tulip festivals arrive at Richardson Farm, in Spring Grove, and Kuipers Family Farm, in Maple Park.

Both of these family farms promise plenty of fun and colorful scenery once this perky spring flower blooms around mid April. Visitors to both farms can expect a breathtaking sight as the hills glow with a rainbow colors – from lemony yellows to soft pinks and deep purples. Tulip season lasts into early May.

Richardson Farm, beloved for its autumn adventures and “the world’s largest corn maze,” is getting plenty of notice for its annual tulip festival, where some 600,000 bulbs dot 5 acres of farm field near the Richardson family’s private lake. Representing 30 varieties of all colors, these flowers light up the field as they welcome the spring season.

The tulip displays include a pickyour-own area and a gift shop with wine tastings, fresh doughnuts, popcorn and restrooms. Visitors can expect to walk roughly half a mile along bumpy terrain.

Admission to Richardson Farm is $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends, with children under 3 entering for free. Tickets include one free tulip per person.

Meanwhile, the Kuipers family in Maple Park is paying homage to its Dutch heritage with a brand-new tulip festival. Kuipers Family Farm, best known for its pumpkin patch, orchard and wedding venue, spent last fall planting some 300,000 bulbs on 5 acres.

The Kuipers’ debut season welcomes visitors for casual strolls among the tulips and a pick-your-own area. Tickets include access to the Fun Farm, where children love playing during the fall season. Weekday tickets are $12 online and $15 at the gate. Weekend admission is $15 online and $18 at the gate. Kids 2 and under are free.

Weather always determines how soon the flowers arise, but it’s a good bet they’ll last from about mid April until early May. Check the farm’s website and social media for the latest updates. ❚

Richardson Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove, (815) 675-9729. Kuipers Family Farm is located at 1N318 Watson Road, in Maple Park, (815) 827-5200.