Introducing Congee at Lush Roscoe Village.
By Caity Weaver via The Atlantic
Autumn has arrived in Chicago.
The leaves are turning, the sidewalks are crunching underfoot, and those comfortable sweaters have finally found their way back to the front of the closet.
It’s the season when we begin craving something warm. Something comforting. Something substantial enough to make getting out of bed on a Sunday morning feel like a very good idea.
We think we’ve found exactly that.
Introducing Congee, the newest addition to our Sunday brunch menu at Lush Roscoe Village.
For centuries, Chinese mothers have prepared congee for their families. A humble rice porridge, slowly cooked, generously seasoned, and served with the kind of affection that makes even the simplest food extraordinary.
I didn’t grow up with a Chinese mother, so I can only imagine those childhood memories. But I understand the universal appeal of a dish that warms you from the inside out.
And we believe we’ve created a version worth getting out of bed for.
We begin with basmati rice, slowly simmered in rich chicken stock with garlic, fresh ginger, bay leaves, and star anise. As the rice cooks, the grains swell, soften, and eventually surrender, creating a beautifully silky, almost impossibly creamy texture.
Then comes the good stuff.
Tender pork. Earthy shiitake mushrooms. Fiery chili crisp. Fresh scallions.
And finally, a farm-fresh egg yolk, perched on top, waiting to be stirred into the warm rice, adding another luxurious layer of richness.
The result is a remarkable combination of textures and flavors. Savory, aromatic, slightly spicy, deeply satisfying, and wonderfully comforting.
It’s the sort of dish that makes you wonder why you’ve spent so many Sunday mornings eating ordinary eggs.
But this is Lush. And we believe a great brunch deserves an equally great bottle of wine.
Consider Champagne. Its lively acidity and delicate bubbles provide a magnificent contrast to the richness of the congee.
Or perhaps a bottle of Cinsault. Bright, fresh, beautifully aromatic, and just adventurous enough to make the pairing memorable.
Either choice transforms a simple bowl of rice into a rather extraordinary Sunday ritual.
And speaking of Sundays, we have new brunch hours.
Every Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM.
That’s five leisurely hours to roll out of bed, gather a few friends, and discover why Sunday brunch should be something more than a routine.
Come early. Stay late. Order another bottle.
After all, Sunday has two important responsibilities: helping you recover from the week behind you and preparing you for the week ahead.
We can’t promise to make Monday any better. But we can make Sunday extraordinary.
Lush Wine & Spirits — Roscoe Village
Sunday Brunch | 10 AM–3 PM
Great food. Interesting wine. Sundays worth remembering.
