Anne BralyLocal restaurants are hoping to make Easter a special one by offering an amazing basketful of flavors. Tables will fill quickly, so make reservations as soon as you can. Here are some suggestions:
* The Chattanoogan, 1201 Broad St. The Chattanoogan ballroom will have an elegant Easter champagne brunch featuring buffets filled with offerings such as Poached Eggs with Crisp Country Ham and Hollandaise on Cornbread Crostini, Hash Brown Casserole, Smoked Bacon and Sausage Links, Buttermilk Biscuits, Belgian Waffles and omelets cooked to order. If lunch is more your style, try Garlic-Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Rum-Glazed Ham, Peel-and-Eat Shrimp, Seafood Antipasto, Lemon-and-Herb Rotisserie Chicken – and the list goes on. For dessert there will be an assortment of sweet treats, including Carrot Cake with Brown Butter-Cream Cheese Frosting, assorted cheesecakes and Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Tart. Price: $38.95 adults, $19.95 children 6-12; complimentary for kids under six. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations: 756-3400.
* Embargo 62, 301 Cherokee Blvd. Embargo gives a nod to our neighbors to the south with live Latin music and a distinctive Cuban menu. Among the offerings on the a la carte Easter brunch menu are: Seafood Ceviche ($13.50), Empanadas ($8), Cuban sandwiches ($8.50) or the popular Cuban Frita Burger topped with a fried egg and potato sticks ($9). Also available are entrees such as Grouper with Puree de Malanga and Grilled Asparagus ($17) or Cuban-style French Toast with Butter Pecan Ice Cream ($8.50). There will also be soup, salad and dessert, such as Flan de Coco ($4). Carafes of mimosas and sangria are $5 with a brunch purchase; Easter mojitos are $6.50. Seating is strictly first-come, first-served. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 551-4786.
* The Acropolis, 2213 Hamilton Place Blvd. Acropolis will roll out several Easter specials in addition to its regular menu, including Diver Scallops and Gulf Shrimp wrapped in Applewood Bacon over Riverview Farm Grits and Grilled Asparagus, finished with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis ($19). Also featured are Braised Lamb Shank over Parmesan Risotto, served with Grilled Asparagus ($19) and sliced Roasted Leg of Lamb with Spinach and Feta over Roasted Red Potatoes with a Herb Jus ($14). All tables will be presented with traditional Greek Easter bread. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 899-5341.
* Food Works, 205 Manufacturers Road. While the regular brunch menu will be served with such treats as its popular Chicken and Waffles, Banana-Walnut French Toast, breakfast burritos and $1 mimosas, Easter Sunday brunch hours will be extended from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to accommodate more diners. 752-7487.