Sometimes things just fall off the radar. That’s just the way it goes.

Not that the restaurant Carnivale had completely fallen off the radar for me. I had been several times over the past few years, but either just for a drink or for an event (like the huge Halloween bash last year where Coolio performed).

Coolio Performing At Carnivale Halloween 2015

Anyways, it recently dawned on me that I’ve actually never eaten at Carnivale before. I’ve tried their delicious food at many events over the past few years where they were a sponsor/vendor, like at Chicago Gourmet for example, but I’ve never actually dined at the restaurant.

So, I finally changed that a few weeks ago when I tried out their Latin-inspired brunch. If this is any indication, my mouth is watering just thinking about the brunch as I’m typing right now. In case you couldn’t read between the lines, I LOVED it.

Let’s start with the absolutely beautiful, colorful decor. The bright, bold colors and high-ceiling interiors of the restaurant just make you happy. It’s just not possible to remain unhappy when you look at colors like hot pink, bright red, yellow and orange. Mood and spirit are now uplifted.

Colorful Carnivale Decor

On Sundays, there is a live band playing that just adds to the fun and festive atmosphere. All this happiness and I haven’t event mentioned anything about food or drinks yet. This can only get better.

Live Music At Carnivale Brunch

Speaking of drinks, Carnivale has a “mimosa kit” at brunch that is pretty much one of the coolest and most fun things I’ve seen in a while. You are served your own bottle of champagne with three different kinds of fresh juices (orange, pineapple and grapefruit) and you can build your own mimosa right at your table, at your leisure while the champagne remains chilled on ice. There is also a HUGE build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Dangerous.

Carnivale Mimosa Kit

Carnivale Bloody Mary Bar

Cheers To Kicking Off A Great Brunch At Carnivale

On to the amazing food. I think it is no surprise that I got the chilaquiles, because as you know, I’m obsessed. Do I dare go on a limb and say these *might* be some of the best chilaquiles I’ve ever had? That sauce though. Quite possibly the tastiest and most flavorful chilaquiles I can remember. And the scrambled egg whites…the fluffiest and most perfectly made.

Carnivale’s Amazing Chilaquiles

How about the ricotta blueberry pancakes? My friend Candice and I actually needed a moment when we took a bite from these. They looked so unassuming and then when we tried them, we were blown away. Light, fluffy and delicious with juicy blueberries and little pockets of ricotta within the pancakes. These are a MUST order for brunch.

Carnivale Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes

We also tried the guacamole, huevos rancheros and tater tots. All fantastic and SO tasty. It was just that the chilaquiles and ricotta blueberry pancakes stole the show for me so my attention was diverted. Please don’t hate.

Carnivale Guacamole, Huevos Rancheros And Tater Tots

Our Fabulous Carnivale Brunch

I’ve already rounded up some friends for a return visit to Carnivale for their Sunday brunch and I’m definitely planning on taking my parents when they come to visit because I know they will love it. Not your standard bland, blah brunch where you have to wait for 2 hours to get a table. Break out of your norm for brunch this Sunday and come try something new and fun. I promise you will love it!

Please Note: While I was invited to this brunch, all opinions are my own.