After what is now being referred to as the longest winter ever, the weather has started to finally feel like spring. Outdoor-patios are opening and Chicagoans are putting on their brunch pants again. And dainty neck scarves. And berets. And what are those pointy cat-eye sunglasses everyone is wearing?!

The winter has obviously taken a toll on us all.

My first Chicago brunch experience took place a little over 5 years ago when I was (not actively) looking for an apartment. Let me clarify. My cousin was looking to move to Chicago with her then, boyfriend...now, husband. I tagged along as chauffer — with the intent of someday, maybe, possibly moving there on my own.

We ate brunch at Dunlays in Logan Square after an apartment showing. Their seasonal eggs benedict very well may have been the moment I fell in love with Chicago's culinary offerings — the loaded bloody mary (made with cucumber vodka) also may have helped in my decision to move.

Unfortunately, Dunlays recently closed their Logan Square location, but its sister-restaurants are still kicking it — Smoke Daddy is still one of my favorite BBQ places in the city. Future blog topic? Perhaps.

Since yesterday was National Tea Day —the United Kingdom's official day to celebrate the drinking of tea — it's time to put your pinkies up and get fancy with a collection of my favorite places in Chicago for brunch and afternoon tea.

Beatnik - Inspired by the bohemian lifestyle and aesthetic sensibility of the 1950s in America and Europe, once you walk into Beatnik you are welcomed with bright colors, dripping chandeliers, and a skylight that may encourage you to wear your sunglasses inside — especially after a night out on the town.

Not only is their tea and coffee selection great, they offer a rotating slushie — perfect for warm summer days.

What I drank:

Freezin' My Nuts Off - rye whiskey, amontillado sherry, hazelnut, raspberry, ginger, lemon

With dishes from the Eastern Mediterranean, Asia and Latin America, you're bound to find something you like!

Cindy's - Come for the views. Stay for the potions and elixirs. One of my favorite brunch dishes at Cindy's is the lox and bagel platter — pair it with one of their cocktails, and you're off to a perfect start of the day!

What I drank:

Howl at the Jun - citadelle gin, ‘jun’ kombucha, grapefruit, sparkling rosé

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel offers a high tea service every Sunday, which I have yet to check out. The prix fixe tea features a menu of sweet and savory bites from the Cherry Circle Room.

Somerset - Located in the Gold Coast, Somerset is a recently renovated all-American club that used to house the 1920's era famed Cedar Hotel.

Fun fact: I watched the Chicago Blackhawks win the 2013 Stanley Cup from this location with my friend, Lizzy. Since then, they’ve transformed this place into the perfect spot for mimosa-sipping brunch lovers. Try their avocado toast with a pot of green tea.

Dove's Luncheonette - Set to the sounds of 1960s and 70s Chicago soul and blues, Dove’s offers Southern-inspired Mexican cuisine in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park.

Did I mention their passion for mezcal?! Try one of their specialty cocktails with a side of their 'Back to Life' ceviche bowl. They also host Cuban Night the first Sunday of every month, no passport needed. Get your fill of Cuban-inspired rum cocktails, food specials and Cuban music.

The Allis - The Allis is named after the family that commissioned the building in 1907, which is located on Green Street in the West Loop, right across from one of our favorite BBQ places, Green Street Smoked Meats. I must have BBQ on the brain.

Afternoon tea is served daily with cute finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of fancy cakes, which is presented on a beautiful 3-tiered platter.

3 Arts Cafe at Restoration Hardware - While traditional teatime isn't prevalent in the U.S., my coworker and I leverage the hype of March Madness to check out afternoon tea around the city.

Last year we went to the aforementioned "The Allis" so this year (when my bracket lost), we decided to try out 3 Arts Cafe. We've wanted to check it out for a while, but it is ALWAYS so packed on the weekends, so we opted for a brunch time of 10AM on Friday -- right when they open! It was still packed, but we got a great seat by the fountain.

Brunch was great, portions are surprisingly large, but we both would recommend venturing elsewhere for dessert.

Band of Bohemia - Located in Ravenswood, Band of Bohemia is the first Michelin starred brewpub. With menu items like Osetra Reserve Caviar Crepe Cake and Lavender French Toast, this is not you're average brunch place. Not only do they brew their own beer, they have a large selection of specialty teas and sweets.

Ēma - Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant with a splash of California freshness. Try the basmati & beluga lentil salad with chicken breast. Or the lamb and beef kefta kabab. If you're stopping in for lunch, the asparagus risotto is one of the best things I've ever tasted. For real.

There is obviously no shortage of great brunch spots in Chicago, these just happen to be the ones with the most interesting menu options and with the BEST views!

If you're looking to make a savory brunch at home, check out this simple one-pan crostata recipe, courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis.

Onion + Ricotta Crostata:

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

- 2 large onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced

- Kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper

- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

- 1 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped

- 1/2 cup ricotta

- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed, trimmed to fit a 10-inch pan

- 1/4 cup arugula

- 1/2 tsp lemon juice

- 5 cherry tomatoes, halved

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Add the olive oil and onions to a cast-iron skillet and cook, stirring often, until the onions are a dark golden-brown, about 15 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir in the balsamic and sprinkle the oregano over the top.

Turn off the heat and spread the onions evenly over the bottom of the pan, using a rubber spatula.

Place the ricotta in a small bowl. Season with 1/8 teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper. Dollop the ricotta over the onions in 8 to 10 places.

Using a fork, prick the puff pasty a few times evenly. Place the puff pastry over the top of the filling, pressing down gently to make sure the dough is touching the ricotta and onions.

Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and cover with a plate slightly larger than the skillet. Invert the crostata onto the plate, replacing any onions that may have stuck to the pan. Set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dress the arugula with the lemon juice. Sprinkle the arugula over the cooled crostata and nestle the tomatoes into the onions. Slice into wedges or squares and serve.

What is your favorite brunch dish?