press

Easter brunch has become an institution, its allure hard to resist. Diners know it and so do smart restaurateurs, all of whom are primed for this year’s big event on April 5.

Families like the idea of gathering together for a convivial holiday meal where they can relax and leave food preparation — and cleanup — to the professionals. Reservation lines at many suburban restaurants known for their elaborate all-inclusive feasts report high traffic, with some seatings already fully booked.

Here’s a sampling of some specialties suburban restaurants are cooking up:

Cucina Paradiso, 814 North Blvd., Oak Park, (708) 848-3434, CucinaOakPark.com. Start with buffet-style salads and appetizers such as a caesar salad with grilled chicken, deviled eggs and bacon-wrapped dates. Then move to the entree buffet table with multiple choices such as lox and bagels; beef tenderloin with wild mushrooms; french toast and Italian scrambled eggs. Finish with mini pastries, Italian butter cookies and biscotti. Seatings run at 90-minute intervals from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and are $29 for adults and $13 for kids 12 and under (free for those 5 and under).