Oak Tree Restaurant

You might get lucky and happen upon a decent sale while wandering designer stores in the skyscraper mall 900 N. Michigan Shops. But for a fabulous find, follow locals to the stylish sixth floor Oak Tree Restaurant and Bakery. Favored by Gold Coast residents for 40 years, the family-owned bakery-cafe serves breakfast all day and lunch-time, from-scratch soups, sandwiches and salads in a cheery tangerine-lime colored, two-tiered dining room overlooking bustling Michigan Avenue. You'll want one of everything on the lengthy menu. Sauteed banana-mascarpone brioche French toast and the asparagus-onion omelet are breakfast winners. Of the 22 entree-size salads ($8 to $15), the duck breast atop spring greens delights, as does the trio sampler of tuna, tarragon and curry chicken scoops surrounded by fresh fruit. Our sandwich picks -- tender corned beef on caraway rye or gourmet toasted cheese. A bowl of chunky chicken noodle or eight been soup are meals by themselves ($6.75). There's nine epicurean melt combos of 12 cheeses, veggies and meats ($8.75). Finish with a fresh cookie or cake slice displayed in sparkling cases up front. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.