Tag: 2013 best bites

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #21: Birthday cake doughnut, Doughnut Vault

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Birthday cake doughnut dunked in vanilla glaze with rainbow sprinkles
Birthday cake doughnut dunked in vanilla glaze with rainbow sprinkles

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: I was thrilled when I saw the Doughnut Vault’s retro van outside the office one morning when I was running a little early for work. As much as I love their classic old-fashioneds, it was a no-brainer to order the birthday cake special – the rainbow sprinkles on top and funfetti-style batter inside were just too playful to pass up. The vanilla flavor came through strong, and the doughnut stayed moist throughout. My real birthday isn’t for another 9+ months, but it’s never too early to throw out ideas for a celebratory treat, right?

The details: Doughnut Vault, 401 1/2 N. Franklin St., Chicago; or track the Vault Van on Twitter.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #20: Breakfast sandwich, Floriole Cafe & Bakery

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Breakfast sandwich of baked egg on baguette with butterkase and bacon
Breakfast sandwich of baked egg on baguette with butterkase and bacon

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: I’ve sampled Floriole’s beautifully crafted pastries at markets and coffee shops all over the city, but didn’t make it into the bakery itself until one rainy fall morning. Creamy baked egg and a smooth layer of butterkase cheese hid beneath a giant X of bacon strips draped over the baguette, making this simple, filling breakfast sandwich one of my favorites this year. And I always appreciate a great fruit cup on the side — this one even had figs! Once I added in a latte and a good book, I officially forgot about the storm outside.

The details: Floriole Cafe & Bakery, 1220 W. Webster Ave., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #19: Sandwich trio, Duran European Sandwiches Café

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Sandwich trio: Spanish boquerone with puta spread, egg, cucumber, tomato; curry egg salad with cucumber and radishes; and roast beef with chive cream cheese, roasted red peppers, chives, and horseradish
Sandwich trio: Spanish boquerone with puta spread, egg, cucumber, tomato; curry egg salad with cucumber and radishes; and roast beef with chive cream cheese, roasted red peppers, chives, and horseradish

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: This new European café in River West specializes in miniature open-faced sandwiches, its cases lined with more than two dozen petite varieties. Once I got past how simply adorable they were, I landed on a colorful, well-rounded trio of roast beef, boquerone (Spanish anchovy), and curry egg salad. I think my favorite pairing was the beef and rich chive cream cheese, although I also liked the niçoise-style flavors of the boquerone. The three sandwiches and iced coffee made a superb light lunch.

The details: Duran European Sandwiches Café, 529 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #18: Bourbon Bloody Mary, GT Fish & Oyster

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Bourbon Bloody Mary with Stu’s mix, Benchmark bourbon, bacon, and pickled quail egg
Bourbon Bloody Mary with Stu’s mix, Benchmark bourbon, bacon, and pickled quail egg

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: I rarely order Bloody Marys, but I was happy to try this one, since the briny mix was produced by my friend Stu (recently covered by Tasting Table) and it seemed to fit the festive brunch occasion. I loved what the bourbon added to the smoky, peppery base, and could easily see why an entire strip of bacon made sense as a garnish. The pickled quail egg and the rest of the vegetables were nice punctuation marks after spicy sips.

The details: GT Fish & Oyster, 531 N. Wells St., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #17: Brown butter & blueberry pie, Hot Chocolate

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Brown butter & local blueberry pie, sweet corn ice cream, lemon-lime curd, kettle corn, blueberry rose reduction
Brown butter & local blueberry pie, sweet corn ice cream, lemon-lime curd, kettle corn, blueberry rose reduction

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: Two friends and I ended up at Hot Chocolate after a much-hyped hybrid dessert sold out before we could nab one. But all’s well that ends well, because the composed desserts here are phenomenal – pastry chef and owner Mindy Segal didn’t win a James Beard award for nothing! This pie was a lovely way to celebrate blueberry, corn, and the last bits of summer. Each element played off the next, from tart curd and nutty pie crust into fruity, floral sauce, and from crunchy kettle corn into melty sweet corn ice cream. And I won’t even get started on the white mint hot chocolate I drank along with it, except that it’s like none other in the city (and was one of seven hot chocolate options on the menu).

The details: Hot Chocolate, 1747 N. Damen Ave., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #16: Half and half sandwich, Smoque BBQ

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

1/2 brisket,1/2 pork sandwich with mac 'n' cheese and slaw
1/2 brisket,1/2 pork sandwich with mac ‘n’ cheese and slaw

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: Tucked away in Irving Park, Smoque is one of Chicago’s most beloved barbecue institutions, and it just happened to be on my way home after an exhausting bout with the DMV. I was so, so glad that they offered a sandwich with half pork and half brisket – in fact, I think it should be mandatory for all barbecue joints – and still can’t decide which meat I preferred. Both were smoky and tender, with just enough crispy charred bits, and both soaked into the soft bun with a moderate topping of tangy sauce. Suffice it to say that I won’t wait until my next DMV trip to do a little more research.

The details: Smoque BBQ, 3800 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #15: Hawaiian pizza, Boiler Room

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Hawaiian pizza with garlic oil, house blend of mozzarella and provolone, homemade ham, bacon, and grilled pineapple with balsamic reduction
Hawaiian pizza with garlic oil, house blend of mozzarella and provolone, homemade ham, bacon, and grilled pineapple with balsamic reduction

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: Boiler Room is another one of my neighborhood go-tos because it’s mastered the bar trifecta: atmosphere, drinks, and pizza. When I’m not in the mood for its renowned PB&J special (a PBR, a shot of Jameson, and a slice of pizza for $7.50), I usually opt to share a full pie, and the Hawaiian was one of my favorites so far. It was meaty with both ham and bacon, and had plenty of gooey cheese and garlic, but the best part was the balsamic reduction drizzled over charred pineapple for the ultimate sweet-and-sour effect. And if you go, don’t miss the El-themed restroom – just trust me.

The details: Boiler Room, 2210 N. California Ave., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites

2013 Best Bite #14: Fried green tomato benedict, Lucky Platter

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Fried green tomato benedict with poached eggs, fried green tomatoes, spinach, hollandaise, and roasted tomato sauce on toasted cornbread
Fried green tomato benedict with poached eggs, fried green tomatoes, spinach, hollandaise, and roasted tomato sauce on toasted cornbread

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: Whenever people ask me where to eat in Evanston, this quirky eatery typically makes the list. I love that the menu is unapologetically eclectic, as evidenced by this eggs benedict. The cornmeal-battered, well-seasoned green tomatoes were the star, with texture from the crumbly cornbread and depth from the chunky roasted tomato sauce. Much like a French-style benedict from last year, I appreciated that this Southern-slanted combination was inventive without sacrificing all the elements of a great benedict.

The details: Lucky Platter, 514 Main St., Evanston.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #13: Roasted corn fundido, Nacional 27

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Roasted corn fundido with queso, lime, and cilantro
Roasted corn fundido with queso, lime, and cilantro

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: Over dinner with friends one summer evening, there was one bite that rose above the rest at this pan-Latin restaurant in River North: tortilla chips dipped into a generous bowl of roasted corn fundido. The roasted kernels received a cheesy, creamy, elotes-style treatment, but in a more refined, cob-free form with plenty of lime. Since mixologist Adam Seger runs an excellent beverage program – including quite possibly the best mojitos in the city – you’ll want to start off with a creative cocktail or two and enjoy this as your snack.

The details: Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron St., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #12: Black Cat milkshake, Intelligentsia Coffee in Logan Square

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Black Cat milkshake with with two shots of Black Cat Classic espresso and Jeni's sweet cream ice cream
Black Cat milkshake with with two shots of Black Cat Classic espresso and Jeni’s sweet cream ice cream

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: When Intelligentsia debuted milkshakes at the Logan Square location, it felt the need to explain itself on its website: “While milkshakes may not seem the most progressive coffee beverage, they are undoubtedly delicious.” Yeah, that checks out. Two shots of classic Black Cat espresso and sweet cream ice cream from much-adored Jeni’s combined to form a buzzy, frothy, pure-flavored milkshake. While this particular shake perked up my August afternoon with every chilly sip, I’d argue that shakes are never out of season — especially the caffeinated variety.

The details: Intelligentsia Coffee, 2642 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.