brie – Hillary Weller

2014 Best Bite #29: The Grill Club, Standard Market Grill

For the third year in a row, I’m using each day in December to celebrate the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2014, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at year-end Best Bites from 2012 and 2013.

Why it’s another 2014 Best Bite: This sandwich came as sustenance after a few hours of walking around BrewLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo (holiday beer samples in conjunction with the zoo’s annual light display). It was the little lavish details that made it go above and beyond a typical club sandwich: brie cheese, roasted tomato, avocado, and of course a toasted everything bagel instead of bread. A side of top-notch sweet potato fries also didn’t hurt.

The details: Standard Market Grill, 444 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Chicago.

[googlemaps width=300 height=300]

2012 Best Bite #5: Paris benedict, Prasino

Each day in December, I’m celebrating my best bites (and sips) in 2012, posted in chronological order.

Why it’s a Best Bite: This sunny weekday brunch with a great friend (who also happens to be a talented artist) was a highlight of my January. Although eco-conscious Prasino does offer a wide variety of tempting — and healthier — options, we both decided to go all-out and stick to the benedict section of the menu. Over-the-top rich in the best way, this particularly creative benedict had me at pretzel croissant (and brie…and truffle hollandaise…). Crispy potatoes on the side were a welcome contrast to all the creamy toppings.

The details: Prasino, 1846 W Division St., Chicago.