dmk – Hillary Weller

2014 Best Bite #28: The Gobbler burger, DMK Burger Bar

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: In the sea of Chicago restaurants who specialize in burgers, DMK consistently serves some of the very best. I’m also a sucker for any Thanksgiving-themed special, so ordering The Gobbler was a no-brainer on this visit. The crunchy celery and tart cranberry squished into a mound of mashed potatoes, all atop sage-laden stuffing and turkey patties. With a side of DMK’s sweet potato fries – which are delicious in any season – this burger felt as festive and filling as the holiday meal itself, and made a fitting prelude to the real feast three days later.

The details: DMK Burger Bar, 2954 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago.

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2013 Best Bite #26: Bacon parfait, County Barbeque

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.

Bacon parfait with pork — Bacon parfait with pulled pork and onion, grits, bacon, and chives

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: While the name of the dish might not sound all that appetizing, this all-savory bacon parfait packed a ton of flavor in a tiny package. Served in a shot glass, it was layered with pleasantly spicy pulled pork and sweet onion, followed by cheese grits, and finally chives and bacon. I took small spoonfuls, careful to sweep through each layer, to make the smoky sweetness last as long as possible. There’s a lot else to love at County, from the nostalgic corn pudding to the loud plaid exterior on Taylor Street, but this parfait stood out as the most creative BBQ presentation I’ve seen.

The details: County Barbeque, 1352 W. Taylor St., Chicago.