Tag: pizza

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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.

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Best Bites Chicago

2013 Best Bite #4: Pan pizza, Pequod’s

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.

Pequod's deep-dish pizza with sausage and black olive
Pequod’s deep-dish pizza with sausage and black olive

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: It turns out that Pequod’s is a well-kept pizza secret among locals. It doesn’t pop up on most of the standard deep-dish lists (Giordano’s, Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s – you know the drill), but was definitely the best version I ate all year. The key is the blackened cheese rim around the crust which gives each slice extra caramelized crunch. Huge chunks of fennel-laced Italian sausage and salty olives made excellent toppings; I’m partial to spinach as well. Take out-of-town guests here and you’ll feel like a true Chicago insider.

I also recommend reading my friend’s great account of our meal for Groupon.

The details: Pequod’s Pizza, 2207 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

This week’s Best Bite: Cauliflower pizza and gelato sundaes, Balena

Pizza with cauliflower, garlic crema, burrata, anchoïade
Pizza with cauliflower, garlic crema, burrata, anchoïade

Why it’s this week’s Best Bite: I’m still daydreaming about an all-around outstanding dinner at Balena last night, in celebration of my roommate’s birthday, and could only narrow it down to these three favorite dishes. First, the pizza. The Neapolitan crust had the right amount of chew, and I loved the combination of garlicky cauliflower, gooey burrata (I admit, I’m a sucker for burrata), zingy preserved lemon, and underlying umami from the anchovy spread. But check out what’s on the plate underneath the pie: house-made Calabrian chili oil. Not only to add a little heat, but also to flavor those last topping-less bites of blistered crust? Game-changer. We made sure to request a to-go cup of chili oil to use on our leftover slices.

And then, there were the composed gelato sundaes. We had two – one of which came compliments of the kitchen with a birthday candle – and swooned over them both. The pistachio sundae was clean and unique, with delicate burnt orange. The rich, salty chocolate sundae, topped with peanut butter crumbles and the pastry chef’s version of “Magic Shell”, was making its menu debut that night; I have a feeling it’s not going anywhere. Each sundae also included a killer nougat candy component.

My new goal is to pair my next visit with a show at the Steppenwolf, right across the street.

Pistachio-orange gelato sundae
Pistachio-orange gelato sundae
Chocolate-peanut butter gelato sundae
Chocolate-peanut butter gelato sundae with “magic shell”

The details: Balena, 1633 N Halsted St., Chicago.

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Best Bites

2012 Best Bite #20: Jersey Shore pizza, Graffiato

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

Jersey Shore pizza
Jersey Shore pizza

Why it’s a Best Bite: For the second part of the trip I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I spent a few days exploring DC and spending more time with friends. As avid Top Chef fans, we decided to check out Mike Isabella’s first restaurant, Graffiato. Considering where we’d spent the days prior, it seemed especially fitting to try this edible tribute to the Jersey Shore. The crispy calamari and provolone made excellent toppings, and the zing of the cherry pepper aioli against the blistered crust brought the pizza together.

The details: Graffiato, 707 6th St. NW, Washington, DC.