poached eggs – Hillary Weller

This week’s Best Bite: Bulletproof coffee and quinoa cakes with poached eggs, Beatrix

Today is extra exciting because I’m being featured on another blog for Writer Wednesday! Thanks to Kristin of Not Intent on Arriving for featuring me – I really enjoyed answering her questions and reflecting on why I write. Be sure to check out her lovely blog if you haven’t already, and if you found my site through hers, welcome!

Bulletproof coffee, Beatrix — Bulletproof coffee, mixed with high-quality unsalted butter and coconut oil

Why it’s this week’s Best Bite: Butter coffee, also called bulletproof coffee, is one of the latest buzzed-about concepts in the food world. It’s coffee that is brewed as a pourover, but also mixed with two key ingredients: coconut oil and unsalted butter made from grass-fed cow’s milk. The idea of drinking butter along with my coffee was daunting, but intriguing enough that I had to taste it for myself (and I’d been meaning to try breakfast at Beatrix anyway).

When I took my first sip, I couldn’t immediately detect the butter. It was frothy and toasty, almost like a marshmallow latte, with subtle sweetness from the coconut oil. It tasted even better after a few more sips, coating my throat in a pleasantly silky way. As the coffee cooled down, I grew a little more aware of visible oil inside the cup and could feel myself getting too full to finish it, but I enjoyed the flavor overall. The quinoa cakes made a light, protein-rich companion to the rich coffee, especially because of the bright, basil-packed tomato sauce.

Quinoa cakes with poached eggs, Beatrix — Quinoa cakes with poached eggs, tomato-basil sauce, poached-egg mayo, and window herbs

The details: Beatrix, 519 N. Clark St., Chicago.

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This week’s Best Bite: The Kedzie breakfast, Grandma J’s Local Kitchen

The Kedzie, Grandma J's Local Kitchen — The Kedzie, Grandma J’s Local Kitchen

Why it’s this week’s Best Bite: I was overjoyed by this unique take on eggs benedict on a recent weekday morning. The poached eggs sit atop cheddar jasmine rice cakes, crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, with hollandaise, pico de gallo, and black beans to tie it together. Large pieces of grilled pineapple and red pepper also make a statement as garnishes, joined by a pleasant arugula salad. It’s filling and a little exotic, meant to be enjoyed with coffee and a good read (in my case, the never-ending quest to catch up on magazines).

Sunny interior, Grandma J's Local Kitchen — Sunny interior, Grandma J’s Local Kitchen

Walking into Grandma J’s is like stepping into someone’s living room, mismatched furniture and all. Bold art, antique photos, and knick-knacks huddle under the colorful fabric panels that adorn the ceiling, and an armoire surrounded by wall-mounted clocks holds an array of hot sauces, a gentle reminder that it’s still a restaurant. The service is casual and friendly, and the open kitchen makes it feel like you’re pulling up a stool to watch Grandma cook (if Grandma was younger, with hipster sensibilities). It’s tucked away in Humboldt Park, a block from my old apartment – I so wish it had opened while I still lived there, as it would have been a dream to have brunch like this within walking distance. If you go, make sure to also stop for a treat at 100-year-old Roeser’s Bakery, just across North Avenue.

Mason jars and cozy details, Grandma J's Local Kitchen — Mason jars and cozy details, Grandma J’s Local Kitchen

The details: Grandma J’s Local Kitchen, 1552 N Kedzie Ave., Chicago.