For the third year in a row, I’ve spent all December celebrating the rest of my favorite bites and sips from the past year. These are all dishes from 2014 that I didn’t have a chance to cover as Best Bites when I originally enjoyed them. You can check out all 30 below, listed in chronological order.
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Here’s to another great year of eating and drinking!
As always, thanks for reading – see you in 2015!
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 its first year open, modern beer hall The Radler has been a welcome addition to Logan Square. While the house-made sausages are certainly delicious, I more often pair my stein of beer with these crispy fried brussels sprouts. Sweet and gingery from crushed gingersnaps, squash puree, and candied ginger, they’re like none I’ve had anywhere else and let me enjoy the flavors of fall year-round.
The details: The Radler, 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.
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It’s finally summertime in Chicago, so I’ve got beverages on the brain. Here’s a round-up of a few recent favorites.
With bursts of blueberry, thyme, and lemon, plus lots of ice, this rum-based cocktail was frothy and refreshing.
Homestead on the Roof, 1924 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago.
Once you order this off-menu beverage that combines espresso and milk in perfect balance, you’ll never go back (and, to be honest, this is also what you order if you want to impress a barista!). It was perfect to sip slowly as I lost myself in a great book.
Intelligentsia Coffee, 2642 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.
I fell in love with this unique tropical juice combination and the added silky sweetness from the honey.
Meli Cafe, 540 N. Wells St., Chicago.
I’ve sung Reno’s praises before, but this spicy chai became my new go-to for camping out to get a couple hours of work done.
Reno, 2607 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago.
This beer cocktail screamed summer, from its fiery orange color to its citrusy, fizzy, and thoroughly thirst-quenching character.
The Radler, 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.
While there’s no actual chocolate in this draft iced coffee, the cocoa notes and bold, fruity complexity make it the dreamiest of morning beverages, especially outside on the patio with a splash of cream.
Longman & Eagle, 2657 N Kedzie Ave., Chicago.
Dark, rich hot chocolate is always a treat, but even more so in such a beautifully intricate cup and saucer.
La Colombe, 1552 N. Damen Ave., Chicago.
