To be honest, I usually just get a sandwich at Publican Quality Meats, the butcher/sandwich shop/deli across the street from The Publican in Fulton Market. I know they care deeply about their pork products – yesterday during lunch alfresco, I saw them unload at least four whole pigs from Slagel Farms, and a quick scan … Continued
I’ve been spending a lot of time in Chinatown recently, looking for stories for Chinese New Year. Frankly, I hadn’t even thought to stop by Phoenix, the venerable 19 year-old restaurant hidden up on the 2nd floor of a dingy building across the street from the more dynamic Chinatown Square Mall. But the restaurant underwent … Continued
(photo by Jessica Lynn Capron) There’s a reason you’ve never seen one tweet or Instagram post on my feeds from The Dawson, that hulking glass-and-concrete behemoth on the corner of Grand and Halsted. Why, you might ask? Because after two chefs, the food just never made an impression (the drinks, however, have always been solid). … Continued
When in Lima, you will certainly be spending time in the cebicherias. These afternoons-only restaurants are loud, boisterous, and typically show off the fish they’ve picked up at the market that morning. Places like La Mar and El Mercado are usually only open from 12 – 5 p.m. We happened to get a table at … Continued
During the early part of the 20th Century, as Chicago’s ethnic enclaves continued to settle into their respective landing zones, The Polish Triangle – at the nexus of Ashland, Division and Milwaukee – was a hub of ex-pat activity. Sadly, most of their descendants have moved well beyond that original settlement, to the Northwest and … Continued
So many doughnuts in Chicago, so little time (and calorie allotment) to eat them all. On the South Side, there’s no questioning the supremacy of Dat Donut or Old Fashioned Donuts, but on the North Side, the undisputed champion has to be The Doughnut Vault. I’ve been warming to Stan’s over the past few months, … Continued
You can eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and while the recipe will change slightly (with or without collards in the middle, delicata or butternut squash) the basic dish is pretty much intact: steamed sweet corn tamal, sour cream-infused scrambled eggs, sofrito of tomato, onions and banana peppers. Sound good? Trust me, it’s Something … Continued
Ever since I tweeted from Smalls about their brisket bibimbop, I’ve been having dreams about it (I know, I’m sick). It’s so obvious and yet, no one in Chicago has dared combine the rich, earthy, smokiness of slow-cooked brisket with the bold, assertive Korean chili paste (gojujang) and crisp, blanched vegetables and rice that are … Continued
When I first stumbled upon The Dairy Star, after a long jag down Devon Avenue, gobbling up boti kebabs and tearing into a round of crispy dosas, it looked like just another little ice cream stand. What I didn’t realize is that this little icon has been a beacon of sweet, creamy soft serve for … Continued
At this rate, there will be more fried chicken in Chicago eventually than there is Italian beef. With Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Parson’s Chicken & Fish and Leghorn all brining, dredging and frying, are we that crazy for fried bird? Apparently so. Endgrain has been offering one of the best versions in town, but I … Continued
Thinly sliced black summer truffles over a seasonal salad at Quartino. Given the weather we’ve been having recently, it seems like summer may never come. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the perks of seasonal summer ingredients. Quartino (626 N. State Street) has the perfect summer add-on to take your dish to the next level: black … Continued