Shrimp Flatbread at Mercat a la Planxa

Jose Garces has been getting a lot of press since he became an “Iron Chef,” but the man with Chicago roots – and a small Philadelphia empire of restaurants – still gets back to town every now and then to fire up the troops at Mercat a la Planxa, inside the Blackstone Hotel on South Michigan Avenue. His menu is vast: large paellas, cured meats, suckling pig for a group (with 48 hours notice), plus tons of beef and seafood cooked on la plancha, or grill. But tucked into the middle of the menu are his flatbreads, and I truly loved the gambas con garbanzos, or shrimp flatbread with chorizo and a garbanzo bean purée; easy enough to share, but certainly tempting to keep all to yourself. Be sure to pair it with one of the excellent cocktails or sangrias from their extensive list.