Monthly Archives: March 2010

March 24, 2010 · 12:05 am

On the table: Sprout

Dale Levitski's restaurant will undergo a renovation, but I hope they don't touch the elegant tabletop setting

2 plates, 2 napkins, 1 votive, vase with leaf. 1417 W. Fullerton, 773.348.0706

I’ll be heading to Portland later this week to try everything from the totchos (tater tot nachos) to VooDoo doughnuts and the avocado daiquiri from Mint 820. Of course, I plan to hit up favorites like Clyde Common, Paley’s Place, and Beaker and Flask, just a few of the restaurants and bars my friends have gushed about. I’ll be posting mostly about the trip next week, so please leave any restaurant/bar/coffee/tea/wine/beer suggestions in the comments if you got ’em and I will put them on the blogging list. Any other suggestions welcome!

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Filed under eliz-a-trip

March 19, 2010 · 12:05 am

The new cupcake?

I still love cupcakes. I really do. Red velvet ones, mostly (see category). But lately I have seeing and indulging in another classic sweet showing up where the cupcakes of the last few years left off, macaroons. A French Pastry school event a few weeks ago had The Peninsula showing of their chocolate bar favorites, like flavored marshmallows (coffee, chocolate), fizzy raspberry suckers (made with baking soda for the fizz!), and a slew of colorful French macaroons in flavors like peanut butter and jelly, lemon and lime. I also discovered the deliciousness that is passionfruit and chocolate macaroons from Bittersweet Bakery, and am on the hunt for more. A red velvet perhaps? Suggestions welcome in the comments!

Peninsula macaroons, almost too pretty to eat

Fizzy raspberry suckers

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Filed under I like to eats

March 17, 2010 · 12:05 am

Mystery Buddhas

This wall of Buddhas can be found in the entrance of what Chicago restaurant? Guess correctly for a chance to guest blog about your favorite hidden-gem eatery

Jiminy Chips

Holy crap, has anyone had these? I recently discovered Jiminy Chips when a coworker brought them into the office. The Chicago-based company offers homemade flavors like chocolate-marshmallow, sweet potato and, oy, BUTTER! While being melt-your-mouth delicious, yet still crunchy, these local chips rival my previous favorite—the homemade ones served up at Milk & Honey Cafe. I admit that I don’t frequent Navy Pier all too often, or I probably would’ve discovered them at their store there, but for now, I’ll head to Stanley’s Fruit Market, where they are also sold. In a word, yum.

Butter-flavored Jiminy Chips

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March 12, 2010 · 12:05 am

Mystery sign

What Chicago restaurant allows you to indulge in these three key things?

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Filed under mystery spot

March 9, 2010 · 12:05 am

Not known for: Bread pudding at Revolution Brewing

Revolution Brewing

I knew just by driving by the then-unfinished space for Revolution Brewing early winter that I was going to love the place when it opened. Not only is it in the ‘hood, I loved the name, the sign, the idea of offering growlers, great pub food from the guys behind Handlebar, a fireplace and tons of cozy wooden booths all in the same space. So once the place opened about a month ago, I couldn’t wait stop in and get my hands on my favorite styles of brew, namely the lighter, Belgian-style beers like the Cross of Gold ale and the Bottom Up Belgian Wit. So, as to be expected, fast forward a few months and the place is packed, even at 10:30PM on a Sunday when I stopped in. As they seem to still be working out their brewing supply and demand, they were out of the Wit, but the Cross of Gold was excellent, light and crisp, with just enough hops to pair with, well dessert. Sure the menu flaunts bacon fat popcorn, sweet potato cakes, wood-fired pizzas and burgers stacked with things like eggs and jalapeño-honey slaw, but the standout dish we tried was by far the chocolate chunk bread pudding. Could this be a “not know for” in such a new place? Sure..or consider it something to work in after you get your burger on. I don’t know if was the warm, spongy bread laden with moist chocolate sauce, dusting of powdered sugar or the caramel sauce made a mild golden ale that added a touch of salty bitterness, but the combo took bread pudding to boozy new levels. Seems the house brews and booze are deliciously laden throughout other desserts as well, like the blood orange sorbet float with white ale and a cherry bourbon cake with vanilla bean ice cream—like a good brewery dessert should. Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee Avenue, 772.227.BREW