ELIZABITES

December 28, 2010 · 12:05 am

Peanut brittle at 16

From executive chef Frank Brunacci’s elegant and seasonally focused menu, to the most gorgeous Swarovski crystal chandelier in the city there are many, many reasons to love 16 restaurant in Trump Tower. But another to add to the list is Pastry Chef Sarah Kosikowski perfect peanut brittle. It was a discovery at the end of an amazing Opus One dinner (we swooned over the 2001, 2003 and 2006 vintages!), and so good that we ordered extra for the table after only a few pieces arrived on the tray of mignardise. Brittle often runs the risk of being sickly sweet, tooth-jammingly crunchy or too hard, but Kosikowski’s version is smooth, perfectly sweet and crunchy, packed just the right amount of peanuts and tasted freshly cracked. All that was missing was a bag to take a batch home. 16, 410 N. Wabash, 312.588.8000

Peanut brittle at 16

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Filed under I like to eats, thick

December 20, 2010 · 12:05 am

Mystery metal

Where restaurant is marked by this metal sculpture?

Delish on Division

I don’t know about you, but I can’t keep up with how many restaurants seem to pop up on Division Street, just West of Ashland. Besides way too many sports bars, it’s also turning into quite the strip for cafes, retail shops, random nail salons and other mysterious things like Delish Diner and Bakery, a sign I spotted the other day. Anyone know anything about it? A good, classic diner may be just what the wide-side-walked street needed…not that it wasn’t already perfect with the culinary trifecta of Mana Food Bar, Caffe Gelato and Milk and Honey..What are some of your most delish Division Street eats?

Delish Diner?

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Filed under new restaurants, random spottings

December 13, 2010 · 12:05 am

On the table: North Pond

2 plates, 4 forks, 2 knives, 2 wine glasses, 1 votive, 2 napkins, North Pond, 2610 N. Cannon Drive, 773.477.5845

Corned beef hash at Jam

The salty/sweet craving dilemma I often encounter at brunch isn’t a problem at Jam on Damen. Their special scone or muffin is usually amazing, or I just get an order of the malted custard French toast flecked with crunchy pink peppercorns on the side and call it a day. But the main salty event that eclipsed the sweet dishes few weeks back was the corned beef hash. Arranged on a plate almost too pretty to eat, the house-made corned beef is served with a rosemary-topped celery purée and potato, portobello, onion and tomato hash hiding in a cup and topped with a sunny-side up egg. Jam, 937 N. Damen, 773.489.0302

Corned beef with egg and potato hash and celery purée

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Filed under cheap, tasty brunch, great for date, quick lunch

November 29, 2010 · 12:05 am

Mystery ceiling

So before I reveal a key clue about this mystery spot, I need to ask Elizabiters if anyone out there actually made the heart and belly-warming treat that is pumpkin chocolate chip cookies…send in your tales! And in the meantime, take a guess at this mystery restaurant ceiling…covered with old cookbook pages…

Post redux..the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie

Every once in a while there is a post on Elizabites that’s so tasty, so amazing, so great, it has to be posted twice. This one is perfect to kick off Thanksgiving, and will be sure to please whoever you are dining with tomorrow. Check it here, and expect deliciousness to ensue..and Happy Thanksgiving…be back next week!