I’ve had a lot of good halibut this summer, but the olive oil–poached filet with its mash-up of fresh fava beans and artichokes @MercatChicago might be best of all. MERCAT A LA PLANXA: BLACKSTONE HOTEL, 638 S MICHIGAN; 312-765-0524
I almost loved the spring garlic and almond soup with crab @MercatChicago. If only it weren’t so acrid. MERCAT A LA PLANXA: BLACKSTONE HOTEL, 638 S MICHIGAN; 312-765-0524
@pennypollack: Fig salad with Serrano ham, blue cheese, & candied marconas is a home run @MercatChicago. Also perfectly shareable. MERCAT A LA PLANXA: BLACKSTONE HOTEL, 638 S MICHIGAN; 312-765-0524
An awful lot of goodies are packed into this soup bowl @ Cafe Laguardia: chicken, carrots, noodles, & all the right spices. It’s a meal. Wish it had been hotter, though. CAFE LAGUARDIA: 2111 W ARMITAGE; 773-862-5996
Between the garlicky shrimp, soft-cooked onions, just-right rice, and soupy black beans, this looks-like-nothing-special dish @ Cafe Laguardia has personality to burn. CAFE LAGUARDIA: 2111 W ARMITAGE; 773-862-5996
@pennypollack: Long before pork swept the scene, Cafe Laguardia knew from tender smoky pork w/caramelized onions & tostones. CAFE LAGUARDIA: 2111 W ARMITAGE; 773-862-5996
Nice Cream, one of my favorite local food makers, runs into a licensing issue with the state even after having operated without problems for a couple years in the city. Looks like it’s time for another tweak to the food laws.
Chicagoans have reason to reject ketchup on their hot dogs, but still need to appreciate the condiment as a near-perfect creation and its role in the education of one’s palate.
See that onion peeking through? It does wonders for the grilled chicken breast sandwich @ Pete Miller’s. PETE MILLER’S: 1557 SHERMAN, EVANSTON; 847-328-0399
The call it a wedge salad @ Pete Miller’s. I call it a blue-cheese party. PETE MILLER’S: 1557 SHERMAN, EVANSTON; 847-328-0399
