We eat a lot while researching the various guides and reviews you see on our site. This particular list is some of our favorite things we tried this past week - in other words, the dishes that made us give a creepy smile to our plates. Hopefully, it serves as a source of inspiration the next time you’re deciding what to order.
The Spots
Fried Bao
We recently checked out Noodle Creation, a new spot in Chinatown specializing in Fujianese food. The menu has tasty versions of dishes like lychee pork and egg noodles in peanut sauce, but we’re here to talk about the fried beef bao. These things are amazing - the bao are fluffy on the inside and a little bit crispy on the outside. And it comes with a spicy chili sauce that complements the savory beef filling. Right now they’re open for takeout, delivery, and indoor dining.
Bella's Italian Ice & Helado de Coco
Helado De Coco
As far as we’re concerned, ice cream season can’t come soon enough. So we wasted no time visiting Bella’s, a new Italian ice spot that just opened in Humboldt Park. This place focuses on helado de coco, a Puerto Rican coconut sorbet. And it was a nice, light dessert perfect if you (like us) just ate way too much food. Coconut milk gives the ice richness, making it creamier than a typical Italian ice, and it was sweet without being cloying. Plus, it came in a little coconut shell, which was just cute. In other words, if you’re a fan of coconut, make sure to put this place on your summer itinerary.
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Cluck It
Cowch Burger
Cluck It originally opened last summer as a delivery-only spot in Bronzeville. But after being closed for several months, the fried chicken spot just reopened in a brand new space in Lincoln Park. And while they still have great fried chicken, now they have a burger on their menu which is also really, really good. It’s juicy without being greasy, the brioche bun is perfectly toasted, and their “cowtch” sauce is a wonderfully tangy dijonaise. We also got a side of cheesy sports pepper waffle fries, and you should too. Just note, that while their new spot has a dining room, for now they’re just doing takeout and delivery.
Pleasant House Pub
Steak and Ale Pie
During a recent 40 degree day, we decided to order food from Pleasant House, a British pub in Bridgeport. We got a steak and ale pie - a.k.a. a “royal pie” - which is what they’re known for. And despite the 20-minute car ride home, the pie’s beef stew filling stayed hot, and the pastry flaky, with no soggy bottom in sight. We also learned that a scotch egg travels better than it has any right to. The bread crumb coating was crispy and the medium egg was still perfect by the time we cut into it.
