Back from Chicago

Chako and I just returned from our long weekend in Chicago, visiting friends, enjoying a beautiful wedding and eating incredible food. Our dear dear friends Matt and Don invited us to stay in their lovely apartment. They are both incredible foodies, both have worked at all the best restaurants in Chicago. They pointed us in the direction of incredible eats in the city. 

Sadly, our little point and shoot digital camera that we brought with us is having some problems uploading to my computer, so pictures will have to wait..but a brief description of our two most exciting meals is in order.

For dinner on Saturday night we took a chance at trying to get a last minute spot at the The Purple Pig.

We didn't think we'd have a shot, but by some god given chance, there were two seats available at the kitchen counter, a great spot that directly over looks the kitchen, we were seated right next to the expeditor and just overlooking the Head Chef, Jimmy Bannos Jr. It was an awesome view, why people wouldn't want to sit there is beyond me. We had a great time. For dinner we had...

Course #1

Cheese and Charcuterie- Prosciutto di Parma, Blu di Bufala, Truffle Tremor, Parmigiano Reggiano

Course #2

Salt roasted beets with whipped goat cheese and roasted pistachios

Course #3

Greek salad 

Course #4

Pork Blade steak with 'nduja and honey

Course #5

Affogato with hazelnut soft serve

Summer Berry Crostata

It was an absolutely divine meal. We split everything and it was the perfect amount of food for the two of us, that blade steak was huge! Next time we are in town and go back (as we will!) we need to try the bone marrow and the pastry fried ricotta dessert. Highly recommend you check this place out if you are in the Chicago area! 

For brunch, Matt & Don took us to one of their favorite places, Jam.

This has incredible and creative brunch items. Great coffee and of course, great jam!

Course #1

Pastry- Peach coffee cake

Scone- cinnamon raisin

Course #2 (Chanty)

Eggs Benedict- english muffins, poached eggs, crisped pork belly, fennel hollandaise, roasted fennel

Course #2 (Chako)

Savory Buckwheat Crepes- braised lamb, asian pear, hazelnut-sage glaze

Course #3 (for the table...)

Malted Custard French Toast- macerated rhubarb, lime leaf cream, pink peppercorn

It was so good, I was so full. You know how people are always saying, "Nothing is better than bacon"? Well, NOTHING IS BETTER THAN CRISPED PORK BELLY!! Just saying.

Going to try and recreate some of these things soon, get ready.