Craving Gemelli Pesto Sauce with Grilled Chicken

As an avid reader of Chicago Crave, you can tell by now that I have a slight addiction to Italian food. But seriously how can you not?! Last Saturday (11/28) was Small Business Saturday and I decided to have lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in my neighborhood, Gio’s. For those of you that don’t know, Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday that is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This day is dedicated to encouraging people across the country to support local businesses.

Gio’s is a small restaurant and deli on the corner of 27^th and Lowe Avenue. They claim to be “a little jewel in the heart of Bridgeport in the south side of Chicago that will make you feel like you are at Grandma’s kitchen with a very familiar atmosphere.” I agree that this homemade Italian food with a Sicilian touch does indeed make me feel like I’m sitting at the kitchen table in my grandparent’s house  about to chow down a meal that my grandma was preparing all day long.

When you walk in the door you are greeted and able to sit wherever you’d like. Immediately you’ll notice one whole wall of the restaurant is stocked shelves filled with boxes of pasta, jars of sauce, different breads and boxes of Italian cookies. Patrons are encouraged to buy these items after a meal and bring them to their families so they can enjoy some authentic Italian meals at home. After gazing at the large wall you should order the Arancini while you look over the menu. This is a rice ball stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese, fried and then covered in marinara sauce. This warm and chewy appetizer is the perfect start to any meal at Gio’s.

Normally when I go to Gio’s I always order something from their Special of the Day menu because the fresh ingredients and variety trump anything on the normal menu. During this trip, I tried the Gemelli Pesto Sauce with Grilled Chicken and OMG I am so glad I did! Gemelli pasta noodles are basically two short noodles twisted together to form one. These little noodles paired perfectly with this creamy pesto sauce. I was happy to see that the grilled chicken was already cut into bite sized pieces and tossed in the pasta so each bite was the perfect amount of soft pasta, thick sauce and seasoned chicken. Originally my mom and I ordered this dish to share and soon after the food was brought to our table we decided to get another order because we could not help ourselves. This meal was so good that I think I’ll order it next time I dine at Gio’s instead of ordering something different off the specialty menu.

Next time you’re looking for a variety of Italian products like imported cheeses, oils, meats, fresh pasta and sauces for your recipes at home, stop at Gio’s, then stay for a traditional Italian meal prepared with quality ingredients and the home style atmosphere. Buon apetito!

Craving Biscuits and Gravy

Since today is my 22^nd birthday I decided to break the rules a little bit and to treat myself to one of my favorite restaurants to enjoy a southern style breakfast. By breaking the rules I mean reviewing a restaurant that isn’t exactly in a Southside neighborhood. White Palace Grill is located on the corner of Roosevelt and Canal in the South Loop but hey, it’s my birthday so the rules can be bent a little. And besides, this review will be totally worth it.

If you’re a Food Network addict like me, this place might sound familiar to you. Yep that’s right, White Palace was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive- Ins & Dives! If you’re a Food Network novice, this is a show about all the places to eat comfort home- style, classic gourmet, and fast foods all across America. The host, Guy Fieri, said “The key to any successful dining establishment is it’s history, because that is what sets it apart from the rest of the pack as it can survive and thrive through the years. This 70 year old diner is one of the best of the best!” White Palace is a small restaurant that is always busy. Inside there is a long counter with tall silver stools for patrons to sit at along with tons of old diner style booths. No matter what time of day you come, there will always be at least a ten minute wait before you are seated but trust me, it is worth the wait.

Normally when I dine here I always order chicken and waffles because this pairing seems to get more delicious every time I order it but this time since I was celebrating my birthday, I decided to try something new, the Southern Chicken Biscuit Platter. Biscuits and Gravy is definitely a favorite breakfast dish of mine but this platter turns this traditional dish up a notch. Once you find the “Biscuits & Gravy” section on the extensive menu your eyes will immediately go toward the Southern Chicken Biscuit Platter because the description will make your mouth water. These biscuits are sliced in half and topped with country- fried chicken, American cheese and then smothered in gravy.

I was impatient waiting for this plate to come to my table because I was so curious about how big this meal was going to be. And my assumptions were correct; this is definitely a meal I recommend sharing with someone. Each biscuit was soft and flaky which paired perfectly with the crunchy bite of chicken. The gravy ties both of them together into a tasty bite that makes you want to go in for another bite until this plate is gone. I enjoyed this with a big glass of orange juice and was completely stuffed and satisfied.

I only have one critique about this restaurant and that is it is incredibly difficult to find available street parking.

Overall, this is a great place to enjoy a diner style meal with friends. Happy birthday to me!

Craving a “Grown Up BLT”

I am the type of person who can eat breakfast for every meal of the day. Something about pancakes, bacon and warm biscuits and gravy really speak to me.. or maybe I’m just hungry. In any case, Hashbrowns Café on Maxwell Street is basically the perfect place for a girl like me. This restaurant is near South Loop on a dead end street paved with cobblestones. There is available seating outside but this time my mom and I decided to dine inside since it was a crisp fall morning.

When you enter, you are immediately seated and given a huge cup of coffee and a menu. I have never tried the soup at Hashbrowns before visits but since the special of the day was Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice (my favorite) I decided to give it a try and I was not disappointed. This thick soup was served in an extra large coffee cup giving it a cute café type charm and on the side was lightly toasted Italian bread. I really enjoyed this soup while deciding what to order from the menu.

Every time I come to Hashbrowns I’ve already made up the decision in my mind that I am ordering their famous “Killer Hashbrowns” as my side dish. I know this seems weird to form a decision around the side dish instead of an entrée but these Killer Hashbrowns are so irresistible! This delicious plate consists of Idaho potatoes, cheddar cheese, onions and sour cream topped with crusted corn flakes and baked until bubbly with a perfectly golden crust on top. This huge slice of hasbrowns reminds me of some type of creamy cheesy casserole your mom would make that is perfectly toasted and crunchy on the outside and soft and melty on the inside. Seriously, my mouth is watering right now while I am writing this.

Although I can’t stop raving about the famous side dishes, I ordered the perfect sandwich to accompany my Killer Hashbrowns and I don’t think I’ll ever order anything else whenever I visit this restaurant again. Bacon is the best breakfast food in my opinion so when I saw that Hashbrowns had duck bacon I knew I had to try it. I ordered a BLT with the substitution of duck bacon for the traditional pork bacon and added avocado. Even though a BLT isn’t technically breakfast, any time I can add a breakfast food item into my meal, it’s a small victory for me. When this tall sandwich of crispy bacon, toasted bread and fresh veggies came out of the kitchen and to my table I knew I was in for a treat. There was no doubt that my eyes were bigger than my stomach because I couldn’t finish all of this food but it was all worth it. Every bite was better than the last.

While talking with my mom over our meal I decided to call this the “Grown Up BLT” because it takes a traditional sandwich to the next level. My mom seemed to think that I should call it the “BLT on Steroids” or maybe say “This is a DUCKING good sandwich”. No matter how you put it, this meal was by far the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time. I recommend this place every Sunday morning when my family is looking for a place to enjoy a great meal together.

Craving Southern Style Barbeque

This week is all about getting southern style comfort food on Chicago’s south side.  Husky Hog Barbeque is a small restaurant on the corner of 31^st and Shields just a few blocks north of U.S. Cellular Field. When you walk in you’ll see a few picnic tables covered in traditional red and white plaid table cloths. Everything about this restaurant from the aroma to the décor makes you feel like you’ve walked into a backyard barbeque.

Against the back wall there is a large chalkboard covered with different menu options for you to choose from along with different specials of the day. If you have the opportunity to visit this restaurant more than once I recommend that you try something different every time (because there isn’t one bad option on the menu) but if this is your first time at Husky Hog, you NEED to get a pulled pork sandwich and a side of macaroni and cheese. Once you get up to the counter to order, you’ll notice that the people of Husky Hog have a sarcastic sense of humor which will make you laugh, feel comfortable and welcomed into their “family” while you dine in. You can tell that these workers love what they do because they have great menu recommendations and speak enthusiastically about their four homemade special sauces. After ordering your sandwich and mac, take a seat at a picnic table and start taste testing these delicious sauces because each one packs a different and unique punch of flavor. On each table sits four bottles of sauce which include Husky Hog Hot, Carolina Vinegar, Honey Mustard and their Classic BBQ. Even though the Classic sauce is a fan favorite, I like the Husky Hog Hot the best because I enjoy everything with a little bit of heat. This is the perfect warm blend of Tennessee and Midwestern ingredients of tangy, sweet and slightly spicy flavors. In fact, this sauce is so good that Husky Hog recommends you put this on EVERYTHING. They say “It’s not that spicy, don’t be scared.”

Now back to this slow cooked pork sandwich. This pulled pork is smoked over apple and oak woods for hours and then pumped with apple juice. After several hours of slow cooking, this pork is hand pulled into perfect sized bites of tender pork, covered in barbeque sauce and then layered in between two buttery sweet rolls. As if this sandwich wasn’t delectable enough, you have the gooey mac n cheese to devour as well. Even though this may seem like a simple dish, Husky Hog nails this recipe with noodles drenched in homemade cheese sauce, encrusted with panko bread crumbs and freshly grated cheese then it is put in the oven and baked to golden brown perfection. I mean COME ON, what is not to love?! This southern style meal wouldn’t be complete without a complimentary cornbread muffin.

When I think of a family style barbeque joint, Husky Hog fits this description completely. Bring your friends and family in for a meal and you’ll all feel like you’ve stepped into a real southern restaurant.

(FUN FACT: Husky Hog also has their very own food truck that travels throughout Chicago. Follow @HuskyHogBBQ to see where the truck is traveling today.)

Craving Deep Dish Pizza

OBVIOUSLY I couldn’t write a Chicago based blog without including the cherished Chicago style deep dish pizza! This week it’s all about thick layers of gooey cheese, marinara sauce, flaky crust and even more cheese as I dive into one of my favorite pizzas. Even though Nonna’s Pizza is pretty far south (136^th and Cicero) it is worth it! Don’t let this small pizza joint located in a strip mall fool you because each slice is packed with flavor.

I am a big advocate for Chicago’s deep dish pizza and cannot wrap my mind around the fact that New York style pizza is a competitor. The Big Apple’s light tomato sauce, cheese and flat crust are nothing in comparison to the Winy City’s high edge crust, chunky tomato sauce and generous amounts of cheese. In New York, the pizza is so thin that people generally fold it in half to eat it. In Chicago, the crust is thick to resemble a pie, hence the name, pizza pie. It is pretty obvious to me that deep dish pizza is second to none.

Nonna’s has a few tables to dine at but I’ve noticed most patrons take their orders to go so they can stuff their faces at home… like me. When you walk in you’ll notice five or more pizzas freshly made and warming under a light on the counter. Your mouth will water while you’re looking at all the different pizzas Nonna’s has to offer such as taco, margherita, Hawaiian and barbeque chicken but you cannot go wrong with an original, a slice of stuffed cheese pizza. Although it may seem ordinary, you are underestimating how huge this slice really is.

This huge piece of pie is loaded with massive amounts of cheese and topped with the perfect amount of chunky tomato sauce. The sauce and dough are both homemade making it even more delicious. When I get to my kitchen, I put hot giardiniera all over my slice to give it a little extra heat. (Are you really from Chicago if you don’t have a bottle of giardiniera in your fridge?) My favorite part about this pizza is the crust. When I think of a deep dish, soft yet crunchy in all the right places kind of crust, I think of Nonna’s. But let’s not forget the absolute best thing about this crust; it is stuffed with melty cheese. Let me put it this way; the crust on this pizza is so good that you’ll want to eat the crust first then finish the rest of the slice.

I dare you to find one bad thing about this classic slice of pan pizza from Nonna’s, it’s nearly impossible. If you’re driving in southside Chicago then you need to make the trip to 136^th and Cicero to try this pie. And if there are any New Yorkers out there reading this blog, Nonna’s also serves thin crust pizza upon request for those who can’t handle the truth that deep dish pizza trumps all.

Craving Fajitas

This week I am reviewing my favorite Mexican restaurant in my neighborhood, Pancho Pistolas Authentic Mexican Restaurant. Everyone on the southside refers to it as just Panchos.  This restaurant is on the corner of 31^st and Union, just two blocks east of Halsted. If you are from the city, you know that most neighborhoods have permit parking (which is the most annoying thing ever); prohibiting you from parking on any residential block. Panchos however, allows you to park your car anywhere you find a spot (and usually that is right across the street, if not right out front). After finding a spot, head inside and you’ll know from all your senses that you walked into an authentic Mexican restaurant.

The front of house is filled with many tables and there is a small bar near the back. When they’re busy, on Friday nights for example, there is a separate upstairs dining area to accommodate a larger crowd. Each table has a basket of homemade tortilla chips and two different types of salsas; a hot tomato salsa and a mild pico de gallo. But don’t fill up on the chips because you’re in for a real treat, Pancho Pistolas’ Steak Fajitas are one of their house specialties.

Every time I go to Panchos, I order this dish but fair warning, the portion is pretty big so bring a friend so you can share (notice how I didn’t order an appetizer in this post? Because these fajitas are filling). This meal comes out on a sizzling, smoking, piping hot cast iron skillet filled to the top with sautéed slices of onions, green pepper, tomato and outer skirt steak. After drooling over the aroma of this truly authentic dish you’ll immediately want to grab a warm tortilla shell it is served with and dig in. But wait, there’s more! This house specialty is also served with a rice, beans, guacamole, lettuce and tomato. Now it’s time to dig in. There is no rhyme or reason to how you build your perfect fajita but I must say, there isn’t a bad ingredient on the table. I load my tortilla shell with big pieces of juicy steak, pan- fried peppers and onions, tomato, crispy lettuce and a scoop of guac. As a final touch, I like to add the spicy tomato salsa that was originally on the table with the basket of chips to my mountain of Steak Fajita for the perfect amount of heat.

Go ahead and take a big bite and let the grease and sauce fall over you face because there really isn’t a “neat” way to eat this. To be honest, you won’t mind being a mess because in five minutes your plate will be empty and you’ll be going in for seconds. These Steak Fajitas are perfect for going out to dinner with a friend. The family- friendly atmosphere and endless amount of chips and salsa are the makings for a great night out on the southside.

Craving Crispy BBQ Chicken

Are you looking to extend your weekend festivities for just a little longer? You need a Sunday Funday celebration at Reggie’s rooftop. This week’s blog post is dedicated to the Sunday mornings when the only thing you’re craving is greasy food and a Bloody Mary. In fact, you can call this the “Chicago Crave Hangover Remedy”.

Reggie’s describes themselves as a “terrific bar and grill, kickin’ rock club, and a music lover’s record store — all under one roof!” Although Reggie’s is a great live music venue, my favorite part about this once run- down auto bumper repair shop transformed into a restaurant is the Trainwreck Rooftop Deck (Known as the Trainwreck because the “L” Red Line tracks are directly behind it). This is the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon with a group of friends. Overlooking State Street, this deck is complete with 8 flat screen TVs, pro basketball pop-a-shot, and pool tables.

Step one of the “Chicago Crave Hangover Remedy” is to sit at a picnic table and order a spicy Bloody Mary. Although Reggie’s has a great beer list, you can’t beat the $5 Bloodies! Go ahead and look through all the menu options but you have to order the BBQ wings. In fact, Reggie’s won the Best BBQ Chicken Wings at Wingfest in 2012. I must note however, I personally do not like traditional chicken wings and prefer boneless, so when the waitress assured me that I could order crispy chicken strips in the same award winning BBQ, I was sold. The crunchy crust, secret spice rub, and homemade sauce are the makings for a perfect dish. The only thing that could be missing is a juicy pickle on the side. Never fear, Reggie’s fried pickles are here! These sour pickles are cut into thick wedges and have the perfect crunch. Served with a side of honey mustard, this sweet and salty combo is the perfect partner for crispy BBQ chicken.

After a delicious, filling and dare I say, fattening meal like this one it’s best to go home and rest because it’ll be back to reality tomorrow and your Sunday Funday has come to an end.  It’s time to face your mundane Monday and hectic workweek but hey, there’s always next Sunday right?

Craving Steak and Ale Pie

If you’ve been reading my blog religiously (like I know you have been) you would know by now that I love eating a great meal and pairing it with a glass of wine or a cold beer. This week, I visited one of the best restaurants to sit down for a hearty dish and enjoy a drink. Pleasant House Bakery is located on 31^st and Morgan in the Bridgeport neighborhood. I came across this restaurant while visiting one of my favorite bars, Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar, which is right next door. Although Pleasant House is a B.Y.O.B. restaurant and does not serve beer, you can get a carry out 6 pack from Maria’s and bring it into Pleasant House for dinner. In fact, you could even order your food at Pleasant House, walk over to Maria’s and Pleasant House will deliver your order next door when it is ready. Pretty cool right?

Pleasant House is a small white building that sits on the corner. Inside, there are about 8 tables and the atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. However, the best thing about Pleasant House is the menu. This is a British inspired restaurant that serves Royal Pies which are handmade with locally sourced veggies and savory meats. What’s a Royal Pie you ask? Imagine your mom’s chicken pot pie… but 1,000 times better (sorry, mom). The first thing you should do when you walk into Pleasant House is go straight to the counter and order a Steak and Ale Pie. Just four ingredients go into this delightful little pastry; beef, ale, carrots and herbs. But who could forget about the handmade, flaky buttery pie crust holding all of this deliciousness together. Order this Royal Pie with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy and you’ve got yourself a hearty and filling meal that will remind you of a home cooked feast.

(Fun fact: Pleasant House Bakery is family owned and they grow their own quality produce that they serve in their pies). Pleasant Farms has locations in urban Chicago where all the produce is grown and then sent to the Bridgeport restaurant.

Even though the Steak and Ale Pie has stolen my heart, Pleasant House offers daily specials that are available for viewing on their website. And let’s not forget their selection of house-made sodas; spicy Ginger Ale and Hibiscus Tea Soda. Can’t decide what soda to get? Get both. You won’t be disappointed.

Still not convinced that Pleasant House is worth the effort of changing out of your sweatpants and getting off your couch? Try it at home. Yep, that’s right, at Pleasant House you can order any pie fully cooked and frozen for you to take home and will taste just as delicious coming out of your oven as it will coming from the restaurant.

If you’re looking to try something different I think I have found the perfect place for you. This family owned restaurant has so many unique characteristics that make dining at Pleasant House memorable. With the chilly fall weather approaching, a warm Steak and Ale Pie with locally grown vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes is just what the doctor ordered.

Craving Gnocchi

This week I decided to try a new restaurant I never been to before, Ciao Amore Ristorante in Pilsen. This neighborhood is just west of Halsted Street and is home to this old fashioned authentic Italian restaurant. I came across the restaurant while googling B.Y.O.B. restaurants and I was not disappointed. Strangely enough, Ciao Amore reminded me of a small Chinese restaurant from the outside but once I walked inside, I knew I was about to sit down to a delicious Italian meal. The lights were dim and all the tables were covered in clean white table cloths. The ambiance was romantic as old Italian music played quietly as background noise (which reminded me of having dinner at my Grandpa Gabe’s house as a little girl).

Ciao Amore claims, “We are a B.Y.O.B. restaurant, so you bring your favorite wine or beverage…. And we will take care of the rest.” You will quickly learn that that statement couldn’t be truer. The server immediately invites you to sit down so they can set the table with glasses for the drinks you brought. (Wait, what was that? You didn’t read Chicago Crave so you didn’t know this restaurant was B.Y.O.B.?! No worries, there is a liquor store right across the street). CLINK! Right after you make a toast with your friends at the table about how thankful you are that Chicago Crave told you about the liquor store, you will open the menu and try to decide what to order. Immediately you will notice that all the food choices are in Italian, which can seem overwhelming at first, until you notice the descriptions of each dish printed in English.

My table ordered the Calamari Fritti and Bruschetta Della Casa for our appetizers. (Fair warning, bring some Tic Tacs because every food from this point on will leave your breath smelling like garlic). The calamari was lightly breaded and perfectly crispy but the spicy marinara dipping sauce was the best part. All the tomatoes used in the bruschetta were fresh and the garlic baguette it was served on had nice crunch. Even though you’ve probably licked the appetizer plates clean, make sure you save room for your entrée because Antonio’s Gnocchi Ripieno Bolognese will be completely worth it. Growing up in an Italian household, I have high expectations for gnocchi because they have to be up to par with my mom’s recipe and I must say, Ciao Amore’s take on this dish was completely satisfying. It was a perfect serving of small soft dumplings stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese. Topped with Bolognese sauce, this is a plate I would for sure call authentically Italian.

At this point, you are completely full and can’t even think about stuffing one more bite of food in your mouth but who are you kidding, you’re sticking around for a scoop of creamy spumoni ice cream.

Everything about this dining experience was enjoyable and delicious however, there is one thing about my Ciao Amore Ristorante experience that was pretty aggravating, the parking! I recommend taking a cab or uber to this restaurant because the parking lot available is so tiny and narrow that it will take you 15 minutes to get your car in or out of there. But let’s be real, you’ll be taking limitless trips to the liquor store for a bottle of cabernet so taking a cab is a good call.

Craving a Blue Burger

This week I decided to review one of my favorite restaurants within ten minutes of my house, Cork and Kerry at the Park on 33^rd and Princeton. “Cork”, as local neighborhood kids call it, is the place to be when the Chicago White Sox are in town. If the name wasn’t indication enough, Cork is only two blocks from U.S. Cellular Field. This bar/ restaurant consists of only about ten tables and a small patio. The hometown atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door. In fact, that is one of my favorite things (besides the cheese curds, of course) that Cork has to offer their patrons. The people of Cork take pride in welcoming guests into their neighborhood restaurant. For example, if the White Sox are playing the Texas Rangers, the special of the day would be Ranger Ribs and a Texas Burger Melt paired with Texas Handmade Tito’s vodka and lemonade to accommodate the Rangers fans.

Okay, back to the cheese curds. When I go to Cork, the first thing I do is sit at a high top table and order an appetizer of cheese curds and a drink from the bar. These cheese curds come in a basket like they would at the ball park. Bursting with flavor, they are fried lightly, have a crispy outside with a gooey inside and come with a side of house made ranch dressing.

While enjoying my finger food I always order a local beer on tap. Cork has Chicago brews like Revolution Antihero, Greenline and my personal favorite, Motor Row Brew. Fun fact, Motor Row is from a South Loop brewery just minutes away from Cork.

Even though bar food doesn’t seem like anything extra special, if you’re craving a burger, you need to visit Cork. Known for their burgers, Cork was even featured in the Chicago Tribune’s Top Ten Burger of the Year for its Latino Burger. While the Latino is a crowd favorite, I always recommend the Blue Burger (and yes, it is spelled BLUE Burger on the menu). For a bleu cheese lover like me, this satisfies my craving every time. This burger comes with bleu cheese crumbles, pepper mayo, bacon and tomato on a pretzel bun. Served with it is your choice of French fries or a side salad but let’s face it, you’ve already ruined your diet with cheese curds and a beer so skip the side salad and go for the fries (do some extra sit ups later).

After devouring your burger and fries wash it all down with another local Chicago brew and stick around the bar because you’re sure to see a friendly face or catch one of your favorite sports team playing on any of the several flat screen televisions throughout the bar. Great hospitality paired with excellent bar food are the reasons I love Cork and Kerry at the Park so much.