I can’t say anything bad about Antique Taco. I’m in love with the place – the decor, food, everything about it makes me content. The food is delicious, honest, and simple. I haven’t gotten to the cheese curds just yet, but they are on my bucket list. They also have Half Acre beer, yielding oh so many points in my book!
Category Archives: Wanders
La Columbe and Glazed & Infused
La Columbe and Glazed & Infused, right across the street from one another in Wicker Park! This was fantastic news to me! If you haven’t been to either, go now! La Columbe is a must for coffee and if you’re a doughnut lover, you cannot go wrong with Glazed & Infused. What’s in the bag? A Maple Bacon Long John.
Coppervine
Coppervine saved my Valentine’s Day this year! Though our table’s location (heavily trafficked) and size (tiny) was not ideal, at least we were able to get a reservation (Grass Fed decided to close with only a few days notice to make a new reservation and I’m still mad). I was intrigued by the drink pairings offered on the fixed v-day menu (beer, wine, and cocktail) and ready to get out of the frigid February temps of Chicago.
The meal was decent. I felt they stretched themselves thin, serving too many options and not mastering any of them. The cheese plate would be my top pick of the dinner. I would go back for the regular menu, their playfulness in pairing is exciting and unique, certainly cause for a return trip.
The Gage
house crafted sausages
The Gage is conveniently located across from Millennium Park. The 300 seat restaurant feels like a cross between an old school steakhouse and an Irish pub. Portions here are generous (I couldn’t take the sausage plate down) and the beet plate is better than expected.
salt roasted beets
SmallBar – Division
What better way to begin a trip to Chicago than with fried cheese curds from a bar that shares my name? SmallBar is empty on a Thursday afternoon; a welcome contrast to a full aircraft of screaming children.
Rundown:
- Beer list is excellent
- Curds are okay
- Burger – fine, not spectacular
Guid Forder: Brooklyn Brewery
I’m ringing in the new year with a special section I call Guid Forder, or Good Luck. This is reserved for those wonderful occasions when I get to visit a craft brewery. Recently I was able to visit the esteemed Brooklyn Brewery and got to try some of their winter offerings. The visiting portion of the brewery contains a large open room with barrels for setting drinks down and large wooden tables for groups to sit. For $5 you can purchase a ticket that will buy you your choice of 6-8 draft offerings. The brewery can get packed, so get there early, take the tour and claim a spot.
First off was the Brooklyn Blast!, an Imperial IPA that lived up to its name. The crisp golden body and light carbonation masks the bold hop flavors. Pungent grapefruit and herbal notes emanate from the Blast’s nose. The finish is long, piney and full of citrus. Just try to keep in mind its ABV stands at 8.4%.
Next up was the Brooklyn Winter Ale, a refreshing and lightly spicy Scotch ale. The Winter Ale pours a deep amber color with a foamy white head. Lots of malt, carmel, and dark fruit waft from the nose. Biscuit and roasted malt linger on the tongue with a hint of spice that keeps on giving.
Overall, the Brooklyn Brewery was a wonderful treat. This flagship of craft breweries doesn’t disappoint. If you have a chance, especially on a weekday, drop by and enjoy some fresh Brooklyn beer.
A weekend in Newport, RI
Day 1
Off to a tasty start with dinner at The Mooring. The restaurant is huge and packed with patrons on a Friday night. With its waterfront location, I imagine the view is spectacular during summer months. We begin with oysters (amazing), bag of donuts (less exciting than I imagined), and tuna tartare (Asian inspired). For the main course, Surf and Turf with lobster tail and sirloin (steak is a bit tough) and a pear and Stilton salad (overly dressed for bibb lettuce). To finish the night off, we order the bread pudding (pudding is okay, but the sauce and ice cream are great). The service is speedy, with plates coming out of the kitchen as quickly as the order leaves my mouth.
Tuna Tartare
Bag of Donuts
Surf and Turf
Bread Pudding
Day 2
Coffee – Almond milk latte at the Coffee Grinder. In case you’re wondering, they have a small selection of pastries and sandwiches.
Brunch – On our walk we happen upon Stoneacre Pantry; biscuits with butter and blueberry jam (I could have eaten that jam all day) and poached egg with hash (the hash was excellent!). I can’t wait to return for the chicken liver mousse!!
Somewhere between lunch and dinner – snacks at Perro Salado (Guacamole – tortilla chips, tostones, pipians and Padron Chili Empanadas). The restaurant is located in the historic Decatur House and the combo of old New England and Mexican is charming and unique. They also have a sister restaurant called El Perrito (smaller and byob). The lighting is dim and thus, no good photos.
After the delicious margaritas and snacks we’re off to the mansions (Marble House and Elms) all decked out for the holidays with spiked eggnog to boot!
More snacks later on at the Wharf Pub – tater tots. The bar area is cozy, bartender is incredibly nice, and their beer selection is more extensive than one might expect.
Day 3
Breakfast at Empire Tea and Coffee and then we’re heading back home with a small stop at Farmstead for cheese.
Breakfast Sandwich on a Bolo
Third Rail Coffee – Sullivan Street
We heard good things. Tiny shop (bustling even on a cold Saturday morning), small selection of pastries; I had a black coffee and scone. The coffee was decent, the scone could have been elevated with some jam. My guess is that I would have been better off ordering a drink with espresso.
Meatball Shop – Brooklyn
A small snack of sliders at the Meatball Shop; classic beef with tomato sauce and spicy pork with mushroom sauce paired with Sixpoint Wheatball Ale. I did not indulge in an ice cream sandwich this time around, but they are fantastic!
Black Swan
Brunch again – this time at Black Swan. It’s 11am and the bar is already full of customers watching the football game. We dine at the back of the restaurant underneath the skylight; a stark contrast to the dimly lit bar. They are known for making delicious bloody marys, but it’s strictly beer for me.
Two Organic Eggs
Rum French Toast – tastes like they use croissant bread, decadent!