Chicago: Classics

 
Not only is Chicago known for adventurous foodie cuisine, it is also known for it's classics! The Chicago dog and deep dish pizza. At the end of the weekend full of food, we realized we had not have a chance to try out the Chicago classics.

Monday, I spent some time with a co-worker who met me in the city and we went to go visit a few sites for work.  I initially offered to take him out to lunch, but he insisted because he was Chicagoian, he take me out.  I knew that called for some Chicago classics.


At one of our sites, there were some outside tables and yellow umbrellas, he knew right away, they would have Chicago Dogs, and he was right on target.  He thought this might be too simple for me, but little did he know after a weekend of bone marrow, pigs ear, and gastronomy, I was down for something simple.  The Chicago Dog had all of the best toppings, ketchup, mustard, tomatoes, onions, and relish.  These ones were missing the 2 jalapenos he was used to, but it was still just what I wanted.  I couldn't leave Chicago without trying one.

After he dropped me off, I took the "L" back to Christi's to pick up Bailey and my luggage.  While riding I came up with the perfect plan.  Pick up Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, on the way to the airport because it was right on the corner of Christi's street.  Unfortunately, they were closed!

But, because I am the best girlfriend in the world (most of the time), I sent 2 Lou Malnati deep dish pizzas to Andrew to enjoy over the weekend and pretend he was in Chicago too.  When I came home he only ate one of the pizzas, and saved the second to share with me (how sweet!).

Not sure how this compares to the ones at the restaurant, but it was different, good, but different.  I guess I am a NY pizza person.  Sorry, Lou! This pizza, was like a pie, a true pizza pie! The crust was very similar to pie crust and all the fillings were in layers within the pie.  First the cheese, then the sausage, then the sauce, and topped with a little bit of parmigiana cheese.

My trip to Chicago wouldn't have been complete without trying Chicago style pizza, but I know where I am going next, New York! New York Pizza anyone?

I'm on my way back...

And I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Here is a preview of my weekend! 

Chicago is here!

The time has finally come, tomorrow morning Bailey and I are going to Chicago!!!!  Christi get ready for a wild, fun and tasty girls weekend!!! 

Restaurant prep has been completed, and now it is time to see where the weekend takes us! I promised myself I wouldn't gain 400lbs!

 Fresh farmers market dishes

Girl and the Goat

Gourmet Chicago Dogs

Photo from Allium & Tasting Table Chicago

Bring your own Vodka Brunch & Bloody Marys

Photo from BadHappy

Tasting Menus & Gastronomy

Photo from iNG Restaurant

Deep Dish Pizza

Photo from Yelp & Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Quinoa Quest: Breakfast Muffins

Ham & Cheese Quinoa Breakfast Muffins

My sister was introduced to Iowa Girl Eats by an co-worker not too long ago.  She was very quick to let me know because she knew I was on a Quest to find delicious Quinoa options.  This girl has a ton, and I can't even begin to express how excited I am to try her recipes.  The first on my list is the Ham & Cheese Quinoa Breakfast Muffins.

Theses were so easy to make and they are going to be even easier in the morning! Great breakfast for Andrew to grab in the morning on his way to work.

 
1. Shred zucchini and sharp cheddar cheese, and slice ham. Combine into a bowl with 2 eggs and 2 egg whites. (I did extra for a bigger batch.)

2. Spray pan with non-stick spray and scoop mixture into cupcake spots.

3. Bake for at 350 for 25-30 minutes if you are going to use a standard cupcake pan.

4. Removed once they are browned around the edges. 

5. Serve, or put in plastic baggies for an On-The-Go Breakfast! Microwave when ready to eat.

Thank you girl from Iowa... You have such great ideas for my Quinoa Quest!

I'm Obsessed...

Someone at Trader Joe's a genius and made coleslaw much more nutritious! Combined with a soy sesame dressing, is makes it a wonderful side for any summertime dinner or BBQ.

This is very simple!

1. Buy the Trader Joe's Organic Broccoli Slaw and Trader Joe's Sesame Soy Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing.

2. Combine in a bowl.

3. Stir and dress the broccoli slaw. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tonight it was grilled streaks and broccoli coleslaw!

  

Okay, I know this isn't the prettiest dinner, but I can say it was delicious, nutritious, and very satisfying. 

Check out more of my obsessions!

Date Night: Olio Pizzeria

Friday night Andrew and I made reservations at Olio e Limone for dinner for our date night! We are huge fans of the pizzeria, but wanted to try the restaurant. As we entered the restaurant the whole place was very quite, serious, and stuffy. We informed the hostess we were here for our reservations and she said they weren't ready. Andrew and I felt so put of place we looked at each other and both had the same idea, pizzeria? YES!

I headed next door to see how long the wait was and there were two seats at the bar. Perfect. I felt bad canceling our reservations, but there was a nice couple that was happy to take it. Some day we will try it, but not tonight.

We ordered our favorite appetizer, calamari al nero (squid ink calamari), which is the best calamari I have ever had. We also ordered the asparagus con prosciutto topped with gorgonzola, poached egg. I thought it was delicious!

We each ordered a pizza, which is perfect because it adds variety and always guarantees leftovers. Andrew ordered the boscaiola, sausage and mushroom pizza. I had the diavola which is fresh mozzarella and spicy salami. I miss spicy salami from Italy, and this is as authentic as we will find it here in California. The owner has it shipped from Italy. And we love our Italian meats! Here we are in a meat shop in Florence, Italy back in October.

p.s. The wine we had we brought in.  It was the Syrah from Bridlewood when we escaped the fog! It paired perfectly with our Italian dinner. 

Now I was pretty disappointed with the dessert. Let me tell you, this dessert is one of my FAVORITES! I order it every time we are there. The pesche allo zenzero is a dish of peaches flambéd in caramel sauce with ice cold ice cream. Now usually they use fresh peaches, and they get crispy burnt caramel pieces on the peaches that just make this dessert perfect! As soon as our dessert arrived I noticed the peaches weren't the normal half peaches, they were small quarters. Then I took my first bite, and the flavor was there, it really can't be bad, but it was missing my favorite crispy burnt caramel and the peaches were slimy. I swear they were canned. Really! Maybe this is a lesson for me, don't order this dessert unless it is peach season. Good thing it is only a month away!

Courtyard Brunch

This breakfast/lunch place is hidden in the Victoria Courtyard, but don't discount it for its not so prime location. It is a good thing, because it has about 10 tables inside and only 6 by the fountain in the courtyard.  It is absolutely adorable, and I was so excited to try it.

We started off with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and an Arnold Palmer, which were very refreshing.  While we were waiting for our dishes, we were served a amuse bouch, LOVE the idea, but wasn't a huge fan of the chipotle fried chicken skin.  It was really spicy and had little flavor.

I ordered the chilaquiles (a favorite breakfast meal of mine) with over medium eggs with homemade chorizo.  Under the eggs sat perfectly grilled onions, chiles, and the chorizo. The flavors were delicious, slightly lacking quantity of toppings compared to the number of chips served.  I just wanted more of the flavor, less of the chips, not a bad thing.  Andrew ordered Gallons de Madre, an open faced breakfast sandwich with ham, bechamel, brioche, and poached eggs.  

We really wanted to try the maple bacon biscuit, but we did not make it before they were sold out.  (Arrive before 2pm). So we ordered the fresh baked cinnamon roll.  We were way too full to eat the cinnamon roll, so we took it home for a late afternoon dessert.  It was good, but had nothing on my grandma's.

Overall it was a great afternoon spot.  Like most of the Yelpers said, the service wasn't great, but I can deal with that as long as the food is good.  Hopefully, the word will spread and waiters will put a smile on, a smile will never hurt.