By my calculations there are four meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. All of them are clearly, equally important. Over the course of the past year, I’ve had some amazing bites from local restaurants, bakeries, shops and grocery stores. Here’s a few that keep returning to my mind, long after the meal has disappeared:
Breakfast
Raspberry crème croissant at 3 Fold. A Bakery, Oak Park
This was a surprise hit for the new east side of Oak Park bakery. They imagined that they’d rotate flavors of their filled croissants, but the raspberry crème proved so popular that it became a staple on the menu. Good call!
Mike’s special waffle at Addis Café, Oak Park
A waffle coated with cinnamon sugar spread, bananas, shaved almonds, syrup, and powdered sugar. What’s not to like? The signature crunch in Addis’ waffles comes from a touch of cornmeal in the batter. Sweet, crisp and filling.
Cinnamon mocha at Whirlwind Coffee, Oak Park
When Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday, I opt for a coffee drink to honor flavors from Mexico, rather than a bacchanal in the evening. This cup was overflowing with the best combo of chocolate, perfectly roasted coffee, whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. Olé!
Lunch
Hamburger at Cordial Inn in Brookfield
I mean, can a hamburger really rise above the rest? The menu at Cordial Inn is limited, but let me tell you, what they do, they do well. This flame-grilled cheeseburger knocked my socks off. Nothing fancy, just the basics: lettuce, onion, tomato. You can add condiments as you so desire.
Figs from Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market in Elmwood Park
I love figs, but I’ve never eaten them fresh. Last summer I ended up buying several boxes from Caputo’s. My favorite meal: thin slices of French bread, shares from a generous wedge of brie cheese, half a fresh fig, topped with a kiss of honey. Summer in a bite.
Butter-crusted white loaf at Oak Park Bakery in Oak Park
Embarrassingly, I was only recently clued in to the loaf bread that OP Bakery makes. If you think a BLT can’t be made better, let me tell you this: lightly toast a couple of slices of this bread and you will change your mind.
Dinner
Lyre’s Amaretti sour at La Barra in Riverside
Sometimes I drink non-alcohol mocktails. There’s a time and a place for everything. If you are at La Barra peruse their dedicated zero-proof section of the drinks menu. This sour was as delicate, complex and satisfying as its alcohol twin.
Smoked Salmon from Carnivore in Oak Park
House smoked, hand-crafted, this silky fish is great on its own, in an omelet, on a cream cheese appetizer, nestled in with an egg Benedict (OK that might be “breakfeast,” but you see where I’m going here.) I lightly tossed some with pasta, green peas and a touch of cream sauce. The piece of salmon ended before my imagination did.
Chilaquiles mole from Epazote in Riverside
The presentation with fanfare of watermelon radishes was stunning. The first bite convinced me that the rest of the meal was going to measure up as well. The Brothers Ambrosio with help from their mom bring the specific flavors of Puebla, Mexico to the plate. Thanks for the travel guide!
Dessert
Vanilla tea from Todd & Holland Tea Merchants in Forest Park
There are so many teas to choose from here. Vanilla might be considered basic, but for me, when vanilla flavor hits the perfect note there is nothing better (I’d even say I prefer perfect vanilla to chocolate.) Nothing says cozy quite like this cuppa.
Coffee ice cream from Linda Michoacana in Chicago
At the corner of Oak Park and North avenues there is an ice cream treasure. I’m not a fan of iced coffee, but what do you know? I love coffee ice cream. Several times a summer I pop in here and get the best version I’ve tasted in the area. My family agrees, so they expect me to come home with a pint.
Ginger crème cookie from Broken Tart in Oak Park
Their kale scone might be described by some as life-changing, but their ginger crème cookie has appeared in my dreams. Don’t be fooled that they are out of stock, when you walk in and don’t see them in the front cases. They are in the cool case, just past the register.