Chicago Brunch: Gemini Bistro, Toast, C.B.A.

My blogbuddy, Billy, wrote an incredibly insightful piece on the Brunch scene the other day that got me thinking about brunch in Chicago, and how few options I had found so far...Here are a few I like... 

This past week Pete and I had the pleasure of trying the newly opened Gemini Bistro in Lincoln Park. Located in an old pharmacy, the decor is warm and contemporary, casual enough to be a go-to neighborhood spot, but fancy enough for a hot date night. We visited Gemini Bistro for dinner, but they also offer a brunch service which is clutch in Lincoln Park as the neighborhood seems to lack a sufficient brunch supply for the hoards who seek a mimosa and an omelette at the end of a big weekend. 

Judging by our dinner, I would eat at Gemini Bistro as many meals a day as they would let me. The menu is broken up into "small" "medium" and "large" sections, and they encourage you to order from all three and share between diners. Between the two of us Pete and I tried thetomato soup (great flavors, v. light), the baby beet salad (omg, I think this is what they talk about on Iron Chef as "layering flavors", truffle vinaigrette, salty goat cheese, sweet baby beets, deeeeelish), ahi tuna tartar (v. fresh, yum), their soon-to-be famous duck confit nachos(manchego, duck, queso fresco, heaven),  and the sauteed skate wing (perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth).

Despite this seemingly gluttonous selection of cuisine, neither of us felt like we were in a food coma afterwards, the portions were just right and every dish just felt clean and bright. There were no major glitches in the service, considering that along with the meal, and the fact that we were there on only their second night open, I see big things for this little Bistro, and I am super excited to have them in the neighborhood. 

Since I have brunch on the brain, I should mention another great option in Lincoln Park isToast on Webster across from Oz Park. 

There are a few locations throughout the city, serving up great brunch classics with fresh twists and a side of attitude. There have been some reviewers who seem to take an issue with the owner, a sassy lady from dirty D-Town Detroit. Having been raised in the diner tradition, I personally enjoy a little sass with my eggs, and as the saying goes If You Can't Stand the Heat! It is always super crowded, and if you are going with a big group, forget it. However, there is a great counter option if you find yourself lone ranging it, and the wait usually moves pretty fast. I have had savory options here (Huevos w/chorizo and cheddar...yummm) and sweet (stuffed french toast, double yumm) and have enjoyed myself thoroughly enjoyed myself every time. 

Besides leaving my friends and family (obv), one of the most devestating parts about leaving Houston was having to bid farewell to the inmitable Hot Bagel Shop. I am a gal that LOVES myself a bagel, and my first few months here were bleak and bagel-less. That is until Chicago Bagel Authority burst onto the scene and into my heart. 

Located on Armitage and Sheffield in Lincoln Park, CBA has a lot of things going for it, not the least of which is a mean piece of dough. They have tons of options for tastey sammies, breakfast and lunch, AND they deliver! Golden. Do not be frightened away by the fact that they steam, not toast, the bagels. It's their thang and they do it well. 

Don't burst my bubble...

There has been much chatter on the internets about a so-called cupcake bubble bursting like the dot-coms before it. I too have been noticing that there seems to be some sort of cupcake revolution going on, something bigger than just the trendy bakeries popping up all over the place offering different spins on the popular dessert. To trace the prolific rise of the cupcake I think it is important that one start at the beginning.

Most experts would agree when I say the cupcake really burst back onto to scene at Magnolia Bakery in New York, and received a boost when it was name-checked in the popular SNL bit, Lazy Sunday.

Soon after I think the wedding industry began taking notice, and the cupcake tower became a popular feature at receptions across the country.

Sprinkles in LA then brought the cupcake to the West Coast, which is when I think things really "jumped off". 

Houston has Crave, Austin has Hey Cupcake, Chicago has some place called Molly's Cupcakeswhich offers cupcakes with fillings like cookie dough, and I can tell you first hand thanks to the lovely J.Hottie, are delicious. 

Now the cupcake seems to be exploring merchandizing opportunities. 

{Cupcake cake pan so you can bake a full sized cake that looks like a cupcake...confusing}

{Cupcake floss...why not?}

{Cupcake hat...I have one in pink, don't worry}

{Cupcake bandaids}

I share my fellow blogger and friend Kathleen's affinity for cupcakes, although I rarely find an occasion where I am feeling confident enough in my bod to indulge in these individually frosted delights. However, if I were to treat myself, I know exactly where I would go.

Sweet Mandy B's. 

Every.Time.

Located DANGEROUSLY close to Clifford The Big Red House on Webster in Lincoln Park, Sweet Mandy B's has what it takes to ride the wave of a downturn in the cupcake market because it has diversified its business into big cakes, cookies, brownies, a diabetics dream. What's more, Sweet Mandy B's doesn't rely on any gimmicks. Their cupcakes are just delicious. So delicious they get you high. It's true. I have seen it. Their snickerdoodle cookie will also knock your pants off. 

Bella the dog once weasled her way up onto the counter by some unknown feats of strength just to get her muzzle into an empty box of Sweet Mandy B's. For real.

A Case of the Mondays...

Lest you think this blog is a random assortment of thoughts, I want you all to know I have a plan. Each day will have an assigned subject relating to design/entertaining, and on Mondays I will feature my Chicago Travel Guide! 

Excited??

Great, me too!

I took this little quiz the other day, and I am pretty sure Chicago was not one of the options, because somehow the city they told me I should live in was PARIS!? 

What City Should You Live In?
	You should live in Paris. The city of lights will appeal to your appreciation of beauty and romance. You are a lover and a poet by nature, and Paris' sensitive charms will be a perfect match for yours.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

I don't even like Paris! 

However, I LOVE Chicago.

Let me tell you why:

1. The lake. 

It's big. It's beautiful. It's clean. AND it's freshwater, so one day, I can get a fabulous wooden speedboat. 

Pete will wear a captains hat.

 

And I will be his skipper!

 I will call it the Lady GoodBaby, and if you are nice, I will take you on a sunset cruise.

2. The people. Midwesteners are the nicest people in the world. I have already found husbands for all of my single girlfriends.

3. The restaurants. Petey and I have made an effort to try at least two new restaurants a week, and after three months here I still feel like we have barely scratched the surface! So far, some of our favorites are:

Table Fifty-Two: Oprah's personal chef started this tiny restaurant in the Gold Coast which features delishy upscale southern food like Shrimp&Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Mac&Cheese...and you KNOW Opie's chef makes a mean mac...Only problem is that since the Obamas dined here for Valentine's Day this year, reservations have been pretty tricky. However, if you can get in, it's definitely worth the wait!

Alinea: Voted one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world, the story behind this Lincoln Park restaurant and its Chef, Grant Achatz, is as inspiring as the food. You may have seen him on Oprah (I know that is my second O reference in one post, but it's Chicago, she owns this town!) talking about his journey battling Stage IV Tongue Cancer (FYI there is no Stage V). Thanks to an aggressive treatment plan Achatz has made a miraculous recovery, and diners at Alinea can once again experience his truly brilliant taste. And I do mean experience. You don't just eat at Alinea, you are taken on a 12 or 24 course adventure. You laugh, you cry. You eat some really delicious, crazy food. I have embarked on the 24 course Tour twice, and I feel like I am a better person because of it. Not to mention, watching your super conservative, somewhat serious, totally adorable, future brother-in-law try to tackle the Transparency dessert is pretty much priceless. 

{Pete and the Transparency}

The Bristol: Pete and I tried this Bucktown spot for the first time last night, and we will definitely be back soon! The Bristol calls itself "a neighborhood eatery" and has a very cool, casual, urban atmosphere. The seasonal menu features a fresh take on American cuisine, a vibe that carries through to their cocktails. Updated versions of drinks like the Ramos Gin Fizz are put together by their master mixologist and served in delightful vessels like this one:

Order the monkey bread, gnocchi, and apple/manchego salad- you'll be a very happy chappy. 

Twin Anchors: Located in Old Town this casual bar and rib joint has been a Chicago Tradition since 1932. Famous people have eaten there: Frank Sinatra, Conan O'Brian, Chris Farley, and Me. If there is one thing Frank, Conan, Chris and I all share, and it's hard to choose just one because there are so many, it's a passion for Bar-B-Q. And onion rings. Twin Anchors has an excellent selection of both.

 

There are many more restaurants I could tell y'all about, and I will, but patience is a virtue and I have to keep you guys comin' back for more! Until then, please enjoy Twin Anchors' friend and mine, Ol' Blue Eyes, singing about his favorite Toddlin' Town!