Brunching in Chicago--Such an experience!

My favorite meal of the day is definitely breakfast--hands down nothing ever tastes bad and so many choices to choose from.  My two neighbors and I ventured to try a brunch place in Ukranian Village after reading rave reviews in "Travel and Leisure" Magazine; the place Jam (jamrestaurant.com).  After taking a bit to find it and tucked into the neighborhood we walked into a warm chic environment that yelled me!  With plastic chairs and cute wall decorations, I knew this brunch place was going to be a success.

There are known for their electic and different dishes inspired by mom's breakfast cooking.  To prepare our palates, the servers brought us warm olive oil and ginger cupcakes with red beet frosting.  It was decadent and gave us a glimpse of what we were in for! 

We began with a peanut butter and jelly scone, which was soft, moist and crisp all at the same time.  I chose to eat the biscuits with creamy asparagus followed by the yogurt and granola.  When wondering what to order when you go to Jam, definitely try the creamy asparagus and biscuits!  The fresh asaparagus of the season with the extra spices in the biscuits was creamy, rich, flavorful and worth every last bite.  The parfait was a perfect following...I don't know where they got the granola from, but it was amazing and if only I could have my granola turn out half as good as theirs!  The homemade raspberry jelly added to the fresh berries and the yogurt--Yes the pick was a bit generic and not very adventuresome but so worth trying!      

Pull some money out of the ATM (yes it's cash only) and head over to Ukranian Village to try Jam--it won't let you down and with their large outdoor space, it's a perfect summertime destination!

Girl and Goat--A Top Chef Experience!

Sorry it's been awhile since I've written last but I've been busy with my professional life and have finally gotten around to sitting at a computer and writing.  One of my great adventures right before to Easter was to go to Girl and Goat, as my foodie friend, Angie was in town.  We trekked down there late on a Wednesday night hoping to snag a spot at the bar.  When we arrived the wait was 45 minutes so we figured we would grab a glass of wine and wait patiently, as we thought it would be worth it.  Fifteen minutes later, we were escorted to one of the king tables to sit right in front of the line and right in front of Stephanie Izard herself.  I was pretty stoked but a little shy to go ask to take a picture with her, next time I guess.

Because this is a place to share, we decided on four plates--the green beans, goat belly confit, the pork shoulder and calamari stuffed with lamb sausage.

First to arrive was the green beans and scrumptous they were, but a bit on the salty side.  Next came the calamari.  I can honestly now say I've had shortbread crisps which is pancreas and it didn't taste so bad.  It was part of the lamb sausage.  Third was the pork shoulder.  It was so tender and the taste of the pork decadent.  It was lacking lots of flavor though, which I was hoping for, but I guess not.  Lastly, and one the most amazing plate was the goat belly confit.  I can honestly say I still see that plate of food and taste it in my mouth just writing about it.  It was so amazing.

I have to say I was slightly deflated after being here.  I guess I was ready to be blown away by the food wondering how quickly I could return there.  I'm definitely glad I had my Top Chef experience :)