The Chicago Traveler

Sometimes, you want to skip right over the meal and just indulge yourself, satisfying that sweet tooth with dessert. If you’re feeling especially decadent, you might want to check out the following temptations.

David Burke’s Primehouse is normally known for its mouth-watering steaks but the signature dessert is nothing to scoff at either. “It’s a silver-plated tree with ten stems, each stem holding a cheesecake lollipop,” explains Jason Miller, an executive chef. Each little cheesecake ball is loaded with a different topping, like white and pink chocolate and crushed pistachios, for example. The whole thing is served alongside a small bowl of raspberry whipped cream. This delicious little number costs about $14.

Venturing away from the city, there’s Billy Berk’s at the Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. This chain restaurant offers a wide variety of comfort food, including a lump crab cake B.L.T. sandwich, and has a plethora of sweets available. The one to watch out for though is the Niagara Falls cake, which is said to be light and rich at the same time, with very intense chocolate flavors. It’s packed full of chocolate ganache and butter cream, and hot fudge cascades all down its sides. You’re more than welcome to tackle this rich little treat by yourself, but it’s definitely enough to satisfy 2 or more at $11.99.

Do you like bananas? Blue Water Grill has got a number for you. This glitzy restaurant has a menu that includes a raw bar, fresh seafood, sushi and rolls, and a few meat-friendly dishes. After your meal, try the Banana Trio, a twist on the classic banana split. The bottom of the bowl is covered by a slice of homemade banana bread and is covered by banana chunks and caramel sauce. Two halves of caramelized banana are placed along the sides, and three scoops of homemade ice cream are added. Sprinkles of cocoa and a long chocolate cookie are added. When the whole concoction gets to your table, hot fudge is poured all over it. How’s that for service? All for $8.

If you want to get away from the glam and go back to basics, try Huck Finn Donuts. There are three of these family-style restaurants on the south side of the city, and they all cover three things: ice cream, fast food, and doughnuts. One doughnut in particular will probably catch your eye though. The Donut Delight, a.k.a. “the big one,” starts with what is called a “Texas doughnut” and is covered with a ton of ice cream, some whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, and cherries. This sweet monstrosity is about 3-4 times the size of a regular doughnut, so it’s perfect for sharing at only $4.50.

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Yosmer Pirela

David Burke’s Primehouse ($$$): 616 N. Rush St.; 312-660-6000
Sun - Sat: 7:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (breakfast)
Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (brunch)
Mon - Sat: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (lunch)
Sun - Weds: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (dinner)
Fri - Sat: 5:00 p.m. - 12 midnight (dinner)
Difficult street parking; valet available
Public Trans: Bus # 3, X4, 10, 26, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151
Red Line train (Grand)
http://www.davidburke.com/

Billy Berk’s ($): 3 Old Orchard Shopping Center (Skokie); 847-763-4600
Sun - Thurs: 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri - Sat: 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Free parking lot
Public Trans: Bus #201, 205
http://www.maxsworld.com/

Blue Water Grill ($$): 520 N. Dearborn St.; 312-777-1400
Sun - Tues: 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Weds - Thurs: 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri: 11:00 a.m. - 12 midnight
Sat: 5:00 p.m. - 12 midnight
Difficult street parking; valet available
Public Trans: Bus # 65, 36, 22 or Red Line train (Grand)
http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/

Huck Finn Donuts ($): 3414 S. Archer Ave.; 773-247-5515
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Free parking lot
Public Trans: Bus #35, 50, 62 or Orange Line train (35th/Archer)
http://www.huckfinnrestaurants.com/