You might be a bit disoriented upon first entering ‘the Pig.’ The coffeehouse is cluttered with an array of trinkets and charms: crystal chandeliers, hanging washboards, gas lamps, an old sewing machine, etc. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the various accoutrements, yet they all fit together comfortably, giving the place a warm down-home feeling.

Bourgeois Pig is usually populated with professors and students from nearby DePaul University, so expect a fairly quiet atmosphere as customers sip and study over hardcover books. The menu is a lesson in literature; classic sandwiches include The Catcher in the Rye (corned beef, sauerkraut, fresh tomatoes, and Swiss cheese on rye), The Great Gatsby (focaccia bread, pesto, mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, smoked turkey, avocado, Swiss cheese, and leaf spinach), and Hamlet (smoked ham, brie cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and Dijon mustard on sourdough). Prefer a salad? Try A Midsummer Night’s Dream: mixed baby greens, dried cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese.

Around the corner from Red Lion Pub, the café stocks anywhere from 75 to 100 different teas at a time and offers an impressive collection of espressos, lattes, mochas, juices, and smoothies. There are also plenty of baked goods available, many of which are made on the premises.

A visit to the Pig may help you see the Lit.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) _nickd, lilmammal

Bourgeois Pig ($): 738 W Fullerton Ave; 773-883-JAVA (5282)
Mon – Sat: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sun: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 11, 74 or Red/Purple/Brown Line train (Fullerton)
http://bpigcafe.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

8. Red Apple. This Polish buffet just keeps on going and going and going…

7. Reza’s Restaurant. As if the extensive Mediterranean menu wasn’t enough, the Sunday brunch buffet offers an incredible number of options.

6. Mr. Greek Gyros. Everything from hot dogs to pork chops to souvlaki can be found at this 24-hour Greektown spot.

5. Joy’s Noodles & Rice. The atmosphere is just as light and refreshing as the popular Thai cuisine.

4. Hema’s Kitchen. On the far north side, you’ll be lucky if you can see your plate underneath all the Indian food.

3. Lindy’s & Gertie’s. For over 80 years, these two establishments have been keeping hungry South Siders full and satisfied.

2. MacArthur’s. The soul food here was popular long before Barack Obama sang its praises.

1. Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli. This well-known South Loop staple has been serving up huge sandwiches for over 60 years.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) minvervah, polomex (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), JOE M500

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

This cafeteria-style diner in the South Loop is the palace of pastrami, serving a mixed clientele of white-collar executives, blue-collar workforce, and elderly regulars from the neighborhood. On your first visit, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the wall full of daily specials. Manny’s has it all: stuffed green peppers, pepper steak, sliced beef with mushrooms, ox tail stew, baked fish, barbecue beef, lamb shanks, grilled chicken breasts, spaghetti, stuffed veal, fried smelts, turkey chili, and more.

And the sandwiches? They’re bigger than your head! While the corned beef sandwich is the signature dish here, all of the options here are excellent. Stand back and watch as the pastrami, beef, salami, or bologna is piled higher and higher. Sides like potato pancakes, chips, coleslaw, and potato salad all cost less than $2. If you have any room left, desserts are available, including Eli’s Cheesecake, assorted pies, and rice pudding.

Manny’s is a legendary deli that has been serving up memorable dishes since 1942. With huge portions of old-school flavor, it’s no wonder it has been in business for so long.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) JOE M500

Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli ($): 1141 S Jefferson St; 312-939-2855
Mon – Sat: 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 12, 127
http://www.mannysdeli.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

This Lakeview coffee shop (around the corner from Cupcakes) is full of big plush couches and chairs as well as big wooden tables that you and all your friends can gather around. Low-key music, soft-colored walls, and an exposed ceiling contribute to the soothing atmosphere. Grab a stool at the front windows or even take a seat outside during warmer months for some prime people-watching. Inside, even though caffeine-seeking patrons pour in during morning and after-work hours, the spacious biz never feels congested.

The coffee here is “green,” purchased from well-known importers or directly from the growers. Beans are roasted daily at Intelligentsia’s Roasting Works (1850 W Fulton St) and sent to the store fresh. (The factory offers tours on the first Saturday of the month. Admission is $10 and includes a free half-pound of fresh roasted coffee.) Service is always friendly, and more than a dozen kinds of tea are available along with the usual fresh-brewed coffee drinks. If you like what you’re drinking, you can probably buy the blend by the pound to take home. Top it all off with a biscotti, muffin, or a cookie. And if that shot of espresso wasn’t enough to get you going, there are some chocolate-covered coffee beans in a gumball machine at the door.

Intelligentsia coffee can be purchased at its factory, its three Chicago retail locations, and several coffeeshops throughout the city. Wherever you decide to enjoy it, Intelligentsia is the smart way to go.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Andrew Huff

Intelligentsia Coffee ($): 3123 N Broadway St; 773-348-8058
Mon – Fri: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sat – Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 36, 77
http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

For several years, my paternal family would gather for breakfast every Sunday at Orbit Restaurant and Lounge (2954 N Milwaukee Ave). I think my grandparents liked it mostly because it served a primarily Polish cuisine… and because they had “clean bathrooms.” I remember this is where my affinity for eating lemons began as a kid, and where one of my white dress shirts had an unfortunate incident with a pile of blueberry pancakes.

However, the restaurant has since closed down and been replaced by a bank. Now, when my family gets together for breakfast (during the holiday season), we head to Ann Sather on Belmont, which just recently moved a few doors down from its old location. Their holiday menu is just a sample of their regular one, but it’s just as good. In fact, no matter what time of year, you may have trouble finding an open table on weekends.

Famous for their breakfast dishes, Ann Sather serves up Swedish pancakes with lingonberries and Swedish potato pancakes with applesauce. And while the food here has a Scandinavian touch, there are plenty of familiar favorites, including a variety of omelettes and eggs benedict options (tomato, crab cake, turkey, smoked salmon, traditional…). Dishes are served with your choice of hash browns, fresh fruit, or muffin… but everyone who’s here comes for the celebrated gigantic cinnamon rolls, an excellent sticky, sugary wake-up treat. I guarantee you it is impossible to eat both of these and finish your meal. You may as well ask for a carry-out bag before you even begin eating.

I’ve also been there (sans family) for dinner, when Ann Sather offers hearty entrees including roast duck, broiled salmon, and—you guessed it—Swedish meatballs. If you have any room left, it will be quickly filled by the rich double-fudge brownies, a must-have for any chocolate fan.

Now that I think about it, my family is probably like an Ann Sather cinnamon roll – big, sweet, and often more than I can handle.

Photo credit: Captivate.Photography, Don Gardner, gadgetgirl

Ann Sather ($): 909 W Belmont Ave; 773-348-2378
Mon – Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sat – Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free parking lot (!) down the alley a few doors to the west
Public trans: Bus # 8, 22, 77 or Brown/Purple/Red Line train (Belmont)
http://annsather.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Cupcakes puts together their namesake like no one else. Using the finest ingredients, these chefs bake the mini-masterpieces in small batches and frost each one by hand. The tasty treats have been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the Food Network’s The Secret Life of… series. With references like those, you know they have to be good.

You can even make sure the cupcakes are as unique and perfect as you are. Cupcakes specializes in customizations. Have a favorite color, flavor, logo, or picture in mind? Want them to be vegan-friendly, sugar-free, or gluten-free? The culinary artists will be happy to accommodate, creating desserts that are perfect for your next party, whatever the theme. Or just drop in and check out their menu, which changes from week to week, so you’ll always find something new.

Trying to pick your favorite though will be no piece of cupcake.

Cupcakes: 613 W Briar Pl; 866-525-0817
(may close early, call ahead to confirm)
Mon: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tues – Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 36, 77, 156
http://www.chicagocupcakes.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

This cozy café was scheduled to open months ago, but unfortunately, the owners kept running into obstacles getting their utilities up and running. But finally, the door has opened, much to the delight of many snow-traversing Chicagoans. What better way is there to warm up than with a hot cup o’ joe and a tasty pastry on the side?

Now, I know, there are hundreds of coffee places in the city. But at The Coffee Studio, you know you’ll be getting fairly-sourced and locally-roasted brews. The friendly, enthusiastic baristas serve up plenty of varieties of Intelligentsia coffee, a brand known for their quality and coming from growers that are environmentally and socially responsible. I’m a mocha fan, but they also serve up a cute little carafe (wearing a thermal jacket!) that holds about 2-3 BIG cups of your choice of coffee for only $4.25! ($2.50 for a half-brew, for those who don’t require such a large caffeine kick.) The pastries are comforting, including their crowd-favorite pumpkin bread. Today, I tried the pan au chocolat, which was just the right amount of sweetness to accompany my dark coffee. And if by chance you’re not in the mood for caffeine, the café also offers organic sodas, soy milk, and bottled water.

The employees themselves are eager and courteous, and even though I’ve only been here a couple times, I already feel like I know them and vice versa. Finally, this blog post is brought to you courtesy of their wi-fi; you’ll receive 60 free minutes with any purchase.

Even if you don’t have the time to stop and smell the beans, The Coffee Studio makes for a good grab-n-go too, as you won’t have to deal with the long lines at that other coffee retailer.

Don’t be surprised if you find more of The Chicago Traveler being written from this location. With the delicious coffee, warm interior, and smooth tunes, I could easily sit here all day, every day.

Photo credit: The Coffee Studio blog

The Coffee Studio ($): 5628 N Clark St; 773-271-7881
Daily: 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Street parking available (difficult on weekends)
Public trans: Bus # 22, 50
http://www.thecoffeestudio.com/
Blog: http://thecoffeestudio.blogspot.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Glove Box Guides is here to help. They’ve sat down with dozens of Chicagoans from all walks of life—administrative assistants, programmers, accountants, lawyers, students, bartenders, artists, web designers, teachers, and more—to compile a list of local, affordable favorites. Hungry? Chicago will help you get away from the tourist traps and national chains, showing you where the locals prefer to dine. Read up on hole-in-the-wall gems and mom-and-pop eateries that you won’t hear about anywhere else.

The folks at Glove Box Guides were kind enough to send me a copy of Hungry? Chicago. The book is about 9 inches by 4 inches (23 cm x 10 cm), the perfect size to fit, of course, in your car’s glove box. It is organized excellently, listing restaurants by neighborhood through the book, so I was able to find great places to eat throughout the city, from Ukrainian Village to Roscoe Village, from North Center to South Loop. There’s also a category index among the back pages, helping to satiate any craving, whether it be Ethiopian, Columbian, Irish, Greek, Mandarin, Japanese, Polish, Middle-Eastern, Cajun, or Tibetan. The included glossary defines a number of dishes, many I had heard of (and a few I had not) but wasn’t fully familiar with. The icons—cute and nifty little illustrations—make it easy to find perfect spots for early risers, night owls, beer chuggers, wine sippers, vegetarians, and sugar seekers. Finally, don’t let your budget stop you from enjoying Chicago cuisine. Hungry? Chicago shows the cost of each restaurant’s average meal.

The Hungry? City series also includes Thirsty? Chicago and Hungry? Chicago family. Thirsty? Chicago is a great reference for Chicago coffeehouses, juice bars, taverns, pubs, karaoke bars, sports bars, and beer gardens. Get helpful tips like what cocktail is the best to order and what kind of scene to expect. Hungry? Chicago family will help you find the best place to eat that will keep everyone in your little troop happy. There are a couple hundred pages worth of restaurants with children’s menus, kids’ discounts, or fun atmospheres that will entertain the little ones while they wait. Heading out to the museum or amusement park? Hungry? Chicago family lists the best nearby place to fuel up beforehand. Both books include the helpful neighborhood listings, category and alphabetical indices, glossaries, icons, and average costs.

Over the past couple of months, all three books have been a great resource to me. Even as a local, I have discovered new restaurants and watering holes that I look forward to visiting. Here are just a few of the places that can be found in the series:

Hungry? Chicago
Pat’s Pizzeria & Ristorante
Superdawg Drive-In
Lou Mitchell’s
Hot Doug’s
Ethiopian Diamond
Mariegold Bakery & Fast Food

Thirsty? Chicago
Karyn’s Fresh Corner
Sidetrack
Moody’s Pub
Sheffield’s
Café 28

Hungry? Chicago family
Gino’s East
Fogo de Chao
Superdawg Drive-In
Hot Doug’s
Caponie’s Trattoria
Portillo’s Hot Dogs
Andalous
Ethiopian Diamond
La Peña
Mariegold Bakery & Fast Food

Photo credit: Glove Box Guides

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Our first stop is on Clark St in Wicker Park for some Algerian food. The Crepe & Coffee Palace, down the block from Pocket Puppies, specializes in North African and Mediterranean cuisine, made with fresh organic ingredients. If you sense a Parisian vibe from the place, that’s because several African nations are former French colonies. Algeria earned its independence only recently, during the 1960s. The small space is painted with warm colors and is filled with authentic music and artifacts. There are more than 30 crepes on the menu, including the Crepe Labella (filled with bananas, Belgian dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and coconuts), the Palace Crepe (roasted bell peppers, goat cheese, arugula, caramelized onions, fresh Roma tomatoes, pine nuts, roasted garlic, and baby spinach), and the Chicago Crepe (avocados, muenster cheese, sundried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, sunflower seeds, fresh cilantro, scallions, and organic mixed greens). The breakfast crepes are especially popular, as are the fruit salads and freshly squeezed juices.

Just a few blocks north on Clark St (next to Platiyo) is Andalous in Lakeview. This seven-year-old neighborhood staple offers a varied menu of Moroccan dishes with Spanish and Middle Eastern influences. The ambience sets a perfect mood. Between the artifacts—pottery, musical instruments, and textiles—and the regional music playing over the speakers, you will feel thousands of miles away. The kitchen dishes out full-flavored Moroccan cuisine served in generous portions. Pita bread accompanies spreadable appetizers like bakoula (chopped fresh spinach sautéed with herbal blend and lemon confi) and zaalouk (fresh eggplant grilled and mashed with tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, and spices). The menu is dominated by tagine dishes, which are slow-cooked at low temperatures, resulting in tender, falling-off-the-bone meat with aromatic vegetables and sauce. (Just remember: “slow-cooked” means long waiting time.) Other menu options include pastilla (layers of chicken carefully seasoned with spices, rolled in dough, and baked until crispy) and merguez (sausage stuffed with ground beef, vegetables, and herbs, served with rice or couscous).

Ethiopian Diamond in Edgewater celebrated their 10-year anniversary not too long ago. The extensive menu is full of entrees which range from vegetarian dishes (like spinach simmered in garlic and onions) to meat dishes (like seasoned steak tartare, marinated chicken, and lamb dishes.) The flavorful food is served with bread called injera. This spongy, pancake-like bread has a great sourdough taste, and it isn’t only an accompaniment; it’s also your silverware. Patrons use the bread to pick up and eat from the big communal platters. (Ethiopian custom dictates using your right hand to eat and leaving the left hand below the table.) Recommended dishes include anything cooked “watt” style, simmered in a homemade spicy sauce. Wash it all down with buna (Ethiopian coffee served in clay pots) or a generous bottle of Kenyan Tusker beer.

Crepe & Coffee Palace ($): 2433 N Clark St; 773-404-1300
Mon – Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sun: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 22, 36
http://www.icosiumkafe.com/

Andalous ($): 3307 N Clark St; 773-281-6885
Mon – Thurs: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri: 4:00 p.m. – 12 midnight
Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 12 midnight
Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult; valet available.
Public trans: Bus # 8, 22, 77 or Brown/Purple/Red Line train (Belmont)
http://www.andalous.com/

Ethiopian Diamond ($): 6120 N Broadway St; 773-338-6100
Sun – Thurs: 12 noon – 10:30 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 12 noon – 11:00 p.m.
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # 36 or Red Line (Granville)
http://www.ethiopiandiamond.com/ (View with Internet Explorer)

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

*takes a deep breath*

Yes, according to a recent survey, Chicagoans are the most caffeinated people in the United States. While Seattle took the top spot in coffee consumption, we here in Chicago eat more chocolate and drink more pick-me-up beverages than anyone else.

The rest of the top five most caffeinated cities are Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Phoenix, AZ; and Atlanta, GA. Who’s consuming the least caffeine? San Francisco, CA; Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY; Detroit, MI; and Baltimore, MD. This is a bit of a surprise to me, because cities like San Francisco and New York, with all their famed hustle and bustle, actually came out on the low end of the spectrum.

The survey looked at consumption of coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, tea, sodas, and caffeine pills in 20 major cities in the U.S. Half of all people questioned said they drink coffee every day, followed by 21 percent who drank caffeinated cola. However, perhaps in denial, more than 70 percent of people questioned said they were not addicted to caffeine.

The study was an eye-opening look at cultural views, considering drinks and food with caffeine have become an integral part of pop culture. Coffee has become the social beverage of choice, and businesses like Starbucks have made high-end coffees (mochas, cappuccinos, lattes, etc) much more accessible to the public. Energy drinks have become increasingly popular. Even tea, while celebrated for its health benefits, can have just as much caffeine as coffee.

I will admit that I have one or two cups of coffee every weekday to help me wake up. Now that I think about it, there are three different coffeemakers in my apartment. (A traditional coffeepot, a single-cup brewer, and an espresso machine that I don’t know how to operate.) While I’ve been trying to limit my sugar intake, I haven’t been paying attention to how much caffeine I consume. Several people say that coffee would be the most difficult caffeine product to give up. What about you? What would be most difficult to go without: coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate?

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Alicja Michalik, Mateusz Atroszko, Jasper Greek Golangco

Post from: The Chicago Traveler