Burger Perfume, Beautiful Banh Mi, Italian Beef Pizza, and Lots O' Tacos
I live on the Logan Square/Avondale border so my daily walks often take me past the original Kuma’s Corner. If you haven’t heard, they’re doing delivery and takeout again. Oh man, the grilled onion perfume hanging over 2900 W. Belmont right now is a glorious sign that maybe things are getting just a little better. Hopefully. Also, if you look closely below, you’ll find a link to an old favorite essay I wrote over a decade ago about my life as a pizzamaker. Think of it as a scavenger hunt if you’re looking for more reading to pass the time.
Yours, in all day pajama commitment,
Mike Nagrant
Your twice weekly quarantine take and out and delivery guide is below:
Loop/West Loop
Saigon Sisters – Fanciest banh mi in the game. Love the VBQ with wagyu beef, but they’re all good. The caramel sriracha wings will make you happy too.
https://www.toasttab.com/saigon-sisters-lake-street/v3#!/order
Cruz Blanca – pork belly al pastor, lamb taco-arabe style, and barbacoa are the moves at Rick Bayless’s taco and beer concern. Throw in a 4 pack of Fruitabomba juicy IPA and you got yourself a house party even Mayor Lightfoot would approve of.
https://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/cerveceria-cruz-blanca/
Art of Dosa - crispy lacy Indian crepes stuffed with vegan-friendly coconut chutney, potato curry, and chili-lime spiked soy. Don’t forget a side of dosa fritters and fluffy biryani rice
https://www.trycaviar.com/m/art-of-dosa-12315
West Town
Paula & Monica’s – Can’t choose between Italian beef or pizza? You don’t have to! Get the combo pizza: Italian beef, sausage, sweet or hot peppers, and garlic. Also this spot was featured in one of my favorite essays about my prior life as a pizzamaker.
http://www.paulaandmonicaspizzeria.com/
Lakeview, Logan Square, River North, Wicker Park
Big & Little’s – For my money, one of the great bites in Chicago has been B&L’s hard shell spicy, sesame oil-glistening ahi tuna taco. The po’ boys are great and the fish and chips are righteous too.