The New Year has come so quickly. As I reflect back on moments from 2015, the year was filled many firsts. It was my first year becoming active in the Instagram community and it was the first year I encountered a whole new community of people. I am so grateful to have made many friends and I hope the trend continues in the new year.
In 2015, I was lucky to be able to go to a plethora of restaurants and found some new favorites. Here are the top 5 things that I ate last year…
5. Avocado Toast from Summer House Santa Monica
With a smooth spread of avocado on top of two slices of toast, the avocado toast was particularly memorable. When I had this dish the first time, the egg was slightly overcooked but each time after, the eggs were perfectly poached. Make sure to have a piece of egg yolk with each bite for a flavorful and delicious meal.
The avocado toast is only available during brunch and lunch so make sure to go before 3 p.m. It comes with fries or salad on the side. Both are great options so pick based on your own preference. With the bright environment inside the restaurant, it feels like you’re sitting outside and enjoying a summer meal. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience very pleasant.
FAB TIP: Private party packages and off-premise catering available.
{Location}
Summer House Santa Monica
Lincoln Park || 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 634-4100
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
4. Bread from Mott Street
You might be thinking, “bread”? Yes, bread. Mott Street makes a very special potato and onion bread that has an egg soft baked into it. On the side, they pair it with a leek curry butter that is inexplicably addictive. The bread is soft and easy to be pulled apart.
Try it with the oyster mushrooms. Order this to go with any leftover bread (though you may devour the bread once it reaches the table). The two are a wonderful pair if you plan on sharing with friends. It is a fun way to start off a dinner. The atmosphere in the restaurant is cozy. During the warmer months, you can sit out on the beautiful patio.
FAB TIP: Break the egg yolk and let it marinate the rest of the bread for the full flavor.
{Location}
Mott Street
West Town || 1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 687-9977
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
3. Sutadon at Densetsu no Sutadonya in Mitsuwa
Densetsu no Sutadonya, a chain in Japan, opened a location in Arlington Heights at the former Gabutto Burger space in Mitsuwa. They are known for their sutadons. Suta means stamina and don is bowl in Japanese. So a literal translation of their famous dish is “stamina bowl”. When I first tried the dish, I was not sure what to expect. I have eaten a beef bowl in Japan before and this certainly reminded me of it. Thin slices of savory meat combined with a soft bowled egg make this bowl worthy of its name.
FAB TIP: You can order the bowl with a fried egg or hot spring egg. The hot spring egg is a soft boiled egg that I highly recommended.
{Location}
Densetsu no Sutadonya
Arlington Heights || 100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL || P: (847) 707-4142
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
2. Cream Corn from Antique Taco
The cream corn from Antique Taco is a slightly different version of elotes than from street carts. Typically, elotes are steamed corn (either on the cob or with the kernels sliced into a cup) and then topped with mayo, cheese, and chili pepper. The cream corn is similar with a more liquid base. The cream corn is almost like a thick soup consistency that is…oh, so inviting! It is creamy and savory so be ready to lick your spoon. Go there for the tacos but DEFINITELY get the cream corn.
A photo posted by Van 🔹 (@vansventures) on
FAB TIP: Half self-served. Grab your utensils and napkins yourself.
{Location}
Antique Taco
Wicker Park|| 1360 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 687-8697
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
1. Miso Bold and Spicy Ramen from Ramen Takeya
Now you didn’t think I would complete my list without ramen, did you? Silly duck. Of course, I would have it on here. The new Ramen Takeya stole a piece of my heart when they first opened with their chicken paitan but their miso bold and spicy ramen was what completely won me over. As Wasabi’s sister restaurant, I had high expectations for them. Indeed, they did not disappoint. The miso spicy has a kick and the deep savory flavor is divine. The broth is not overly salty and the broth is wonderfully rich. The broth is almost borderline creamy and I love it.
I mean, it made my Top 5 Ramen article for a reason. 😉 Since the article, their ramen has improved in complexity and flavor so now you have my updated view on it.
FAB TIP: Closed on Mondays.
{Location}
Ramen Takeya
West Loop || 819 W Fulton Mkt, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 666-7710
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
It was hard to pick just 5 things I ate last year. However, these were a couple of things that stuck out in my mind when I thought back on 2015. It was a great year for discovery and I hope this year I discover even more.
Check out @fabsoopark‘s recap of 2015 here, @chelsias here, and @sherriesavorsthecity here.
Cheers and until the next venture.
With love,
Van
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
Yum! Only tried 1/5 of your spots!
You must try more then! Let’s go eat! 😀
I love that most of your top 5 has egg porn in it! Next time I am in Chicago I wanna go at Summer House Santa Monica as I am addicted to a really fabulous avocado toast of course with perfectly poached egg on top!