TasteMaiden

Disclaimer: Let me start by mentioning that this wine is NOT for the faint of heart.

Forty Ounce Wines recently debuted their 40 Ounce Rose in the Chicago area, and I couldn’t be more excited! I taste-tested yesterday to share with all of you…. 

First of all, WOW. The taste was better than I originally anticipated, all gimmicks aside. What made me a believer is that this wine is STRONG y'all. After sharing a few glasses with friends, we were all pretty tipsy. I can only imagine what having an entire bottle to yourself would result in 🤔😏 

Soul Food CAN be a light, yet delicious experience.

Just ask Sara Phillips, of Chef Sara’s Cafe. She has been running this hidden gem of South Shore for 6 years, and has mastered the art of making soul meals healthy and affordable. With fresh and local ingredients, Sara creates salads, soups, and sandwiches in her tastefully decorated spot on 72nd and Exchange. She gave me the opportunity to interview her, and to share her story with you.

First of all, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview you Chef. I’ve been here a handful of times and the food here is amazing. What motivated you to become a chef? 

Well, my grandmothers and my mother. I was also a flight attendant for 32 years so I did a lot of food service, and after that I retired after 32 years and I moved on to culinary art school. I went to the Art Institute. And this just fell into my lap I was blessed because I was out going from door-to-door… I knew that I wanted to be a personal chef and the only way that I would get my customers was to go out there and take them my food! […] The lady that owned this restaurant before, had an opening and she approached me and said “you have something that this neighborhood needs.” 

So where does that tasty salmon burger come in? When did you start doing that? Everybody loves that sandwich!

You know, that was nothing but pure God above that led me to that sandwich. I didn’t want to do anything with beef because I don’t even eat beef. I wanted something that was healthy […] I started buying croissants to put them on- 

That was the best thing you could have ever done [laughs]

Exactly! My breakfast sandwiches come on croissants and I figured, why not put the salmon burger on it? And low and behold, that’s the best thing that I could have ever done.

That sandwich is actually the reason why I came to this restaurant in the first place. I heard about that salmon burger and needed to try it. Who or What in particular inspired your healthy menu?

The people in this neighborhood. It took me at least two to three years to develop this menu- it wasn’t easy, that’s for sure, because this place was supposed to just be cash and carry. But I knew I had to put food in here and the only way that I could think to do it was bringing some healthy food here. We’re in a food desert- I always sold salads and things like that. Fruit was my number one seller and salad with my number one seller, so I had to find something to go with the fruit and salad. That’s how I came up with this menu. 

I had the Grainger Arranger (pictured- $11) this morning, which was delicious by the way. I wanted to ask you about the greens girl! What’s in them?

[Laughs] I came here kicking and screaming saying that I did not want to do soul food because everybody criticizes- I’ll just say it- everybody criticizes as far as greens go. My grandmother makes greens like this, my mom makes greens like that. I couldn’t make the greens that the grandmothers make because nobody eats all that pork anymore, and I came out sauteeing them because when I went to culinary school we sauteed collard greens. I had never seen collard greens sauteed before then. […] I added some onion, a little garlic, and a little trial and error. I always had cabbage; that’s a wonderful blend with the greens.

They were delicious! So in addition to the things that you make here, what is your favorite dish to make or eat at home?

I like to make different things at home… I love shrimp and I love angel hair pasta. I’m not a huge pasta person because I don’t like a lot of carbs, but I will eat angel hair pasta and my favorite dish is something simple: sauteed shrimp with some onion and lemon and a little white wine. I may throw some cheese in there, and I have a great pasta dish.

That sounds great; I may have to try that soon. So what should readers know… What is coming next for you? Do you see yourself continuing here, do you plan on opening other locations? Where do you see yourself in the future? 

Right now, I would like to just sit back and go to some Island and drink a mai tai… I am done! This is my second career; everybody has been trying to get me to open up another Chef Sara’s… I would not mind selling my name. You can put my name on it, I can help you open it up, give me my little money and bye bye. [Laughs]

(Well readers there you have it! If you want to invest in Chef Sara’s Cafe, reach out!)

Ultimately, what keeps you walking through that door every single day making great food?

Because I love what I do. If you don’t like what you do it’s awful… I get up at 5 o'clock every morning cooking to get ready to come to the cafe. I love doing it! When I leave here I go shopping so I can have enough food for tomorrow.

So, the fresh produce that you have here… where do you go? Do you shop locally?

I try to shop locally, but it’s hard to shop local in South Shore, so I go further north. But I still shop in Chicago.

#TBT Hurry up Summer! ☀️ 

As the weather is starting to warm up, albeit temporarily, I’m reminded of some excellent times that included all of these amazing spots… Drinks galore, awesome meals, and my favorite Italian Ice 😋

Pictured: Raspberry Lemonade, Mango, and Strawberry Italian ice scoops from Zarlengos in Chicago Heights, Vodka & Cranberry and Stella Cidre from Hubbard Inn Chicago, Filete de Pescado at Las Islas Marias on Pulaski, Space Juice for Jered at Punch House ($32 Carafe), and a Turkey Burger and Sweet Potato Fries at 25 Degrees (they also have AWESOME alcoholic milkshakes 😴)

Happy Deep Dish Pizza Day! (Yes, there is a such thing 😉)

Over the weekend, I paid a visit to Pequod’s on Clybourn while showing some of my Mississippi folk around town… This is my absolute FAVORITE pizza joint in the city, so I was uber excited 🤤 On this trip, I had a large pan pizza (technically deep dish): half supreme, half ground beef and giardiniera (pictured- about $30)

There’s not much to say about how incredibly delicious this pizza is; the photos speak for themselves. Fresh ingredients, piled high, cheesy crust, and all around good vibes at this restaurant. The location is great- you can catch a movie across the street, or take a walk and explore the countless boutiques in the area to work off your meal 😜

I don't always celebrate food holidays but, when I do, it's probably Philly Cheesesteak Day 😍 

Trying Monti's Steaks on Lawrence and Talman was honestly due to a brainfart. I couldnt think of ANY phillies in the city that I wanted to have at the time... and I live for Google Reviews (this had a 4.7), so I figured I would give it a shot. I am extremely glad that I did! This little family owned (and natives of Philly) hidden gem has some of the best steak I've tasted... I opted for the Authentic 8" with provolone (pictured- $10.95), and I'm salivating thinking about it. Their craft beer selection was also one of the best I've seen, and they have $5 martini specials on Fridays 🤗 

Here is a list of a few other great Philly spots in the city (after I started to think it over, there's a pretty huge list 😅): 

Tradition Gastropub 

Fifty/50 (the Philly Foldover is amazing) 

Eastern Style Pizza 

Del Frisco (Philly Cheesesteak EGGROLLS. 'nuff said)

Sometimes, a little grease is all you need 🤗 

Mikkey’s Retro Grill in Hyde Park has some exciting options, from their Rico’s Jerk Burger, Q.B.’s Salmon Burger, Jerk Fries, JERKED ITALIAN BEEF (!!!), and Hot Wings with various sauce options, including Nacho. 

Today, I ordered the Toure’s Turkey Burger, with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and Rico’s Mild Sauce. That sauce aint nothing to play with! 😋

Happy 73rd Birthday to my Uncle Ed! 🎉🎊🎁🎈

We lost him a few years ago and, while it still hurts, I am determined to acknowledge that his contributions are appreciated. To honor his legacy as one of the people who heavily influenced me to live according to my dreams (including this blog), I dedicate today’s post to him and some of the black owned establishments that he loved so much.

Most people that are seasoned vets in Chicago, as well as some old soul folks such as myself, have heard of Geno’s Place in the Park. They also know that my uncle was THE MAN around here. Walking in I felt his spirit, a spirit of homecoming. Pictures of him and countless celebrities and visitors over the years grace the halls (including myself 😁). Miss Dee’s Soul food is a long-standing entity of Geno’s- she brings the flavor through her various selections of home-cooked dinners made to order. From smothered wings to a Thanksgiving dinner, she has it all. I chose the Meatloaf, paired with Dressing and Green Beans & Potatoes today 🤗 (pictured- $12.50). Not only is the food prepared with love, but her staff has always treated me like family (some of them actually are). It has always been a pleasure to be a customer, a cousin, and a friend to the good people who run things here.

After greeting everyone and leaving Geno’s, I drove over to Let’s Get Poppin’, a popcorn shop we went to together every summer. The staff at Let’s Get Poppin have always been amazing people, and the food speaks for itself! The cakes are always moist and delicious (for popcorn, their cheese is the bomb 🔥) This was around the time when Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Creams was in the neighborhood, so I would grab a Caramel Walnut cake slice from the popcorn shop, and Uncle Ed would have his favorite: Coconut Pineapple 🍰(pictured-$4.75). We would run across the street for scoops of Black Walnut (my favorite) and Butter Pecan. I would have loved to visit Shawn Michelle’s today (they have other enticing flavors (school butter cookie and graham cracker to name a few), but the most recent location has closed. I talked with the owner this morning though, and he mentioned that he will call me personally when the new location opens in Bronzeville! 🍦 I will keep you all posted as I receive updates 😋 

Uncle Ed always taught me to work diligently at what I love. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without his contributions to my life, so today has been an honor. Semper Fi… Rest in Playa Heaven.

Miss Dee: You know baby, I really miss Ed.

I enjoy the recommendations that I receive from you all- I decided on my most recent review from word of mouth, as a matter of fact 💁🏽

A friend of mine told me about this little shop named Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits in the Logan Square area, specifically in reference to their Fancy Grits (i’ll get back to those shortly). It’s a small space- not a ton of seating, so I would suggest this be a casual meeting place for a few friends at most. They open up a bit more in the summer, which is perfect- I could imagine grabbing a chilled slice of pie and an arnold palmer on a hot summer night and relaxing on a date. This is that sort of place 😍

Once I arrived, I was told that guests walk to the cashier where they place their order first, and have a seat where they fit. The cashier asked me what brought me in, and I told him that I started a blog and I would be reviewing the restaurant… he was so kind, he gave me my tea on the house! (Not much to some, but surely enough for me! ☕️). I ordered the Fancy Grits (pictured -$9), made with cheddar grits, andouille sausage, shrimp, chicken, and veggies, and a slice of Triple Berry Jam pie (pictured- $6) to start. When my food arrived, I KNEW it was going to be amazing (you just kinda know these things after a while 😎). When I tasted the first spoonful of those grits….HEAVEN. These are the most AMAZING grits I have ever tasted. Not even kidding. All of the ingredients meshed so well together, like gumbo should be. I can taste them now just writing about them 🤤. The pie was equally amazing, and I wish I would have bought a whole pie to share. Well, maybe i’d share 😜

The food was so amazing, I ordered a sausage biscuit to go. They have a pretty hefty biscuit sandwich collection, and I have my eyes on the Bacon variety for next time, made with candied bacon and collard greens 🤔

Imma Woman, Issa Mood 🤷🏽‍♀️ 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream 🍦, sandwiched between sugar and snickerdoodle cookies 🍪… 😍 

#LatePost because, well, life 😂

Happy Birthday to Sweet Home Chicago! 🎂🎉🎈🎊🎁 

The city is celebrating 180 years, so I decided to go back to my roots and celebrate with a favorite of mine, the Chicago-style dog 🌭 My dad put me on to these in the 90s when we moved to Chicago, and I’ve been hooked since! Especially the ones from Al’s Under the L, which is conveniently named- the restaurant is located under the green line train rail on the west side of the city.

I typically grab the hot dog combo that includes fries and a choice of can soda... There’s not much to say about the food, which is always delicious however you choose to enjoy it. As for me, I love sport pepper juice on my fries 😋 

Happy Friday-eve! We’re almost to the weekend 💃🏾

Everyone knows that Sugar Factory has some awesome concoctions with their $30 goblets, but did you know that they have a River North location, and a HAPPY HOUR at that??? 🍹

That’s right, ALL alcoholic beverages are half off from 4-6pm. 😎 Please visit! You will NOT be disappointed. And save that receipt; you get a free appetizer on your next visit 😜 Tonight, I opted for the Grape Crush, made with grape crush soda (pictured- $6) and the Lemon Head martini (pictured- $6)

Shoutout to my girl Shanyah for recommending the deal spots!

For my lunch break, I decided to take a shuttle from my office building to Fulton Market District… I had my heart set on fare from Little Goat Diner, located in the West Loop neighborhood. I’ve been to Little Goat before, and absolutely LOVED IT! This restaurant has a true diner feel, which is awesome. The food is absolutely delicious… on my last visit, I had the Goat'O Goat'O salad ($14) made with shrimp, crispy wontons and nectarine tamarind-peanut dressing, and the Macho Nachos ($15), made with masa chips, bbq pork, beans, pickled peppers, melted cheddar, sour cream and avocado. This time around, I had my eyes on something a little more eccentric (the entire menu is pretty wild). 

I told myself I wasn’t going to have a drink today (LIES), but I couldn’t resist the Vandermill Totally Roasted Cider on tap, from Grand Rapids MI. Made with cinnamon, pecan, vanilla, apple (of course) and almonds, this cider has a terrific nutty finish. I am a cider girl at heart and practice, so I was satisfied either way 😋. 

The Parathas Burrito (pictured- $13) is (simply put) an Indian-style VEGETARIAN burrito. No meat in this one. Made with Indian flatbread, sunny-side eggs (I had mine scrambled, just in case you’re like me and totally loathe sunny side up), avocado-bean salad with banana peppers, and surrounded by a chili sauce, it was perfect as a brunch option. It is also served all day, so you can have it whenever! I wasn’t super crazy about the sauce on this one, but everything else played together in a way that I was impressed with. Or maybe it was the cider 😜 I was honestly shocked it didn’t have meat in it- it was LITERALLY that good. My waiter Ryan was also pretty amazing. We talked the entire time about ciders- my sort of conversation. 😊

Happy National Margarita Day!! 🍹 

Margaritas are definitely my drink of choice, especially frozen ones ❄️☃️ 😜 

In honor of this glorious day, here is a list of my favorite margarita spots in Chicago: 

Frontera Grill in Macy’s on State Street  

Taco Joint 

Cesar’s Killer Margaritas

Antique Taco 

Latinicity 

HELLO TACOS! de cero 

Catfish that’s fresh and fried to perfection, THE BEST greens, creamy grits, and a flaky biscuit = an AWESOME Sunday brunch. 🍽

Peach’s on 47th has so many great options that it was extremely difficult for me to choose! This was a such a comforting meal and has me ready to curl up for the rest of the day. 🤗

Thanks to my girl for recommending this spot!

Brunch is, by far, the best part about the weekend 😋 

I’ve had my eyes on HELLO TACOS! de cero’s brunch menu for some time now, and decided to head there after some morning volunteering. I’ve been to this restaurant many times over, so I can attest to some great options on their lunch and dinner menus and was excited to try their breakfast choices. The best part about this restaurant is there is literally no wait whenever I go- I hardly needed my reservation. 

Once seated, I ordered the Hibiscus Mimosa (pictured -$8). I am a huge fan of Jamaica (a hibiscus flower tea, popular at hispanic restaurants), so I loved the tart punch of this drink! They had a ton of other choices as well, such as coconut, strawberry mint, and watermelon. I plan to have tried most of them by summer’s end. 🍹

I’m typically not a huge fan of sweets at breakfast, but the Horchata French Toast (pictured -$12) was the most amazing french toast I’ve had in a very long time. The Walnut Cinnamon “syrup” (I personally liken it to more of a glaze) was a great touch, but the winner in this dish was the blackberry compote…

I will briefly touch on the Breakfast Taco (pictured -$4)- it tastes a whole lot better than it looks. The potatoes and peppers were seasoned perfectly… and who has anything bad to say about tacos EVER?